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Snag

2 stages from Old Norse to English.

Today it means an unexpected obstacle; a sharp projection

Where does the word "snag" come from? It comes from Old Norse snagi, adopted directly into English (1570s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
snagi
Old Norse · medieval
"peg, point"
a peg or projecting point
2
Stage 2 of 2
snag
English · 1570s
"obstacle"
a jagged stump; river 'snags' wrecked many American steamboats, and by the 1830s a snag was any hidden obstacle
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Read the full story

Snag’s story begins in Old Norse: snagi meant “peg, point.” A peg or projecting point. It reached English by 1570s as snag. A jagged stump; river 'snags' wrecked many American steamboats, and by the 1830s a snag was any hidden obstacle. Today, snag means an unexpected obstacle; a sharp projection.