blond etymology

Etymology:

The word "blond" is derived from the Old French word "blond," which in turn comes from the Germanic word "blonda," meaning "pale."

Meaning:

Blond refers to the color of hair that is typically light, ranging from light golden to rich golden shades. It is characterized by its low content of melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color.

Origin:

Evidence suggests that blond hair originated in Scandinavia around 11,000 years ago, likely due to a genetic mutation that reduced melanin production. Blonds were particularly common among the ancient Vikings.

Variation in Meaning:

The perception of blond hair has varied across cultures and time periods:

  • In ancient Greece, blond hair was associated with beauty and youth.
  • During the Middle Ages in Europe, blond hair was considered a sign of aristocracy and wealth.
  • In modern Western society, blond hair is often associated with attractiveness, desirability, and youthfulness.

Additional Notes:

  • The term "blonde" is commonly used to refer to females with blond hair.
  • The masculine form of "blond" is "blondin."
  • Blond hair is often described as "flaxen" or "golden."
  • The natural occurrence of blond hair is more common among Northern and Western Europeans than in other populations.

blond relate terms

  • blend

    Etymology Middle English blenden from Old English blendan to mix stir Proto Germ

  • blonde

    Etymology The word blonde is derived from the Old French word blond which in turn co

  • blond

    Etymology The word blond is derived from the Old French word blond which in turn co

  • ha ha

    Etymology Ha ha is an interjection derived from the French ha ha which was first re

  • Nordic

    Etymology The term Nordic is derived from the Proto Germanic word norþ meaning nort

  • bombshell

    Etymology The word bombshell has its roots in the historical use of hollow artillery s

  • bleak

    Etymology Old English blǣc pale dark black Meaning Unrelievedly depress

  • flamenco

    Etymology Spanish flamenco Meaning A style of music and dance that originated in An

  • blue

    Etymology The word blue originates from the Middle English blewe which in turn is de

  • platinum

    Etymology Origin Late Latin platīnum 1735 from Spanish platina 1557 diminutive o

  • individual

    Etymology from Latin individuum an individual thing or being from in not

  • mortal

    Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea

  • somebody

    Etymology Some indefinite pronoun Middle English sum or som from Old English