Where Does the Word Canting Come From? A Deep Dive into its Origins and Meanings

The word "canting" might sound a bit old-fashioned, and in some ways, it is. But it's a word with a surprisingly rich history and a few distinct meanings that can sometimes lead to confusion. For the average American reader, understanding where "canting" comes from involves tracing its roots back through centuries of language evolution and exploring the different contexts in which it's used.

The Primary Origin: A Sloping or Angled Edge

The most fundamental and original meaning of "canting" relates to a physical property: something being set in a slanting or oblique position. Think of a surface that's not quite level, but instead has a gentle tilt. This is where the word’s journey begins.

Etymological Roots: Latin and Old French

The word "cant" itself, from which "canting" is derived, can be traced back to the Latin word "cantus", meaning "corner" or "edge." This Latin term then made its way into Old French as "cant", also referring to a corner or edge.

Over time, the meaning evolved to encompass not just a physical corner, but also the act of having an edge or surface set at an angle. This led to the verb "to cant," meaning to tilt or slope. Consequently, "canting" describes the act or state of being tilted or having an angled edge.

Examples in Everyday Language (and Construction)

While you might not hear "canting" used every single day, it does pop up, particularly in fields like construction, carpentry, and even sports equipment.

Construction: You might hear about a "canted roof" or "canted walls," referring to structures that are intentionally built with a slope for drainage or aesthetic purposes.
Woodworking: In woodworking, a "canted edge" on a piece of furniture or trim is one that has been beveled or cut at an angle.
Sports: Skateboarders and snowboarders might talk about the "cant" of their bindings, referring to the angle at which their feet are positioned on the board, which can affect performance and comfort.

A Secondary Meaning: Hypocritical or Insincere Talk

This is where things can get a bit trickier, as "canting" also developed a significantly different meaning, referring to a particular kind of speech.

The Shift in Meaning: From Religion to Deception

This meaning of "canting" emerged around the 17th century. It's believed to have originated from the specialized jargon or "gibberish" used by certain religious groups, particularly beggars who feigned piety to solicit alms. This speech was often characterized by a singsong, droning quality, and sometimes included a distinctive way of speaking that sounded insincere or affected.

The association with hypocrisy grew. Over time, "canting" came to mean speaking in a way that is:

Hypocritical: Pretending to have religious or moral beliefs that one doesn't actually hold.
Insincere: Expressing sentiments or beliefs in a way that is not genuine or heartfelt.
Pious but False: Using religious or moral language for personal gain or to deceive others.
Affected: Speaking in an overly religious or moralistic tone that sounds unnatural or exaggerated.

The "Cant" of Thieves and Beggars

Historically, the term "cant" was also used to refer to the secret jargon or slang used by criminals, vagrants, and beggars. This specialized language allowed them to communicate without outsiders understanding. This linguistic "cant" was also sometimes characterized by an affected or unnatural way of speaking.

Modern Usage of "Canting" as Insincere Speech

While less common than the physical meaning, you might still encounter "canting" used to describe someone's speech when it's perceived as:

Overly religious without substance: "His sermon was full of pious pronouncements, but it was all just canting."
Pharisaical: "She accused him of canting about charity while hoarding his wealth."
Smooth and Deceptive: "The politician's speech was a masterful piece of canting, full of empty promises."

The word "cant" can refer to both a physical slant and a type of insincere speech. The context is key to understanding which meaning is intended.

Distinguishing Between the Meanings

The key to understanding "canting" lies entirely in the context. If you're discussing architecture, engineering, or sports equipment, it almost certainly refers to an angle or slope. If you're analyzing someone's speech, particularly their moral or religious pronouncements, it's likely referring to insincerity or hypocrisy.

Summary of Meanings:

Meaning 1 (Physical): Having an edge or surface set in a slanting or oblique position.
Meaning 2 (Speech): Speaking in a hypocritical, insincere, or affected manner, often with a pious or moralistic tone.

FAQ Section

How did the word "cant" evolve to mean both a physical slant and insincere speech?

The evolution is fascinating. The original meaning of "cant" comes from Latin and Old French, referring to a corner or edge, which naturally led to the idea of a slanted surface. The second meaning, related to insincere speech, likely arose in the 17th century from the observed speech patterns of certain religious groups or beggars who used a distinctive, often singsong or affected way of speaking that sounded less than genuine. This association with a perceived insincerity led to the meaning of hypocritical or pious-sounding but false talk.

Why is the word "canting" sometimes associated with religion?

The association with religion stems from the historical development of the word's second meaning. It's believed that "canting" speech was observed in individuals who feigned piety to gain favor or alms. Their way of speaking, often characterized by a drone or exaggerated tone, became linked to religious hypocrisy, leading to the word being used for any speech that sounds overly pious but is insincere.

Is the physical meaning of "canting" still commonly used?

Yes, the physical meaning of "canting" is still in use, particularly in specialized fields like construction, woodworking, and engineering. You might encounter terms like "canted roof," "canted beam," or "canted surfaces" in technical contexts where precision in describing angles is important. While not an everyday word for everyone, it remains a useful descriptor for angled elements.

How can I tell if someone is using "canting" to mean a slant or insincere speech?

The best way to tell is to look at the surrounding words and the overall topic of discussion. If the conversation is about building materials, angles, or geometric shapes, "canting" almost certainly refers to a slant. If the topic involves someone's words, opinions, or supposed morals, and there's a sense of distrust or suspicion in the description, it's likely referring to insincere or hypocritical speech.