What is the mane origin of "butterfly"?

Answer by  rys (286)

It comes from the old English word "buturfliog" or flying butter. This is either because butterflies are often yellow, or that they got into the milk from time to time. This is supported by the German word for butterfly - "milchdieb" or milk thief. It isn't as some people believe "flutter by".

Answer by  PZ (1206)

It is derived from an old English word, "buttorfloege," which literally means butterfly. Butterflies would be seen hovering over pails of milk or butter churns, leading to the belief that butterflies, or witches in the guise of these insects, were stealing cream and butter. Schmetterling, the German word for butterfly, is derived from Schmetten, which means cream.

Answer by  man52 (43)

The funny question always arise is where the butter comes from for butterfly. The word's origin is it comes from flutterby. Also many of the people says as most of the butterfly's color is in yellow, like butter.