wired etymology

Etymology

The word "wired" has two distinct etymologies:

• From "wire":

  • Late Middle English (15th century): from "wire (n.)", meaning a thin, flexible metal strand.
  • The word "wire" is of Old English origin, from "wir" or "wyr", which is related to the Proto-Germanic root wiraz, meaning "cord, rope, wire".

• From "the wires":

  • Early 20th century: from "the wires" (meaning the telegraph wires), referring to being connected to a telegraph system.
  • The phrase "on the wires" was used to indicate that a message had been sent or received via telegraph.

Meaning

1. (adjective) * Attached or connected with a wire. * Made of wire. * Tense, nervous, or excited. * Addicted to drugs or alcohol.

2. (verb) * To connect or equip with wires. * To tense up or become nervous.

Origin

The use of "wired" to describe a state of excitement or alertness emerged in the early 20th century, likely due to the association between telegraph wires and the rapid transmission of information. Over time, it came to encompass a wider range of emotional states, including nervousness, tension, and anxiety.

The slang usage of "wired" to refer to drug addiction also emerged in the 20th century, as people who were high on drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine often displayed symptoms of increased alertness and energy.

wired relate terms

• wire

  Etymology Old English wīre Proto Germanic wīrą Proto Indo European weyro to t

• wire

  Etymology Old English wīre Proto Germanic wīrą Proto Indo European weyro to t

• wired

  Etymology The word wired has two distinct etymologies From wire Late Middle Eng

• wiring

  Etymology The word wiring is derived from the following Proto Indo European roots we

• cablese

  Etymology Cable Middle English from Old French cable from Latin capulum rope Eas

• cable

  Etymology The word cable derives from the Latin word capulum which means halter

• fasten

  Etymology Middle English fastnen from Old English fæstnian to make firm or secure

• telegraph

  Etymology From the Greek tēle far and graphein to write Literally means to wr

• ward

  Etymology The word ward originates from the Old English word wearde meaning watchma

• draw

  Etymology The word etymology is derived from the Greek words étymon which means tr

• equip

  Etymology Old French esquiper Late Latin excipere to equip Latin ex out from

• pique

  Etymology Latin pīca pīcus Proto Indo European peikos spotted bird Mea

• recuse

  Etymology The word recuse comes from the Latin verb recusare meaning to refuse or