5. "Ike was a great favorite when he strummed his ukulele and sang."

Using the dropdown boxes to select two morphemes, explain the etymology of ukulele.

flea jump

Question

5. "Ike was a great favorite when he strummed his ukulele and sang."

Using the dropdown boxes to select two morphemes, explain the etymology of ukulele.

flea jump

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The task asks to use two morphemes to explain the etymology of ukulele based on the provided prompt.
First, consider the morpheme pair presented: flea and jump.
Now, examine how these pieces map onto the known Hawaiian etymology of ukulele. In Hawaiian, the name is commonly analyzed as consisting of uku- (often cited as 'flea') and -lele (derived from lele, meaning 'to jump' or 'to leap'). This combination is frequently described as describing a small, nimble instrument, metaphorically likened to a little flea that hops or leaps.
Examining the first morpheme option, 'flea' corresponds to uku-, aligning with the common etymology that uses a flea image as a metaphor for small size and quick movement. This mirrors many explanations that emphasize the diminutive, lively character of the instrument's sound and playing style.
Examining the second morpheme option, 'jump' corresponds to lele (or -lele in the diminutive form), which is consistently linked to jumping or leaping. This supports the sense of movement or hopping associated with the instrument’s lively plucking pattern.
Taken together, selecting 'flea' for the first morpheme and 'jump' for the second morpheme follows a well-attested etymological account: uku- (flea) + -lele (to jump), yielding ukulele as 'the jumping flea' or a diminutive, nimble instrument.
If we consider potential alternatives or misinterpretations, treating 'ukulele' as having components unrelated to flea or leaping would detach the name from its metaphorical origin in Hawaiian that emphasizes small size and lively motion. Similarly, misassigning the morphemes to unrelated meanings would obscure the conventional etymology and the imagery of speed and agility associated with the instrument.
In summary, the chosen morphemes—'flea' for uku- and 'jump' for lele—fit the established Hawaiian-origin explanation of ukulele, capturing the intention behind naming the instrument after something small and sprightly.

CLA 030 001 WQ 2025 Homework 2: Words of Interesting Origin, pp. 36-37

5. "Ike was a great favorite when he strummed his ukulele and sang." Using the dropdown boxes to select two morphemes, explain the etymology of ukulele. flea jump

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