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Where does the word "sang-froid" come from? It comes from Latin sanguis + frigidus, passing through French before entering English (1712).
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Where does the word "sang-froid" come from? It comes from Latin sanguis + frigidus, passing through French before entering English (1712).
Sang-froid’s story begins in Latin: sanguis + frigidus meant “cold blood.” 'blood' and 'cold' combined. By 1600s-1700s, the word had taken hold in French as sang froid. Literally 'cool blood', a metaphor for emotional composure under pressure. It reached English by 1712 as sang-froid. Borrowed whole for unflappable presence of mind. Today, sang-froid means composure or coolness, especially in trying circumstances.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient sanguis + frigidus "cold blood", 'blood' and 'cold' combined.
- Stage 2 · French · 1600s-1700s sang froid "coolness, composure", literally 'cool blood', a metaphor for emotional composure under pressure.
- Stage 3 · English · 1712 sang-froid "presence of mind, composure", borrowed whole for unflappable presence of mind.