Etymology:
Meaning and Origin:
"Loitering" originally meant "to lie in wait" or "to lurk," likely derived from the action of predators or hunters waiting for prey. Over time, the meaning shifted to refer to spending time idly or aimlessly, especially in public places.
In the 16th and 17th centuries, "loitering" began to be associated with vagrancy and idleness. Laws were passed in England criminalizing loitering, particularly by beggars and homeless people. This negative connotation persists today, with loitering often seen as a nuisance or a sign of laziness.
However, the concept of loitering has also evolved in recent years. Some urban planners and social activists have argued that loitering can be a legitimate and beneficial activity, providing opportunities for social interaction and community building. This perspective has led to the emergence of "slow streets" and "parklets" in cities, designed to encourage people to pause and socialize in public spaces without being considered loiterers.
Etymology Middle English loitren from Old French loiter loisir leisure Latin lic
Etymology Little is from Middle English litel which is from Old English lytel mean
Etymology Middle English loytren from Old French loitrer from Anglo Norman French
Etymology The word maunder comes from the Middle English word maundren which in turn
Etymology Latin sessio meaning a sitting From sedere meaning to sit Meanin
Etymology Middle English tarien from Old English tergan to hinder impede German
Etymology of Loaf The word loaf originally comes from the Old English word hlāf w
Etymology Late 18th century probably related to lurch a nautical term from the 16th c
Etymology The word footle is believed to have originated in the 18th century Its exac
Etymology Middle English lingren from Old English langian to remain stay linger
Etymology The word lurk comes from the Old English word lurcian which means to lie
