generic

Where does the word "generic" come from? It comes from Latin genus, passing through French before entering English (1670s).

Generic’s story begins in Latin: genus meant “kind, race.” The root of 'general' and 'gender'. By 1600s, the word had taken hold in French as générique. Centuries later, 20th-century French cinema borrowed the same word, 'générique', for a film or TV show's opening credits. It reached English by 1670s as generic. 'generic' drugs date from the 1960s. Today, generic means relating to a class; not branded.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient genus "kind, race", the root of 'general' and 'gender'.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1600s générique "general", centuries later, 20th-century French cinema borrowed the same word, 'générique', for a film or TV show's opening credits.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1670s generic "of a genus", 'generic' drugs date from the 1960s.