aficionado

Where does the word "aficionado" come from? It comes from Spanish afficionar, passing through Spanish before entering English (1845).

Aficionado’s story begins in Spanish: afficionar meant “to inspire affection.” To inspire affection, from Latin affectio (affection). Within Spanish, it grew into aficionado by 1800s. Settled in Spanish for a devoted enthusiast, especially of bullfighting. It reached English by 1845 as aficionado. First used in English of bullfighting fans; Hemingway's writing on the corrida popularized it. Today, aficionado means a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about a particular activity.

1. Stage 1 · Spanish · medieval afficionar "to inspire affection", to inspire affection, from Latin affectio (affection).
2. Stage 2 · Spanish · 1800s aficionado "a devoted enthusiast", settled in Spanish for a devoted enthusiast, especially of bullfighting.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1845 aficionado "a devoted enthusiast of an activity or subject", first used in English of bullfighting fans; Hemingway's writing on the corrida popularized it.