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Where does the word "gorgeous" come from? It comes from Latin gurgulio, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
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Where does the word "gorgeous" come from? It comes from Latin gurgulio, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).
Gorgeous’s story begins in Latin: gurgulio meant “gullet, throat.” A probable source via Old French 'gorge', throat. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as gorgias. Perhaps from a fancy neck ruff, a 'gorgerette'. It reached English by 1400s as gorgeous. First of rich clothing, then of anything beautiful. Today, gorgeous means very beautiful or attractive.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient gurgulio "gullet, throat", a probable source via Old French 'gorge', throat.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval gorgias "elegant, fashionable", perhaps from a fancy neck ruff, a 'gorgerette'.
- Stage 3 · English · 1400s gorgeous "splendid", first of rich clothing, then of anything beautiful.