lass etymology

Etymology:

The word "lass" derives from two possible sources:

  • Old English: "las", meaning "a girl" or "young woman"
  • Old Norse: "las", meaning "a load" or "burden"

Meaning:

In modern English, "lass" primarily refers to a young woman or girl, often with a connotation of innocence or beauty. It is commonly used in informal and colloquial settings.

Origin:

The word "lass" has been used in English since around the 13th century. Its origin is uncertain, but the following theories have been proposed:

  • Anglo-Saxon: Some scholars believe that "lass" may have originated from the Anglo-Saxon word "las", which meant "a girl" or "young maid."
  • Norse: Others suggest that it may have come from the Old Norse word "las," which referred to a load or burden. This theory is supported by the fact that young women were often responsible for carrying heavy loads in rural communities.
  • Combination: It is also possible that the word "lass" originated as a combination of the Anglo-Saxon and Norse words mentioned above.

Over time, the meaning of "lass" has evolved to focus primarily on the young woman or girl, while its original association with a burden or load has become less prominent.

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