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Today it means

thrift

the careful and economical use of money and resources

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Where does the word "thrift" come from? It comes from Old Norse thrift, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Read the full story

Where does the word "thrift" come from? It comes from Old Norse thrift, and was adopted directly into English (1300s).

Thrift’s story begins in Old Norse: thrift meant “prosperity, success.” Prosperity, success, related to thrifask (to thrive). It reached English by 1300s as thrift. Narrowed from general prosperity to careful, economical use of resources. Today, thrift means the careful and economical use of money and resources.

  1. Stage 1 · Old Norse · medieval thrift "prosperity, success", prosperity, success, related to thrifask (to thrive).
  2. Stage 2 · English · 1300s thrift "careful and economical use of money and resources", narrowed from general prosperity to careful, economical use of resources.

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