Discussions about eggcorns and related topics
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Thanks for your understanding.
Chris -- 2018-04-11
Google counts on Oct. 16, 2006
1,020,000 percolate
732 perkolate—questionable eggcorn.
To “percolate” means to cause a liquid to pass through a permeable surface (think: coffee filter) containing a substrate (think: coffee grounds) which can release a soluble component (think: coffee flavor) to the liquid. Hence, the preparation of coffee in a coffee maker is a suitable prototype for conveying the notion.
“Perk (up)” means to gain in vigor or cheerfulness—often the feeling people get after drinking coffee. The close association of percolation with coffee may therefore provide inspiration for the eggcorn “perkolate.”
What detracts from this eggcorn possibility is that “perk” is a legitimate shortened version of “percolate.” To me, it would seem more logical to use “perc” in reference to the coffee maker and “perk” in reference to the coffee drinker. But apparently, “perk” is the term used for both. So, this dual use for “perk” effectively casts doubt on whether “perkolate” could qualify as an eggcorn.
Examples
Attention SpanGod has allowed this stuff to perkolate in my mind since I first drove into the graveyard yesterday. And I think I am even more grateful for the gift of …
rev-ed.blogspot.com/ – 69k – Cached – Similar pages
Diaryland members areaMy place to scratch and ponder and mull and wretch and simmer and perkolate and whine and hack and grumble and celebrate and… and …
members.diaryland.com/edit/profile.phtml?user=planitclare – 17k – Cached – Similar pages
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