heel etymology

Etymology

The word "heel" derives from the Old English word hǣl, which is of uncertain origin. It has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse hǣlr, Old High German hēla, and Gothic hails. Possible roots include:

• Proto-Indo-European root *ḱel- "hind foot, heel"
• Proto-Germanic root *χaila- "hind foot"
• Proto-Celtic root *killo- "foot, heel"

Meaning and Origin

The primary meaning of "heel" is the anatomical part of the foot located behind the toes and below the ankle bone. It serves as a point of contact with the ground during walking and running.

In addition to its anatomical significance, "heel" has several other meanings and uses:

• Lowest or most vulnerable part: "He's just trying to expose my Achilles heel."
• Person who falls behind or does not perform well: "She was the heel of her class."
• Person who is unpleasant or difficult to deal with: "He's such a heel."
• Rear or last part: "The heel of the loaf."
• In bowling: The part of the ball that strikes the pins.
• In dance: A specific type of turn or step.

The origin of the various meanings of "heel" is often obscure. However, some theories suggest that the following factors may have played a role:

• Anatomical location: The heel is the lowest and most vulnerable part of the foot, hence its association with weakness or failure.
• Walking and running: The act of walking and running places stress on the heels, making them prone to pain and discomfort.
• Societal norms: In some cultures, being behind or not performing well is seen as shameful or undesirable, leading to the use of "heel" as a negative term.

heel relate terms

• Achilles

  Etymology Greek Αχιλλεύς Akhilléus Meaning Woe of the people or pai

• heeled

  Etymology The word heeled is derived from the Middle English word heel which means t

• heel

  Etymology The word heel derives from the Old English word hǣl which is of uncertain o

• heel tap

  Heel Tap Etymology The term heel tap is a modern expression that emerged in the 1950s

• hock

  Etymology The word hock has several possible etymological origins Old English hoh

• list

  Etymology The word list has several etymologies Old English liste meaning a bord

• Jacob

  Etymology The name Jacob is of Hebrew origin and is derived from the verb עָקַב aq

• recalcitrant

  Etymology Latin recalcitrās kicking back stubborn re back against calx

• supplant

  Etymology Derived from Latin supplantare meaning to trip up undermine Sup mea

• silt

  Etymology The word silt comes from the Middle English word sylt which in turn may d

• follow

  Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words It looks at how words have

• wedge

  Etymology Wedge comes from the Middle English word wegge itself derived from the Old E