Ballader

/ˈbæləder/ noun

Definition

A person who writes, composes, or performs ballads; an alternative form of balladeer.

Etymology

From 'ballad' plus the suffix '-er' (person who does something). A less common variant of 'balladeer,' using the simpler Germanic suffix '-er' instead of French '-eer.'

Kelly Says

English often has competing suffixes for the same role—'actor' vs. 'actioneer' never caught on, but 'ballader' vs. 'balladeer' both existed, showing how language tries different words before one wins out.

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