Etymology Map
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Pony

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a small breed of horse

Where does the word "pony" come from? It comes from Latin pullus, passing through Old French before entering English (1650s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
pullus
Latin · ancient
"young animal"
the root of 'poultry'
2
Stage 2 of 3
poulenet
Old French · medieval
"little colt"
a diminutive of 'poulain', foal
3
Stage 3 of 3
pony
English · 1650s
"a small horse"
first recorded in Scots English
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Read the full story

Pony’s story begins in Latin: pullus meant “young animal.” The root of 'poultry'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as poulenet. A diminutive of 'poulain', foal. It reached English by 1650s as pony. First recorded in Scots English. Today, pony means a small breed of horse.