Why is plural of handkerchief spelled as handkerchiefs and not handkerchieves?

The plural of handkerchief is spelled handkerchiefs and not handkerchieves because of a fascinating historical reason.

Here's the breakdown:

1. Origin: The word "handkerchief" comes from the Old French word "hankechief," which itself is a combination of "hanke" (hand) and "chief" (head).

2. Evolution: Over time, the word "hankechief" morphed into "handkerchief." The "f" sound in the original word became the final letter, replacing the "-ef" ending.

3. Plural Rule: The plural form of words ending in "f" or "fe" often change the "f" to "v" and add "-es" (like "knife" becoming "knives"). However, this rule doesn't apply to "handkerchief."

4. Consistency: The plural form "handkerchiefs" maintains the original "-f" ending, aligning with how the word is pronounced. This consistent spelling pattern makes it easier to recognize and read the plural.

Essentially, the spelling "handkerchiefs" evolved organically from the word's history and pronunciation, and it reflects a standard rule for plurals in English.