Etymology Map
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Bonbon

3 stages from French to English.

Today it means a sweet, especially one with a soft filling

Where does the word "bonbon" come from? It comes from French bon, passing through French before entering English (1790s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
bon
French · medieval
"good"
good, from Latin 'bonus'
2
Stage 2 of 3
bonbon
French · 1600s
"sweet"
a nursery word, 'good-good', said to have been used at the royal court for children's treats
3
Stage 3 of 3
bonbon
English · 1790s
"sweet"
borrowed with French confectionery
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Read the full story

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.