mackintosh etymology

Etymology:

The word "mackintosh" derives from two sources:

  • "Mac-" prefix: Short for "Macintosh," the surname of Charles Macintosh, a Scottish chemist and inventor.
  • "Intosh": A shortened form of "intosh," which was a waterproof fabric invented by Macintosh.

Meaning:

A mackintosh is a waterproof or water-resistant raincoat, typically made from a rubberized fabric. It is named after its inventor, Charles Macintosh.

Origin:

The mackintosh was invented by Charles Macintosh in 1823. Macintosh was a chemist who developed a process for bonding rubber to fabric, creating a waterproof material. He used this material to make raincoats, which became known as "mackintoshs."

Initially, mackintoshes were made from a rubberized cotton fabric, which was stiff and uncomfortable to wear. However, in the late 19th century, new materials and manufacturing processes were developed, resulting in softer and more flexible mackintoshes.

Over time, the term "mackintosh" became synonymous with any type of waterproof raincoat, regardless of the material used. Today, mackintoshes are commonly made from synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, which are lightweight, durable, and water-resistant.

mackintosh relate terms

  • cloth

    Etymology The word cloth derives from the Old English word clāð which is believed

  • material

    Etymology Middle English materiale from Latin materiālis from materia matter M

  • fabric

    Etymology The word fabric comes from the Latin word fabricare which means to make

  • crumb

    Etymology The word crumb derives from the Old English word cruma meaning fragment

  • alibi

    Etymology Middle English alibi from Latin Latin alibi elsewhere Meaning A de

  • shadow

    Etymology Old English sceadu from Proto Germanic skadwa meaning darkness shade

  • stigma

    Etymology Greek stigma στίγμα Latin stigma Meaning A mark of disgrac

  • charisma

    Etymology The word charisma originates from the Greek word χάρισμα charisma