wicker

Where does the word "wicker" come from? It comes from Scandinavian vikker, passing through Middle English before entering English (1500s).

Wicker’s story begins in Scandinavian: vikker meant “willow twig.” Willow twigs, related to Swedish 'vika', to bend. By 1300s, the word had taken hold in Middle English as wiker. Borrowed from Norse settlers. It reached English by 1500s as wicker. Wicker baskets and furniture became especially fashionable in the 1800s. Today, wicker means pliable twigs woven into furniture or baskets.

1. Stage 1 · Scandinavian · medieval vikker "willow twig", willow twigs, related to Swedish 'vika', to bend.
2. Stage 2 · Middle English · 1300s wiker "pliant twig", borrowed from Norse settlers.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1500s wicker "woven twigs", wicker baskets and furniture became especially fashionable in the 1800s.