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Where does the word "pronto" come from? It comes from Latin promptus, passing through Spanish before entering English (1850s).
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Where does the word "pronto" come from? It comes from Latin promptus, passing through Spanish before entering English (1850s).
Pronto’s story begins in Latin: promptus meant “ready.” Ready, at hand. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Spanish as pronto. Quick, soon. It reached English by 1850s as pronto. Spread from the Southwest into general slang. Today, pronto means promptly; quickly.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient promptus "ready", ready, at hand.
- Stage 2 · Spanish · medieval pronto "quickly", quick, soon.
- Stage 3 · American English · 1850s pronto "right away", spread from the Southwest into general slang.