leprechaun

Where does the word "leprechaun" come from? It comes from Old Irish luchorpan, passing through Irish before entering English (1600s-1700s).

Leprechaun’s story begins in Old Irish: luchorpan meant “a small-bodied being.” Possibly combining "lu" (small) and "corp" (body). By medieval, the word had taken hold in Irish as leipreachán. The name for the mischievous fairy shoemaker of folklore. It reached English by 1600s-1700s as leprechaun. From Old Irish 'luchorpán', small body. Today, leprechaun means a small, mischievous fairy in Irish folklore, often depicted guarding gold.

1. Stage 1 · Old Irish · ancient luchorpan "a small-bodied being", possibly combining "lu" (small) and "corp" (body).
2. Stage 2 · Irish · medieval leipreachán "a mischievous fairy", the name for the mischievous fairy shoemaker of folklore.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s-1700s leprechaun "a small, mischievous fairy in Irish folklore", from Old Irish 'luchorpán', small body.