malapert etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: mal a pert: "ill-advised"
  • Latin: male: "badly" + apertus: "open"

Meaning:

  • Impertinent, saucy, or disrespectful in speech or manner.

Origin:

The word "malapert" traces its origins back to the Middle French phrase "mal a pert," meaning "ill-advised." It was initially used in the 14th century to describe someone who spoke without thinking or with a lack of respect.

Over time, "malapert" evolved to mean someone who was intentionally disrespectful or impudent. It became a common term of disapproval for those who dared to challenge authority or speak out of turn.

By the 17th century, "malapert" had become widely used in English. It was often used to describe children or young people who were seen as overly bold or disrespectful. Today, the term is still used to describe someone who is rude or impertinent.

malapert relate terms

  • expert

    Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanin

  • malfeasance

    Etymology Origin Latin male facere meaning to do wrong First Use 14th century Me

  • malcontent

    Etymology From Middle French malcontent discontented dissatisfied from Old French

  • caco

    Etymology The word caco originates from the Ancient Greek word κακός kakós m

  • saucy

    Etymology Late 16th century from sauce y y1 suffix forming adjectives from nouns

  • spruce

  • comedy

    Etymology The word comedy comes from the Greek word κωμῳδία kōmōidía wh

  • adventure

    Etymology Late Middle English from Old French aventure from Latin adventūra literal

  • will

    Etymology Will derives from the Old English word wille which meant desire or choice

  • Elohim

    Etymology Hebrew אֱלֹהִים Elohim Meaning God plural form Gods plural

  • equity

    Etymology The word equity originates from the Latin word aequitas which means fair

  • beer

    Etymology The word beer derives from the Proto Germanic word bius biauz meaning both

  • clue

    Etymology Old English clūwe meaning a ball of yarn Middle English clew meaning