frolic

Where does the word "frolic" come from? It comes from Dutch vrolijc, passing through English before entering English (1580s onward).

Frolic’s story begins in Dutch: vrolijc meant “happy, merry.” A compound of 'vro-' (glad, merry) and 'lijc' (-like). By 1530s, the word had taken hold in English as frolic. Borrowed first as an adjective describing merry high spirits. It reached English by 1580s onward as frolic. Gained verb and noun uses for playful romping. Today, frolic means to play or run about happily; playful behavior.

1. Stage 1 · Dutch · medieval vrolijc "happy, merry", a compound of 'vro-' (glad, merry) and 'lijc' (-like).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1530s frolic "joyous, merry, full of mirth", borrowed first as an adjective describing merry high spirits.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1580s onward frolic "to play and run about happily", gained verb and noun uses for playful romping.