With a few exceptions, which prove the rule, in English all words beginning with sn have a negative content, for example, snort, snit, snarl.
Readers are invited to give a rational explanation.
…the cause may be etymological.
Germans have the same word for “economy” and “tavern” – Wirtschaft. (Remember the Wirtschaftswunder – the economic miracle?)
Let us refrain from making any cheap jokes about this linguistic curiosity. This is the explanation:
First comes the Wirt, originally meaning “husband, master of the household, host.” Then comes Wirtschaft, “hospitality, providing food and drink” (10th century). The extensions to “restaurant,” to “household, housekeeping” and to “budgeting” were made in the late Middle Ages.
The meaning “economy” became customary in the 19th century.
Source: anonymous expert in linguistics
 Eric Koch’s new book, New Beginnings, was launched on September 20. The book is available from Mosaic Press. |
