Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 276, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 November 1919 — Matters of Etymology. [ARTICLE]

Matters of Etymology.

Ramblers among the derivations of words can always findfantastteslmilarities. “Cocayne” is centuries old and means a Jand where ease and luxury prevail, lubberland, an imaginary abode of the lotus eaters. Its etymology is disputed but possibly from the French meaning “cake,” the Land of Cakes. It has been connected with “Cockney,” ♦hose origin also is uncertain, meaning a dweller in London In of Bow bells. “Cocayne” is usually spelled “Cockaigne.” The two words differ absolutely in pronunciation, for it must be remembered that “cocaine” is pronounced co-ca-in; three, not two syllables. Another error made by those comprising '"quite a few” pronounce “paresis," which has its “e” short and accent on the first syllable as if that “e” were long and the accent on the second. the origin of cocaine is clear, from the South American coca plant and the chemical suffix “ine.”