Date: Sat, 24 Feb 1996 03:59:20 -0800

From: SETH SKLAREY crissiet[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]IX.NETCOM.COM

Subject: etymology: 'negro', 'necro'



question from hel-l



Return-Path: hel-l[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]ebbs.english.vt.edu



I believe 'negro' derives from a Latin root for 'black' and 'necro'

derives from a Latin root for 'death'. We see 'necrosis' for 'death

of living tissue' and 'necromancy' for 'divination / magic by use of

death'. Necrotic tissue is often dark or black as the result of said

necrosis. Could this be the source of the popular term '"black"

magic' for some perceived perpetration of evil through magical acts?



Fundamental etymological issue: is there a link between 'necro' and

'negro'?



Dick

ddawson[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]mailbox.syr.edu

http://web.syr.edu/~ddawson