Etymology Map
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Pinch

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means to squeeze between finger and thumb

Where does the word "pinch" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin pinctiare, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pinctiare
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"to pinch"
a Vulgar Latin word of uncertain origin
2
Stage 2 of 3
pincier
Old French · medieval
"to pinch"
Norman French 'pinchier'
3
Stage 3 of 3
pinch
English · 1200s
"to squeeze"
'pinch' meaning to steal is 1600s slang
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Read the full story

Pinch’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: pinctiare meant “to pinch.” A Vulgar Latin word of uncertain origin. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as pincier. Norman French 'pinchier'. It reached English by 1200s as pinch. 'pinch' meaning to steal is 1600s slang. Today, pinch means to squeeze between finger and thumb.