lick etymology

Etymology

The word "lick" has an uncertain origin, but it is generally believed to derive from one of the following:

• Germanic: From Proto-Germanic *likkon ("to lick, lap"), related to Old English liccian ("to lick"), Old Frisian likia ("to lick"), Old High German lecken ("to lick"), and Dutch likken ("to lick").
• Indo-European: Possibly from Proto-Indo-European *leigh- ("to lick, lap"), also the source of Latin lingua ("tongue") and Greek leixō ("to lick").

Meaning and Origin

The primary meaning of "lick" is:

• To pass the tongue over something, typically in order to taste, clean, or moisten it.

In addition to its primary meaning, "lick" can also be used in the following ways:

• To strike or hit lightly: e.g., "He gave me a sharp lick on the cheek."
• To defeat or overcome: e.g., "We licked the other team in the championship game."
• To do something quickly or easily: e.g., "I can lick this project in no time."
• To cause to hurt: e.g., "The sun is really licking my shoulders."
• As a noun: A small amount, typically of liquid: e.g., "Just a lick of paint to finish the job."

The exact origin of the figurative and idiomatic uses of "lick" is unknown, but they are thought to have developed over time from the primary meaning.

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