bang etymology

Etymology

The word "bang" has several possible etymologies:

  • Onomatopoeia: It may have originated from the sound of a loud impact or explosion, similar to "boom" or "crash."
  • Norse: It could be derived from the Old Norse word "banga," meaning "to strike or beat."
  • Irish: Some scholars suggest a connection to the Irish Gaelic word "binge," meaning "a heavy blow."
  • Hindi: The word "bang" may also have roots in the Hindi language, where it refers to a type of bracelet or armband.

Meaning

The word "bang" has multiple meanings, including:

  • A loud sound: A sudden, explosive noise, as in "the bang of a door" or "the bang of a gun."
  • A blow or collision: A forceful impact, as in "he gave me a bang on the head" or "the cars banged into each other."
  • A portion of hair: A fringe of hair cut straight across the forehead, also known as "bangs."
  • A type of bracelet: A rigid bracelet or armband, typically made of metal.
  • A type of drug: Slang for marijuana or other psychoactive substances.

Origin

The earliest known use of "bang" appeared in the 1500s in the sense of a loud noise or explosion. The other meanings developed over time:

  • The term "bangs" for hair originated in the 1920s.
  • The use of "bang" as slang for drugs emerged in the 1960s.
  • The meaning of "bang" as a bracelet or armband predates written records, but it is likely of ancient origin.

bang relate terms

  • banger

    Etymology The word banger has several possible origins One possibility is that it is d

  • bang

    Etymology The word bang has several possible etymologies Onomatopoeia It may have o

  • bangs

    Etymology Middle English bang 1590s meaning a blow Ultimately from Proto West G

  • bang

    Etymology The word bang has several possible etymologies Onomatopoeia It may have o

  • slap

    Etymology The word slap is believed to have originated from the Middle English word sl

  • smack

    Etymology The word smack has multiple origins Old English smæcc a taste a kis

  • bolt

    Etymology The word bolt comes from the Old English word bolt which means a short t

  • slam

    Etymology The word slam has multiple etymological origins Middle English slemmen

  • travel

    Etymology The English word travel derives from the Old French word travailler which

  • alms

    Etymology Middle English almesse from Old English ælmesse Old English ælmesse fro

  • charge

    Etymology The word charge comes from the Old French word carge which in turn derives

  • take

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It seeks to trace t

  • strike

    Etymology The word strike comes from the Middle English word striken which is derive

  • thrill

    Etymology The word thrill is derived from the Old English word þrillan which means