skipper etymology

Etymology and Origin of "Skipper":

The word "skipper" comes from the Middle Dutch word "schipper," which means "shipmaster." The word entered the English language in the 16th century and was initially used to refer to the captain of a small ship or boat.

Meaning and Usage:

The primary meaning of "skipper" is still "the commander of a ship or boat." However, it has also acquired several extended meanings, including:

  • informal: A young boy or man
  • a person who skips, hops, or jumps: Used in a playful or affectionate manner
  • a type of butterfly: A small butterfly that skips and flutters in flight
  • a type of fish: A small, swift-swimming fish found in Atlantic waters

Examples of Usage:

  • "The skipper gave the order to set sail."
  • "The little boy was a mischievous skipper, always jumping and hopping around."
  • "The meadow was filled with azure skippers flitting from flower to flower."
  • "We caught a small skipper that put up a surprising fight."

Additional Notes:

  • The term "skipper" is often used in a friendly or affectionate manner, especially when referring to a young person.
  • In some contexts, "skipper" may also refer to the pilot of an aircraft or spacecraft.
  • The word "skipping," which means "moving by jumping or hopping," is derived from the same root as "skipper."

skipper relate terms

  • ship

    Etymology The word ship ultimately derives from the Proto Germanic skīpam meaning

  • boat

    Etymology The word boat comes from the Proto Germanic root bauta meaning to beat

  • shipshape

    Etymology The term shipshape originated in the 17th century derived from two words

  • skip

    Usage As a noun A leap or jump over an obstacle A similar movement such as a hop o

  • skipping

    Synonyms for skip leap jump hop bound bounce vault spring hurdle skip rope frivol omi

  • skip

    Usage As a noun A leap or jump over an obstacle A similar movement such as a hop o

  • skipper

    Etymology and Origin of Skipper The word skipper comes from the Middle Dutch word s

  • captain

    Etymology The word captain comes from the Latin word capitaneus which in turn comes

  • master

    Etymology The word master comes from the Old French word maistre which in turn comes

  • captain

    Etymology The word captain comes from the Latin word capitaneus which in turn comes

  • Punch

    Etymology The word punch has several origins Old Irish bun a drink Anglo India

  • officer

    Etymology The word officer is derived from the Old French word officier which in tu

  • pupil

    Etymology The word pupil comes from the Latin word pupilla which originally meant t

  • stream

    Etymology The word stream comes from the Middle English word strem which in turn der

  • student

    Etymology The word student is derived from the Latin word studere meaning to be eag

  • work

    Etymology The word work comes from the Old English word weorc which means to do t