Etymology Map
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Fling

3 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means to throw forcefully; a short, carefree romance or indulgence

Where does the word "fling" come from? It comes from Old Norse flengja, passing through Middle English before entering English (1800s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
flengja
Old Norse · medieval
"to whip, to flog"
a violent verb used of flogging or whipping
2
Stage 2 of 3
flingen
Middle English · 1300s
"to rush; to throw"
first meant to rush or dash violently, then to throw something forcefully
3
Stage 3 of 3
fling
English · 1800s
"a short, carefree period or affair"
the noun 'a brief, carefree indulgence' came from the idea of throwing oneself into something
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Read the full story

Fling’s story begins in Old Norse: flengja meant “to whip, to flog.” A violent verb used of flogging or whipping. By 1300s, the word had taken hold in Middle English as flingen. First meant to rush or dash violently, then to throw something forcefully. It reached English by 1800s as fling. The noun 'a brief, carefree indulgence' came from the idea of throwing oneself into something. Today, fling means to throw forcefully; a short, carefree romance or indulgence.