minion etymology

Etymology

The word "minion" is derived from the Old French word "mignon," meaning "darling," "favorite," or "pet." This term was originally used to refer to a young servant or attendant, often a child or teenager.

Meaning

Today, the word "minion" has several meanings:

• A subordinate or follower: Someone who is subservient to or readily follows the will of another person or group.
• A contemptible or despicable person: Someone who is regarded with scorn or disdain.
• A small or insignificant person: Someone who lacks importance or power.
• A mythical creature: In popular culture, minions are often depicted as small, yellow, pill-shaped creatures with large eyes and childlike behavior.

Origin

The word "minion" was first used in English in the 14th century, during the Middle Ages. It was originally used to refer to young servants or pages who served in noble households. Over time, the term took on a more negative connotation and began to be used to describe people who were subservient or contemptible.

In the early 2000s, the word "minion" was popularized by the animated film series "Despicable Me." The film introduced the characters known as minions, who are depicted as small, yellow, and incredibly loyal servants to the villain Gru. Since then, the term "minion" has become synonymous with these fictional creatures and is often used as a humorous or affectionate way to refer to someone who is loyal or subservient.

minion relate terms

• minnesinger

  Etymology The term minnesinger is derived from the Middle High German words minne l

• singer

  Etymology The word singer comes from the Old English word singan which means to mak

• mignon

  Etymology French from Old French mignon from min from Latin minutus small Mean

• minion

  Etymology The word minion is derived from the Old French word mignon meaning darlin

• dependant

  Etymology Origin Middle English dependant from Anglo Norman French dependant from Old

• dependent

  Etymology The word dependent comes from the Latin verb dependere which means to han

• class

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• brute

  Etymology The word brute is derived from the Old French word brute which in turn com

• company

  Etymology and Meaning of Company The word company is derived from the Late Latin word

• represent

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

• fatigue

  Etymology Middle English fatigate from Latin fatigare to weary from fat stem of

• park

  Etymology Old English pearroc enclosure field pasture Proto Germanic parrak en

• spill

  Etymology The word spill has several origins Old English spillan meaning to pour

• entertain

  Etymology Derivatives of the word entertain include Old French entartenir to hol