back-formation(noun)

a word invented (usually unwittingly by subtracting an affix) on the assumption that a familiar word derives from it

back-formation(Noun)

The process by which a new word is formed by removing a morpheme (real or perceived) of an older word, such as the verb burgle, formed by removing -ar (perceived as a suffix forming an agent noun) from burglar.

back-formation(Noun)

A word created in this way.

Back-formations, such as "tambour" (for "play the tambourine"), are a staple of comedic wordplay.