Mumpsimus

/ˈmʌmpsɪməs/ noun

Definition

A traditional custom or practice obstinately adhered to despite being shown to be unreasonable; a person who stubbornly clings to old ways.

Etymology

From a medieval story about a monk who misread 'sumpsimus' as 'mumpsimus' in a Latin prayer and, when corrected, replied 'I will not change my old mumpsimus for your new sumpsimus!'

Kelly Says

A monk mispronounced a prayer for YEARS and when corrected, he said 'I prefer MY mistake!' Henry VIII loved this story and used the word! Being wrong on purpose out of stubbornness has its own word! 📿😤

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