Etymology Map
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Rig

2 stages from Norwegian to English.

Today it means to fit out with equipment; to manipulate an outcome dishonestly

Where does the word "rig" come from? It comes from Norwegian rigga, adopted directly into English (1480s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
rigga
Norwegian · medieval
"to bind, wrap"
a nautical verb for binding or wrapping, used of fitting a ship
2
Stage 2 of 2
rig
English · 1480s
"to equip a ship; later to fix fraudulently"
first a sailors' term for fitting a ship with masts, sails and lines; later, the sense 'to manipulate dishonestly' arose from slang for a trick or swindle
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Read the full story

Rig’s story begins in Norwegian: rigga meant “to bind, wrap.” A nautical verb for binding or wrapping, used of fitting a ship. It reached English by 1480s as rig. First a sailors' term for fitting a ship with masts, sails and lines; later, the sense 'to manipulate dishonestly' arose from slang for a trick or swindle. Today, rig means to fit out with equipment; to manipulate an outcome dishonestly.