clean living etymology

Etymology

"Cleanliving" is a compound word formed from the adjective "clean" and the noun "living."

  • Clean: Derived from the Old English word "clǣne," meaning "pure" or "uncontaminated."
  • Living: Derived from the Old English word "lifian," meaning "to live."

Meaning and Origin

The term "cleanliving" emerged in the late 19th century as part of the Victorian era's emphasis on morality and respectability. It refers to a lifestyle characterized by:

  • Moral purity: Adherence to ethical principles, avoidance of vices, and a commitment to sobriety.
  • Physical cleanliness: Regular bathing, proper grooming, and a clean environment.
  • Physical health: Exercise, a healthy diet, and avoidance of harmful habits.

In the Victorian era, "cleanliving" was often associated with the middle and upper classes and was seen as a marker of social status. It was considered the opposite of "dissolute" or "immoral" behavior.

Over time, the term has become less prevalent and is now mostly used in a historical context or as a humorous reference to Victorian values. However, the underlying principles of moral purity, physical cleanliness, and physical health continue to be valued in many cultures today.

clean living relate terms

  • clean

    Etymology The word clean comes from the Middle English word clene which is derived f

  • clear

    Etymology Originates from Latin clarus meaning bright clear or shining Mea

  • pure

  • cleanse

    Etymology The word cleanse derives from the Old English clænsenne meaning to make

  • living

    Etymology Living is derived from the Old English word lifian which means to live

  • live

    Etymology The word live has its origins in the Middle English word liven which is de

  • terse

    Terse Etymology From Latin tersus meaning wiped clean neat Meaning Concise

  • brush

    Etymology and Meaning Brush derives from the Middle English word brusche which in tur

  • scour

    Etymology The word scour originated from the Old English word scuran meaning to sc

  • mundane

    Etymology Mundane derives from the Latin word mundānus meaning of the world It

  • squeaky

    Etymology Middle English skwicken to make a sharp shrill sound Old English scwicc

  • spick and span

    Etymology Spick of uncertain origin possibly from Dutch spikken to spot or obsolet

  • lance

    Etymology The name Lance has multiple etymological roots Latin Lancea A thrus

  • aesthetic

    Etymology Aesthetic derives from the Greek word aisthētikos which means pertaining

  • brace

    Etymology The word brace has several etymological roots Middle English brace de