hump etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: humpe, from Old English: hump, "a curved back"
• Germanic origin; related to Old Norse: hǫmpr, "crooked"

Meaning:

• A large bump or swelling on the back of an animal, typically a camel or bison.
• A large, rounded object, such as a hill or mound.
• A figurative expression for something difficult or burdensome, such as a problem or task.

Origin:

The word "hump" has its origins in the Germanic languages and is thought to have evolved from a word meaning "crooked" or "bent." This term was initially used to describe the curved back of animals, particularly those with a large hump, such as camels and bison.

Over time, the word "hump" expanded its meaning to include any large, rounded object that resembled the hump of an animal. This usage is particularly common in the context of geography, where hills and mounds are often referred to as "humps."

In figurative contexts, the word "hump" is often used to describe something difficult or burdensome, such as a problem or task that requires significant effort to overcome. This usage stems from the association between a hump and the weight or load that it carries.

hump relate terms

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