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Oaf

2 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means a stupid, uncultured, or clumsy person

Where does the word "oaf" come from? It comes from Old Norse álfr, adopted directly into English (1620s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
álfr
Old Norse · medieval
"elf"
an elf, one of the supernatural beings of Norse mythology
2
Stage 2 of 2
oaf
English · 1620s
"an elf's child, changeling; later a stupid, clumsy person"
used for a changeling, the misshapen or dim child fairies were believed to leave in place of a stolen baby; later, the changeling's supposed dullness gave the modern sense
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Read the full story

Oaf’s story begins in Old Norse: álfr meant “elf.” An elf, one of the supernatural beings of Norse mythology. It reached English by 1620s as oaf. Used for a changeling, the misshapen or dim child fairies were believed to leave in place of a stolen baby; later, the changeling's supposed dullness gave the modern sense. Today, oaf means a stupid, uncultured, or clumsy person.