coupon

Where does the word "coupon" come from? It comes from French couper, and was adopted directly into English (1820s).

Coupon’s story begins in French: couper meant “to cut.” Railway coupons and bond coupons were torn off a sheet; retail coupons date from 1887 Coca-Cola ones. It reached English by 1820s as coupon. Settled as the word for a detachable ticket entitling the holder to something. Today, coupon means a voucher entitling the holder to a discount or a free item.

1. Stage 1 · French · medieval couper "to cut", railway coupons and bond coupons were torn off a sheet; retail coupons date from 1887 Coca-Cola ones.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1820s coupon "a voucher entitling the holder to a discount or benefit", settled as the word for a detachable ticket entitling the holder to something.