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Where does the word "luck" come from? It comes from Dutch gheluc, passing through Dutch before entering English (c. 1500 onward).
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Where does the word "luck" come from? It comes from Dutch gheluc, passing through Dutch before entering English (c. 1500 onward).
Luck’s story begins in Dutch: gheluc meant “happiness, good fortune.” A Low Countries word for fortune, later shortened. Within Dutch, it grew into luc by c. 1400s. Clipped form entering English, likely first as a term among gamblers. It reached English by c. 1500 onward as luck. Settled into general use for chance success or failure. Today, luck means success or failure apparently caused by chance.
- Stage 1 · Dutch · medieval gheluc "happiness, good fortune", a Low Countries word for fortune, later shortened.
- Stage 2 · Dutch · c. 1400s luc "chance, fortune", clipped form entering English, likely first as a term among gamblers.
- Stage 3 · English · c. 1500 onward luck "success or failure attributed to chance", settled into general use for chance success or failure.