cul de sac etymology

Etymology:

• French: "cul-de-sac", literally "bottom of the bag"

Meaning:

• A street or road having only one end, forming a loop or dead-end.

Origin:

The term "cul de sac" originated in 16th-century France as a military term. It referred to a fortification with a narrow opening leading to a dead end, where enemy troops could be trapped and easily defeated.

Over time, the term's meaning expanded to include any road or path that led to a dead end. In the 17th century, it was adopted into English and has since become a common term for a street with no through traffic.

Usage:

Cul-de-sacs are often used in residential neighborhoods to create a sense of privacy and seclusion. They can also be found in commercial and industrial areas, where they are used to provide access to dead-end buildings or storage facilities.

Synonyms:

• Dead end
• Blind alley

cul de sac relate terms

• sack

  Etymology The word sack has multiple origins Old English sacc or sac a bag p

• tutu

  Etymology French from Italian tutu probably from children s language reduplication