husky

Where does the word "husky" come from? It comes from Innu (Montagnais) ayassimew, passing through English before entering English (1852).

Husky’s story begins in Innu (Montagnais): ayassimew meant “Inuit person.” An Algonquian term referring to Inuit peoples, later corrupted by European traders. By 1700s, the word had taken hold in English as huskemaw. Newfoundland English corruption of 'Esquimaux', applied to Arctic sled dogs. It reached English by 1852 as husky. Shortened form settled as the name of the northern sled-dog breed. Today, husky means a strong, thick-coated dog breed originally used for pulling sleds in Arctic regions.

1. Stage 1 · Innu (Montagnais) · pre-1600s ayassimew "Inuit person", an Algonquian term referring to Inuit peoples, later corrupted by European traders.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1700s huskemaw "an Inuit person, later an Arctic sled dog", Newfoundland English corruption of 'Esquimaux', applied to Arctic sled dogs.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1852 husky "a strong Arctic sled dog breed", shortened form settled as the name of the northern sled-dog breed.