dodge etymology

Etymology

The word "dodge" has its origins in the Middle English word "doggen," meaning "to follow closely behind." This, in turn, comes from the Old English word "docga," meaning "a dog."

Meaning and Origin

In its original sense, "dodge" referred to the act of following someone or something closely, like a dog following its master. However, over time, the meaning of the word has evolved to encompass a wider range of actions:

  • Avoidance: Dodge can mean to avoid or escape from something, as in "he dodged the speeding car."
  • Deception: It can also refer to deceptive or evasive behavior, as in "he dodged my questions by changing the subject."
  • Maneuver: Dodge can be used to describe a quick or skillful maneuver, as in "she dodged the defender and scored a goal."

The use of "dodge" to describe evasive or deceptive tactics is thought to have originated from the observation that dogs often use cunning and agility to avoid being caught. This association between dogs and dodging has persisted throughout the history of the word.

In addition to its use as a verb, "dodge" can also be used as a noun to refer to:

  • A trick or maneuver designed to evade or deceive
  • A person who is skilled at dodging or avoiding
  • A type of car that is designed for speed and agility

dodge relate terms

  • dodger

    Etymology The word dodger comes from the Old English word doggen which means to avo

  • dodge

    Etymology The word dodge has its origins in the Middle English word doggen meaning

  • dodgy

    Etymology The origin of the word dodgy is uncertain Several theories exist Derogato

  • dodge

    Etymology The word dodge has its origins in the Middle English word doggen meaning

  • hedge

    Etymology The word hedge has an Old English origin deriving from the word hecg whic

  • fudge

    Etymology The word fudge has an uncertain etymology but there are several theories

  • circumvent

    Etymology The word circumvent comes from the Latin words circum meaning around an

  • shirk

    Etymology The word shirk comes from the Arabic word sharak which means to associat

  • rush

    Etymology The word rush has two distinct etymological origins Germanic origin Poss

  • ruse

    Etymology The word ruse comes from the French word ruse meaning trick or stratage

  • Roger

    Etymology Old High German Hrōzhār Proto Germanic Hrōþihari Proto Indo European h

  • stratagem

    Etymology Latin stratēgēma from Greek στρατήγημα stratēgēma from σ

  • strategy

    Etymology The word strategy comes from the Greek word strategia which means the a

  • falsehood

    Etymology The word falsehood originates from the Old English word fals meaning fal