nonplussed etymology

Etymology:

• "Nonplussed" is derived from the late Middle English phrase "non plus," meaning "not more" or "no further."
• It was originally used in card games to indicate that a player had no more cards to play.
• In the 16th century, it began to be used figuratively to mean "completely at a loss" or "puzzled."

Meaning:

"Nonplussed" means to be:

• Completely bewildered or confused
• At a loss for what to say or do
• Unable to proceed because of difficulty or uncertainty

Origin:

The term "nonplus" first appeared in English around 1440, derived from the French phrase "non plus" ("not more"). It was used in card games to indicate that a player had no more cards to play.

By the 16th century, "nonplussed" had taken on its figurative meaning of being bewildered or puzzled. This usage was first recorded in William Shakespeare's play "Love's Labour's Lost" (1595), in which the character Holofernes says: "I shall be forc'd to leave him nonplussed."

The term has continued to be used in this sense ever since, denoting a state of complete confusion or uncertainty.

nonplussed relate terms

• nonplus

  Etymology The word nonplus comes from the Latin non not and plus more literal

• plus

  Etymology From Old French plus from Latin plus more Latin plus is ultimately d

• nonplussed

  Etymology Nonplussed is derived from the late Middle English phrase non plus meani

• gravel

  Etymology Middle English gravele gravil 13th century Old French gravele gravel 1

• confuse

  Etymology refers to the origin and development of words It traces the historical changes

• peso

  Etymology Spanish peso Latin pensum payment Meaning and Origin The term peso o

• pose

  Etymology The word pose has two etymological roots Old French poser to place arra

• abet

  Etymology Abet Middle English from Old French abeter from abeter infinitive of abet

• beat

  Etymology The word beat has several origins Old English béatan to strike hit

• beta

  Etymology of beta The word beta comes from the second letter of the Greek alphabet

• amaze

  Etymology The word amaze originates from the Middle English word amasen which is de

• stick

  Etymology The word stick comes from the Old English word sticca which meant a shor

• fuddle

  Etymology Middle English fudlen fudlen from Old English fudelian gefydelian to bec