swash etymology

Etymology:

The word "swash" has multiple etymological origins:

  • Old English "swæscan": To rush or dash violently.
  • Middle English "swashen": To splash or make a clattering noise.
  • Middle French "esvascher": To break into pieces.

Meaning:

A swash is something that makes a loud, splashing sound or a dashing or ostentatious gesture.

Origin:

The word "swash" emerged in the late 15th century as a term for the sound made by the waves of the sea. It was later used to describe similar sounds, such as those made by rain, water flowing through a sluice, or a person striking the water with a sword.

By the 16th century, "swash" had also come to mean a reckless or boisterous action or gesture, often associated with swordplay or swashbuckling. It was often used in the phrase "swash and buckle," which referred to a flamboyant and aggressive style of combat.

Usage:

Today, "swash" is often used to describe something that is showy, extravagant, or grandiose. It can also refer to a dashing or enthusiastic action or gesture. For example:

  • The actor delivered his lines with great swash and buckle.
  • The orchestra played the overture with a lot of swash and flair.
  • The politician gave a speech that was full of swash and bluster.

swash relate terms

  • wash

    Etymology Old English wæscan ultimately derived from the Proto Indo European root wes

  • washing

    Etymology The word washing comes from the Old English word wæscan which means to w

  • swashbuckler

    Etymology Middle French escachebucle hook purses perhaps from Old French eschaquer to

  • swash

    Etymology The word swash has multiple etymological origins Old English swæscan

  • buckler

    Etymology Middle English bokeler from Old French bocle boucle buckle with augmenta

  • boast

    Etymology Old English boastan to brag threaten Proto West Germanic bōstijaną

  • tout

    Etymology From French tout from Latin totus whole entire Meaning French a

  • brag

    Etymology The word brag originates from the Old Norse word bragr which means boast

  • amplify

    Amplify Etymology The word amplify comes from the Latin word amplificare which mean

  • travel

    Etymology The English word travel derives from the Old French word travailler which

  • exaggerate

    Etymology Latin exaggerare meaning to heap up or to pile up Derived from ex

  • Crow

    Etymology The word crow comes from the Middle English word crawe which in turn evol

  • triumph

    Triumph Etymology Latin triumphus triumphal procession from Greek θρίαμβο

  • garb

    Etymology The word garb is derived from Old English gearwe which means clothing eq