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Where does the word "bonbon" come from? It comes from French bon, passing through French before entering English (1790s).
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Where does the word "bonbon" come from? It comes from French bon, passing through French before entering English (1790s).
Bonbon’s story begins in French: bon meant “good.” Good, from Latin 'bonus'. Within French, it grew into bonbon by 1600s. A nursery word, 'good-good', said to have been used at the royal court for children's treats. It reached English by 1790s as bonbon. Borrowed with French confectionery. Today, bonbon means a sweet, especially one with a soft filling.
- Stage 1 · French · medieval bon "good", good, from Latin 'bonus'.
- Stage 2 · French · 1600s bonbon "sweet", a nursery word, 'good-good', said to have been used at the royal court for children's treats.
- Stage 3 · English · 1790s bonbon "sweet", borrowed with French confectionery.