Buttocks are called buttocks because the name evolved from Middle English buttok, which itself is likely derived from Old English buttuc.
The Linguistic Journey of "Buttocks"
The term "buttocks" has a rich history rooted in Old English. Here’s a breakdown of its origins:
- Old English: The word's ancestor, buttuc, meant "end" or "end piece," as well as "a short piece of land."
- Middle English: The word transformed into buttok, retaining the "end" aspect and relating it to the rear end of the body.
- Anatomical Meaning: By the year 1300, the term buttok was established with its current anatomical meaning, referring to the fleshy part of the lower back.
- Diminutive Form: The "-ock" suffix indicates a diminutive form, meaning small or minor. This suggests that buttok is a smaller form derived from an older version of "butt," which also existed in Old English.
Therefore, "buttocks" is essentially a diminutive form of "butt", emphasizing the "end" or "rear" aspect of the body.
Etymological Summary
The etymology of the word "buttocks" can be summarized in the following table:
| Language | Word | Meaning(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old English | buttuc | End, end piece, short piece of land | Presumed precursor of "butt" |
| Middle English | buttok | End, relating to the rear of the body | Diminutive form of butt, also used anatomically |
| Modern English | buttocks | Fleshy part of the lower back | Plural, commonly used to describe both sides of the rear end |
Why "Buttocks" and not just "Butt"?
The use of the plural "buttocks" is common because the human anatomy presents two distinct masses on the rear. While "butt" can refer to the entire region, "buttocks" is the more precise term when talking about each fleshy mass individually.
