curmudgeon etymology

Etymology:

  • French: "curmudgeon" (15th century)
  • Middle French: "cormillon" (13th century)
  • Old French: "cornillon" (12th century)
  • Vulgar Latin: "corniculum" (meaning "little horn")
  • Latin: "cornu" (meaning "horn")

Meaning:

A curmudgeon is a person who is persistently bad-tempered, ill-humored, or unfriendly. They are typically characterized by a sour disposition, complaining, and a dislike of change or novelty.

Origin:

The earliest known use of the word "curmudgeon" in English is from the 15th century. It is derived from the Middle French word "cormillon," which means "horned animal" or "stubborn person." The word "cormillon" is thought to have originated from the Old French word "cornillon," which means "little horn." This may refer to the horns worn by devils or demons in medieval literature, symbolizing obstinacy or ill-temper.

Over time, the meaning of "curmudgeon" shifted from "horned animal" to "ill-humored person." This may have occurred due to the association between stubbornness and a "horned" demeanor. Additionally, the word "curmudgeon" may have been influenced by the Latin word "cornu" (meaning "horn"), which was used metaphorically to describe an unyielding or obstinate character.

curmudgeon relate terms

  • hunker

    Etymology Origin of the Word The word hunker is believed to have originated from the

  • corn

    Etymology of Corn The word corn has a complex etymology that has evolved over time

  • merchant

    Etymology The word merchant originates from the Latin word mercatus meaning trade

  • fellowship

    Etymology The word fellowship is derived from the Old English word feolaga which me

  • moonlight

    Etymology of the Word Moonlight The word moonlight is derived from two Old English w

  • waffle

    Etymology The term waffle comes from the Middle Dutch word wafel meaning honeycomb

  • contrive

    Etymology Middle English contrive from Anglo French contriver from Latin contrōvār

  • realm

    Etymology The word realm has its roots in several languages Old French Realme mea

  • kindergarten

    Etymology The word kindergarten is derived from two German words Kindergarten Li

  • convenience

    Etymology The word convenience is derived from late Middle English conveniens aroun