frisk etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: fersk, from Old French: fresque, frais
  • Vulgar Latin: *frescus
  • Latin: friscus, meaning "fresh, new"

Meaning:

  • Fresh, new, cool, lively
  • Naïve, inexperienced

Origin:

The word "frisk" originates from the Proto-Indo-European root "prek-" or "prek-" meaning "to sprinkle" or "to make fresh." This root was also the source of the Latin word "porcus" (pig), which was named for its habit of wallowing in mud.

The Latin word "friscus" was initially used to describe anything that was fresh or new, including water, food, and clothing. It later took on the broader meaning of "lively" or "cheerful."

In the Middle Ages, the word "frisk" was borrowed into English as "fersk" and was used to describe both physical and mental freshness. It was also used to describe the act of searching someone for weapons or contraband, possibly due to the association of freshness with cleanliness.

Over time, the word "frisk" has developed a more specific meaning, referring to the act of quickly and lightly searching someone for weapons or drugs. This usage is believed to have originated in the 19th century, when police officers in the United States began using the term to describe their searches.

frisk relate terms

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