The suffix -ology is a Latin one, meaning a study or branch of knowledge. It's getting a bit abused these days, crammed onto non-Latin words to make things sound smart. I'm sorry, but they just bother me. It's like mixing apples and oranges.
Gemology - the study and certification of gems. Maybe they think it's cute, because it looks like geology. I don't know.
Ufology - the study of UFOs. Sorry, that's just annoying.
These words were invented just to make things sound scientific. I realize that the Latin roots can be a bit obscure, and might seem antiquated. But I can't just call myself a "wordologist" and force people to accept the word, can I? Only time will tell which words survive.
There is an odd exception: "Tautology" is not a study at all. A tautology is a vacuous and obvious repetition, like "brilliant genius". It comes from "tauto-" (the same) and suggests a case study in monotony. It also has a strictly logical meaning of a statement which is always true.
Now I need a business card with Weirdological Consultant on it.
Gemology - the study and certification of gems. Maybe they think it's cute, because it looks like geology. I don't know.
Ufology - the study of UFOs. Sorry, that's just annoying.
These words were invented just to make things sound scientific. I realize that the Latin roots can be a bit obscure, and might seem antiquated. But I can't just call myself a "wordologist" and force people to accept the word, can I? Only time will tell which words survive.
There is an odd exception: "Tautology" is not a study at all. A tautology is a vacuous and obvious repetition, like "brilliant genius". It comes from "tauto-" (the same) and suggests a case study in monotony. It also has a strictly logical meaning of a statement which is always true.
Now I need a business card with Weirdological Consultant on it.
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