deluxe

Where does the word "deluxe" come from? It comes from Latin luxus, passing through French before entering English (1819).

Deluxe’s story begins in Latin: luxus meant “excess, abundance.” Originally 'dislocated', a figurative sense giving rise to a word for excess. By medieval, the word had taken hold in French as luxe. Kept the sense of abundance and indulgence. By medieval, French speakers had reshaped it into de luxe. Literally 'of luxury', describing something superior in quality. It reached English by 1819 as deluxe. Borrowed as an adjective for something especially luxurious. Today, deluxe means of a superior, luxurious quality.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient luxus "excess, abundance", originally 'dislocated', a figurative sense giving rise to a word for excess.
2. Stage 2 · French · medieval luxe "luxury", kept the sense of abundance and indulgence.
3. Stage 3 · French · medieval de luxe "of luxury, superior", literally 'of luxury', describing something superior in quality.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1819 deluxe "luxurious, superior", borrowed as an adjective for something especially luxurious.