flair

Where does the word "flair" come from? It comes from Latin fragrāre, passing through Old French and French before entering English (1880s).

Flair’s story begins in Latin: fragrāre meant “to smell.” To smell sweet, the root of 'fragrant'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as flairer. To give off or detect a smell. From there it passed into French as flair by 1600s. A dog's sense of smell, and then a knack for sniffing things out. It reached English by 1880s as flair. Borrowed in the sense of instinctive talent. Today, flair means a natural talent or aptitude.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient fragrāre "to smell", to smell sweet, the root of 'fragrant'.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval flairer "to smell", to give off or detect a smell.
3. Stage 3 · French · 1600s flair "scent, keen sense", a dog's sense of smell, and then a knack for sniffing things out.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1880s flair "natural talent", borrowed in the sense of instinctive talent.