reel etymology

Etymology:

The word "reel" has several etymological origins:

  • Old French: "rier" (to laugh), from the Latin "rīdere" (to laugh)
  • Late Latin: "rotulus" (small wheel), from "rota" (wheel)
  • Middle English: "reel" (to sway, to lean), possibly from the Old French "rier"

Meaning and Origin:

1. A dance with a fast, lively rhythm and simple steps

  • This meaning of "reel" derives from the Old French "rier," which originally referred to the joyful and lively movements of laughing.

2. A device for winding thread, fishing line, or other materials

  • This meaning of "reel" comes from the Late Latin "rotulus," a small wheel used for winding thread.

3. A spool or cylinder on which film or tape is wound

  • This meaning of "reel" is an extension of the second meaning, as film and tape are also wound on spools or cylinders.

4. A film or series of films

  • This meaning of "reel" is a metaphorical extension, as a film or series of films can be thought of as a collection of images that are "unrolled" and viewed.

5. A box or frame containing photographs

  • This meaning of "reel" is also an extension of the second meaning, as photographs can be wound onto a reel.

reel relate terms

  • newsreel

    Etymology Newsreel is a compound word derived from news and reel News is deriv

  • news

    Etymology The word news is derived from the following sources Old English niwe o

  • reel

    Etymology The word reel has several etymological origins Old French rier to lau

  • stagger

    Etymology Middle English stagren staggeren staggern from Old English stagrian sta

  • keel

    Etymology The word keel comes from the Middle English word kele which is derived fr

  • lurch

    Etymology Late 18th century probably related to lurch a nautical term from the 16th c

  • deck

    Etymology The word deck has two main etymological origins Old English dec or th

  • trailer

    Etymology The word trailer originated from the Middle English word trailler meanin

  • tumbrel

    Etymology French tombereau meaning dung cart From Vulgar Latin trubulus meaning dra

  • swim

    Etymology The word swim originates from the Old English word swymman which is deriv

  • tackle

    Etymology of Tackle The word tackle has multiple origins Old English tacel mea

  • wind

    Etymology of Wind The English word wind originates from the Old English word wind