Etymology Map
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Dapper

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means neat and trim in dress and appearance

Where does the word "dapper" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch dapper, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
dapper
Middle Dutch · medieval
"brave"
brave, strong; German 'tapfer', brave, is a cousin
2
Stage 2 of 2
dapper
English · 1400s
"neatly dressed"
its meaning shifted to 'neat and smart'
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Read the full story

Dapper’s story begins in Middle Dutch: dapper meant “brave.” Brave, strong; German 'tapfer', brave, is a cousin. It reached English by 1400s as dapper. Its meaning shifted to 'neat and smart'. Today, dapper means neat and trim in dress and appearance.