Etymology Map
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Gorgeous

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means very beautiful or attractive

Where does the word "gorgeous" come from? It comes from Latin gurgulio, passing through Old French before entering English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
gurgulio
Latin · ancient
"gullet, throat"
a probable source via Old French 'gorge', throat
2
Stage 2 of 3
gorgias
Old French · medieval
"elegant, fashionable"
perhaps from a fancy neck ruff, a 'gorgerette'
3
Stage 3 of 3
gorgeous
English · 1400s
"splendid"
first of rich clothing, then of anything beautiful
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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.