mall etymology

Etymology:

The word "mall" is derived from the Latin word "malleus," which means "hammer."

Meaning:

• In ancient Rome: A heavy mallet used to break up rocks and earth.
• During the Middle Ages: A wooden club or mace used in battle.
• In the 16th century: A promenade or public walk where people could gather and socialize.
• In the 20th century: A large, enclosed shopping center with multiple stores, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.

Origin:

The concept of a mall as a public space originated in the ancient Roman forum. The forum was a large open area where citizens could meet, conduct business, and participate in public events.

During the Middle Ages, European towns and cities often had open spaces called market squares or plazas. These squares were used for markets, festivals, and public gatherings.

In the 16th century, promenades became popular in Europe. These were wide, tree-lined pathways where people could stroll, socialize, and enjoy the outdoors. The first mall in the modern sense of the word was built in Rome in the 1500s. Called the "Galleria Colonna," it was a covered arcade with shops on either side.

The concept of indoor shopping malls gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century. The first enclosed mall in the US was the Southdale Center in Edina, Minnesota, which opened in 1956. Since then, malls have become a ubiquitous feature of American suburban landscapes.

mall relate terms

• balloon

  Etymology The word balloon originates from the Italian word ballone which means lar

• rodent

  Etymology The word rodent comes from the Latin word rodere which means to gnaw I

• center

  Etymology Old English center centre lt Middle English centre center lt Latin centr

• promenade

  Etymology From French promener meaning to walk about to take a walk Ultimately fro

• mallet

  Etymology The word mallet comes from the Old French word maillet meaning a small ha

• chic

  Etymology The word chic entered the English language in the late 19th century borrowe

• walk

  Etymology The word walk derives from the Proto Germanic word walkaną meaning to roll

• esplanade

  Etymology French esplanade Italian spianata Latin explanāre to make level Mea

• outlet

  Etymology The word outlet originates from the Middle English word outlete which its

• recent

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words etymon meaning true m

• shopping

  Etymology Middle English shoppen from Old English scoppen Old English scoppen is deri

• shopping

  Etymology Middle English shoppen from Old English scoppen Old English scoppen is deri