The Meaning of bōmolokhos in Classical Attic

Abstract

The bōmolokhos (buffoon, fool) has received misguided attention in comic scholarship due to a misunderstanding of Pherecrates fr. 150 KA. The second-century c.e. Harpocration (who cites the line) considers this passage to consist of a genuine etymology, and his view has gone roughly unchallenged ever since. But this is a mistake: the etymology which Pherecrates provides is not a legitimate one but rather a typical case of comic wordplay.

Aesop Victimized

“…The ἄθυτα/ἄθυστα might have been some parts of the god's share which had not been properly or completely burnt and were stolen from an altar in an act of βωμολοχία (in the sense of the latter word which the traditional scholarship attaches to it. For very convincing polemics, see Kidd 2012). See also Berthiaume 1982, 90-91;Verdenius 1968, 145.…”

Chremylus encounters Blepsidemus: the first quiproquo? (Aristophanes' Wealth 332–414)

“…The proposed etymology for the word which is based on the association of the terms βωμός and λόχος ("altar-ambushing"), refers to a type of beggar who hides and waits for an opportunity to make off with some of the meat from a sacrifice (see Chantraine 1999: p. 204). This has recently been questioned by Kidd (2012), who considers it an invention of the Second Sophistic, based on the testimony of Pherecrates (fr. 150KA) and Aristophanes (Knights 1194), who effectively link it to begging and theft; however, these would be nothing more than examples of false etymologies, much beloved in the realm of comic invention.…”

“…150KA) and Aristophanes (Knights 1194), who effectively link it to begging and theft; however, these would be nothing more than examples of false etymologies, much beloved in the realm of comic invention. In relation to bomolochia, see the aforementioned Kidd (2012); Frontisi-Ducroux (1984); Orfanos (2000); Wilkins (2000: pp. 88-90);Beta (2004: pp.…”