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Where does the word "juggle" come from? It comes from Latin joculari, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
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Where does the word "juggle" come from? It comes from Latin joculari, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).
Juggle’s story begins in Latin: joculari meant “to jest.” From 'jocus', joke. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as jogler. Medieval jongleurs were travelling entertainers. It reached English by 1300s as juggle. Keeping balls in the air dates from the 1800s. Today, juggle means to keep several objects in the air; to manage many tasks.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient joculari "to jest", from 'jocus', joke.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval jogler "to perform tricks", medieval jongleurs were travelling entertainers.
- Stage 3 · English · 1300s juggle "to perform tricks", keeping balls in the air dates from the 1800s.