aperitif

Where does the word "aperitif" come from? It comes from Latin aperīre, passing through Medieval Latin and French before entering English (1890s).

Aperitif’s story begins in Latin: aperīre meant “to open.” To open. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Medieval Latin as aperitivus. A medicine that 'opens' the bowels. From there it passed into French as apéritif by 1800s. Came to mean a drink to 'open' the appetite. It reached English by 1890s as aperitif. Borrowed with French café culture. Today, aperitif means an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient aperīre "to open", to open.
2. Stage 2 · Medieval Latin · medieval aperitivus "laxative", a medicine that 'opens' the bowels.
3. Stage 3 · French · 1800s apéritif "appetizer drink", came to mean a drink to 'open' the appetite.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1890s aperitif "pre-dinner drink", borrowed with French café culture.