Origin Unknown

[deckardcanine]

I’m not a lexicographer; I haven’t ever tried.
Regardless, I’m a word man, and in that, I take some pride.
It also means I sympathize with those who surely groan
Whenever they resort to printing “origin unknown.”

Imagine that your job involves the research of a term,
Not just for definitions but how old you can confirm
Its use within the language is. We’ve made the word our own,
But how’d it ever come to us? The origin’s unknown.

You want to do a thorough search to justify your pay.
You chase down every old-time lead for more than just a day.
The trail goes cold; the deadline looms, and so you must bemoan
Your fruitless efforts signified by “origin unknown.”

It’s not just rare or slang words; even “donkey” causes stress,
Its source just too obscure to make an educated guess.
So dictionary makers, know at least you’re not alone
In wishing there could be an end to origins unknown.