Etymology of the fish name tabinja

Abstract

In this paper a new etymology of the Croatian fish name tabinja ʻPhycis phycisʼ is proposed. It is derived from a Dalmato-Romance reflex of Lat. *tabō/*tabōnis ʻgadflyʼ, itself a derivative of tabānus ʻgadflyʼ. It is argued that the metaphorical transfer was motivated by the confusion of the species Phycis phycis with that of maritime lampreys (Petromyzon marinus) which are similar to gadflies since they suck the blood of other fish species.