scrounge etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: scroungen, of uncertain origin. Possibly from an Anglo-Norman form of Old Norse skrukka, meaning "to crouch or shrink together." Other possible origins include:
    • Low German schrûgen, meaning "to sneak"
    • Middle Dutch schroten, meaning "to rummage"

Meaning:

  • To obtain or acquire something by begging, scavenging, or other unconventional means.
  • To survive or get by with limited resources.

Origin:

The exact origin of the word "scrounge" is uncertain. It first appeared in English in the late 14th century as a term referring to begging or scavenging for food. By the 16th century, it had broadened in meaning to include acquiring anything by unconventional means. The word's possible Norse, Low German, and Middle Dutch origins suggest a connection to ideas of sneakiness, rummaging, or making do with limited resources.

Historical Usage:

  • In the 17th century, "scrounge" was commonly used to describe the activities of beggars and vagabonds.
  • During World War II, the term was used to refer to the efforts of soldiers to obtain supplies and equipment through unofficial channels.
  • In the 1960s and 1970s, "scrounge" became associated with the counterculture and the practice of living with minimal resources.

scrounge relate terms

  • Scrooge

    Etymology Derived from the Middle English скruggy meaning stunted or scrog m

  • scrounge

    Etymology Middle English scroungen of uncertain origin Possibly from an Anglo Norman

  • forage

    Etymology Old French fourrage Late Latin fodrāticum fodrum from fodrus food fod

  • hunt

    Etymology The word hunt derives from the Proto Indo European root kwen meaning to d

  • result

    Etymology The word result comes from the Middle English word resulte which in turn

  • luster

    Etymology Middle English lustre from Old French lustre from Latin lūstrum wash pu

  • rustle

    Etymology The word rustle is believed to have originated from two possible sources O

  • sutler

    Etymology The word sutler comes from the Middle English word sotelar which in turn

  • squeeze

    Etymology The word squeeze comes from the Middle English word squisen which is in t