Philopena Definition
Other Word Forms of Philopena
Noun
Origin of Philopena
A different account suggests that the word began as the French Valentin(e), with the nut exchanged considered as a St. Valentine's Day gift; Valentine became Philipine and was accepted in this form into Mosel Franconian dialects of German (Luxemburger Wörterbuch (1950) I.370, Philippchen). However, the OED disputes this, arguing that "Valentine" in French may mean "sweetheart", but does not mean "gift" or "lover's gift", and wondering in addition what pressure would confuse the familiar French given names Valentin(e) and Philip(e)(pine).
From Wiktionary
The origin of philopena is unclear. Despite its appearance, it is not formed from classical roots. The traditional game seems to have originated in Germany, and to have included a formulatic greeting, Gutenmorgen Vielliebchen ("Good morning, sweetheart"), with Vielliebchen being accepted into French as a proper name, and the game's tag becoming "Bonjour Philipine".
From Wiktionary
The OED also lists forms in Dutch (filippien), Danish (filippine), and Swedish (filipin) denoting either the game or an almond or nut with a double kernel. These citations date from the mid-nineteenth century to the early twentieth century, and the meaning referring to the game is usually attested to earliest.
From Wiktionary
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