3 ms·

I never made the connection between the "type" in "stereotype" and "type" as in "typesetting" until today.

• carn174s 10y ago
  Nor had I! The combining form “stereo-” that shows up in such words as “stereotype” and “stereophonic” is derived from stereos, a classical Greek word meaning solid. And then, stereotype: A plate relief printing plate cast in a mold made from composed type or an original plate. So, a solid plate type face. (but not boiler plate) But now, both stereo and stereotype, their meanings so profoundly mutated well beyond their liteteral origins. Stereo now pretty much means "2 of something" and stereotype has turned into a word carrying negative connotations of mostly bigotry or prejudice.