Etymology Map
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Skid

2 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means to slide sideways out of control; a sliding motion

Where does the word "skid" come from? It comes from Old Norse skíð, adopted directly into English (1600s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
skíð
Old Norse · medieval
"stick of wood, snowshoe"
a split length of wood; the same word gave English 'ski' via Norwegian
2
Stage 2 of 2
skid
English · 1600s
"a wooden runner or plank; later to slide uncontrollably"
first a plank or beam for sliding heavy loads, then a brake shoe on a wheel; later, the verb 'slide sideways out of control' came from wheels locked by the brake and sliding
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Read the full story

Skid’s story begins in Old Norse: skíð meant “stick of wood, snowshoe.” A split length of wood; the same word gave English 'ski' via Norwegian. It reached English by 1600s as skid. First a plank or beam for sliding heavy loads, then a brake shoe on a wheel; later, the verb 'slide sideways out of control' came from wheels locked by the brake and sliding. Today, skid means to slide sideways out of control; a sliding motion.