The article discusses the dual meanings of the French word 'coquille': it commonly refers to a shell, but it also means a typographical error. This linguistic nuance highlights how a word's gender can entirely change its meaning. The term's historical context dates back to at least 1723 in printing, with speculations about its origin related to printing practices and a humorous anecdote from 1911 regarding a legislative typo. This linguistic interplay illustrates deeper themes of error in communication, linking it to the broader concept of Muphry's Law.
The term 'coquille' underscores the fascinating intersection between language and error, showing how a word's gender can affect its meaning dramatically.
Historically, 'coquille' reflects the nuances of printing errors from as far back as the 18th century, with various theories explaining its origins.
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