zilch etymology

Etymology and Origin

The word "zilch" originated in the German language, where it was first recorded in the 18th century. It is derived from the German word "zille," which means a card without pips or a zero in a game of cards.

Meaning

In English, "zilch" has evolved to mean:

• Nothing: Absolutely nothing; zero; null.
• An insignificant amount: A very small or negligible quantity.
• A failure or lack of success: A worthless or unsuccessful result.

Usage

"Zilch" is typically used as an informal or slang term in spoken and written language. It is often found in phrases such as:

• "I got zilch done today." (I accomplished nothing)
• "Your chances of winning are zilch." (You have no chance of success)
• "I spent zilch on the new car." (I bought the car for free)

Examples

• "We searched the entire house, but we came up with zilch."
• "The lottery ticket was a total zilch."
• "I've had zilch luck finding a job."
• "He worked all day, but got zilch in return."
• "I have zilch to say about the matter."

zilch relate terms

• zilch

  Etymology and Origin The word zilch originated in the German language where it was fir

• nothing

  Etymology and Meaning of Nothing The word nothing is a compound word consisting of t

• nada

  Etymology Latin nihil nothing Sanskrit na not ada existence Mea

• aught

  Etymology The word aught comes from Middle English aught which in turn derived from

• zero

  Etymology From the Latin word zero which may have originated from the Arabic word ص

• cipher

  Etymology The word cipher comes from the Old French word chifre which in turn comes

• naught

  Etymology Middle English nauȝt naut from Old English nāwiht nōhwiht a compound o

• goose

  Etymology Old English gōs plural gēs from Proto Germanic gōs plural gēsiз fro

• retribution

  Etymology Latin retributio retributionis retribution punishment retribuere to