Riddled

/ˈrɪdəld/ verb, adjective

Definition

Filled with many holes or problems, or solved a riddle; past tense of riddle.

Etymology

From Old English 'hridder' or 'riddel,' a sieve-like tool. The word 'riddle' (puzzle) comes from a different Old English root 'rǽdan' meaning 'to interpret.' Both evolved to the same spelling.

Kelly Says

A 'riddled corpse' and a 'riddled history' use the same word but come from different Old English roots that accidentally merged—the sieve meaning (full of holes) and the puzzle meaning (mysterious) became one word. This collision of meanings is called a 'pun by accident' and happens surprisingly often in English.

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