sass etymology

Etymology:

  • Proto-Germanic: sassuz
  • Old English: sæs (knife, sword)
  • Old French: sasse (adze, axe)
  • Middle English: sas, saas

Meaning and Origin:

The word "sass" has several meanings, depending on the context:

1. Impudence or cheeky behavior:

This meaning originated in the early 20th century among African Americans, possibly influenced by the West African language Wolof, where "sass" means "bad words".

2. Food:

In the Caribbean, "sass" refers to a spicy condiment made from hot peppers and vinegar. It is derived from the Jamaican Creole word "sasa", which comes from the Twi language of Ghana.

3. A tool:

In carpentry, a "sash" is a narrow strip of wood used for making window frames. This term comes from the Old French word "sasse", meaning "adze" or "axe".

4. A type of music:

In the 1950s, "sass" emerged as a subgenre of R&B music characterized by its sassy lyrics and upbeat tempo. This meaning is likely related to the impudence connotation of "sass".

Additional Notes:

  • The word "sash" can also refer to a wide ribbon or belt worn over the shoulder, but this meaning is unrelated to the other uses of the word.
  • In some African American Vernacular English (AAVE), "sass" can have a positive connotation, meaning "attitude" or "style".
  • The word "sass" is often used in a humorous or playful way, especially in the context of impudence or cheekiness.

sass relate terms

  • sassy

    Etymology The word sassy is derived from the Louisiana Creole word sace which means

  • saucy

    Etymology Late 16th century from sauce y y1 suffix forming adjectives from nouns

  • sauce

    Etymology of Sauce The word sauce originates from the Old French word sauce which

  • saucy

    Etymology Late 16th century from sauce y y1 suffix forming adjectives from nouns

  • sass

    Etymology Proto Germanic sassuz Old English sæs knife sword Old French sasse ad

  • mouth

    Etymology The word mouth comes from the Old English word mūþ which is believed to

  • retort

    Etymology The word retort has two etymological roots Latin retorquere meaning to

  • riposte

    Etymology French from Italian riposta from ripostare meaning to place again from

  • counter

    Etymology The word counter comes from the Old French word contrar meaning against

  • replication

    Etymology From Latin replicat iōn the supine stem of replicāre to fold back M

  • respond

    Etymology From Old French respondre from Latin respondere from re back sp

  • reply

    Etymology The word reply originates from the Old French word replier meaning to fol

  • commando

    Etymology The word commando derives from the Afrikaans word kommando which refers to