genie

Where does the word "genie" come from? It comes from Arabic jinni, passing through French before entering English (1700s).

Genie’s story begins in Arabic: jinni meant “a supernatural spirit.” A supernatural spirit in Arabian folklore. By 1700s, the word had taken hold in French as génie. Translators of "One Thousand and One Nights" conflated it with the Latin "genius". It reached English by 1700s as genie. French translator Antoine Galland used 'génie' for 'jinni' in his 'Thousand and One Nights' (1704). Today, genie means a magical spirit, often depicted as granting wishes.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval jinni "a supernatural spirit", a supernatural spirit in Arabian folklore.
2. Stage 2 · French · 1700s génie "a magical spirit", translators of "One Thousand and One Nights" conflated it with the Latin "genius".
3. Stage 3 · English · 1700s genie "a magical wish-granting spirit", French translator Antoine Galland used 'génie' for 'jinni' in his 'Thousand and One Nights' (1704).