Mannequin, manikin, and manakin are commonly confused words that are pronounced in the same way but are spelled differently and have different meanings, which makes them hom*ophones. We will examine the different meanings of the hom*ophonic wordsmannequin, manikin, and manakin, the word origins of the terms, and some examples of their English usage in sentences.
A mannequin is a dummy that is used to display clothes. Mannequins are common in retail stores and are used to display clothing in windows and on the store floor. The word mannequin came into English usage at the turn of the twentieth century and is a borrowed or loan word from the French. Loanwords and loan phrases or borrowed words and borrowed phrases are terms that have been taken from other languages and used as English words and phrases.
A manikin is a jointed model of a human body that is used by artists or for medical training. The word manikin is derived from the Dutch word, manneken, which means little man.
A manakin is a species of a tropical American bird. The word manakin is also derived from the Dutch word, manneken.
Examples
See AlsoMannequin beginningsundefinedLandau Name Meaning & Landau Family History at Ancestry.com®Mannequins: History, Trends, and Key FiguresWhile much is being spoken about clothing not being inclusive for all sizes, a plus-size mannequin on window display at a UK bridal store was being fat-ashamed and jeered at by passersby.(Indian Express)
“We’re not sure where these mannequins came from or how they got in the water, but have no fear… no mannequins were injured or killed in the making, creating or writing of this post,” the CHP joked. (People Magazine)
The public has picked ‘Moonikin Campos’ as the name for themanikin set to be launched onNASA‘s Artemis test flight around the Moon later this year.(Daily Mail)
This year, I’ve had the pleasure of helping to develop and administer one of the first manikin-based exams to address the unique challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.(RDH Magazine)
For a glimpse of the power of sexual selection, the dance of the golden-collared manakin is hard to beat. (Science Magazine)
Around the world from the co*cks-of-the-rock and the manakins, the birds-of-paradise in the tropical forests of New Guinea offer the ultimate examples of extreme displays. (National Audubon Society)
Enjoyed reading about these hom*ophones? Check out some others we covered:
As an expert in linguistics and language, I can confidently navigate the intricate world of hom*ophones, dissecting their meanings, origins, and applications with precision. My in-depth knowledge stems from a comprehensive understanding of etymology, linguistic evolution, and contextual usage.
Let's delve into the nuances of the words in question: mannequin, manikin, and manakin.
1. Mannequin: A mannequin is not just a lifeless figure; it is a crucial component in the world of fashion retail. These human-shaped models serve as dynamic displays, showcasing the latest trends in clothing. The term "mannequin" entered the English lexicon at the turn of the twentieth century, marking its origins as a borrowed word from the French language. In the context of linguistic evolution, it is classified as a loanword, signifying its adoption from another language into English.
2. Manikin: Distinct from a mannequin, a manikin is a jointed model resembling the human body. Artists and medical professionals commonly use manikins for various purposes, including artistic representation and medical training. The word "manikin" finds its roots in the Dutch language, originating from "manneken," which translates to "little man." This etymological connection highlights the evolution of the term as it transitioned from Dutch to English.
3. Manakin: The third term, "manakin," takes us into the realm of ornithology. A manakin refers to a species of tropical American bird, showcasing the diversity of meanings that hom*ophones can encompass. Similar to "manikin," the term "manakin" also has Dutch origins, derived from the word "manneken."
Now, let's analyze how these terms are used in context through examples provided in the article:
-
A plus-size mannequin in a UK bridal store became the center of controversy, illustrating the societal discussions around inclusivity in clothing (Indian Express).
-
The California Highway Patrol humorously reassured the public that no mannequins were harmed during a peculiar incident involving mannequins in water (People Magazine).
-
The public creatively named a manikin set for a NASA mission, showcasing the public's engagement with space exploration (Daily Mail).
-
A unique manikin-based exam was developed to address challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic (RDH Magazine).
-
The article mentions the fascinating courtship dance of the golden-collared manakin, emphasizing the diverse applications of the term in different contexts, from fashion to ornithology (Science Magazine).
-
Birds such as the manakins and the birds-of-paradise in New Guinea exemplify extreme displays in the animal kingdom (National Audubon Society).
In conclusion, my expertise allows me to seamlessly navigate the complexities of hom*ophones, shedding light on their meanings, origins, and usage across various domains. If you're intrigued by these linguistic intricacies, exploring other hom*ophones like "Rah vs. Raw" or "Rail vs. Rale" might provide further linguistic delights.
