novelty etymology

Etymology

• Old French: "nouvelete"
• Latin: "novellus" (new, fresh)
• Proto-Indo-European: "newos" (new)

Meaning and Origin

The word "novelty" derives from the Latin "novus," meaning "new." It entered the English language in the 14th century via Old French.

Originally, "novelty" referred to something new or unfamiliar. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass things that are unusual, unexpected, or unique. In the early 20th century, "novelty" began to be associated with commercial products designed to provide amusement or interest.

Today, "novelty" has the following meanings:

• Something new or unfamiliar
• Something unusual, unexpected, or unique
• A commercial product designed to provide amusement or interest
• A feeling of excitement or pleasure derived from experiencing something new

Examples

• The invention of the smartphone was a major novelty.
• The sight of a pink elephant would be a novelty.
• A novelty ice cream flavor might be bubblegum or cotton candy.
• The experience of traveling to a foreign country can bring a sense of novelty.

novelty relate terms

• novel

  Etymology The word novel is derived from the Old French word noviele which in turn

• gaud

  Etymology and Meaning of Gaud The origin of the word gaud traces back to the Middle E

• newfangled

  Etymology The word newfangled is a compound word composed of the following elements

• momentarily

  Etymology Late Latin momentarius Latin momentum movement importance weight Proto I

• platitude

  Etymology Latin plātitūdō plātitudinis from plātus flat broad wide French

• covetous

  Etymology From Middle English covetous from Anglo French coveitous from Latin cupidĭ

• grocery

  Etymology The word grocery derives from the Old French word grocier which itself ori

• derby

  Etymology Old English derby Proto Germanic derbō Proto Indo European dʰerbh t

• article

  Etymology Origin Latin articulus small joint knuckle small part _ Meaning Origina

• bead

  Etymology The word bead comes from the Old English word bede which means prayer T

• pyramid

  Etymology The word pyramid comes from the ancient Greek word pyramis which means fi