Specifically, the process by which cucaracha became cockroach is called folk etymology, whereby words that people have trouble making sense of in their native language can be remade with pieces they are familiar with.
Other examples of folk etymology include Key West from Spanish Cayo Hueso (Bone Key), crayfish from French creviche, Alzheimer’s Disease being called Old Timer’s Disease, and many, many others.
Specifically, the process by which cucaracha became cockroach is called folk etymology, whereby words that people have trouble making sense of in their native language can be remade with pieces they are familiar with.
Other examples of folk etymology include Key West from Spanish Cayo Hueso (Bone Key), crayfish from French creviche, Alzheimer’s Disease being called Old Timer’s Disease, and many, many others.