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Where does the word "fellow" come from? It comes from Old Norse felagi, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).
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Where does the word "fellow" come from? It comes from Old Norse felagi, and was adopted directly into English (1200s).
Fellow’s story begins in Old Norse: felagi meant “a partner, a shareholder.” Literally one who lays down money with another, a business partner. It reached English by 1200s as fellow. Broadened from business partner to any companion or man in general. Today, fellow means a man or boy, or a companion sharing the same interest or activity.
- Stage 1 · Old Norse · medieval felagi "a partner, a shareholder", literally one who lays down money with another, a business partner.
- Stage 2 · English · 1200s fellow "a companion, or informally, a man", broadened from business partner to any companion or man in general.