Old English brun "dark, dusky," developing a definite color sense from 13c., from Proto-Germanic *brunaz (source also of Old Norse brunn, Danish brun, Old Frisian and Old High German brun, Dutch bruin, German braun), from PIE root *bher- (2) "bright; brown."
The Old English word also had a sense of "brightness, shining," preserved only in burnish. The Germanic word was adopted into Romanic (Middle Latin brunus, Italian and Spanish bruno, French brun).
Brown sugar is from 1704. Brown Bess, slang name for old British Army flintlock musket, is recorded by 1785. Brown study "state of mental abstraction or meditation" is from 1530s; OED says the notion is "gloomy." Brown-paper "kind of coarse, stout, unbleached paper used for wrapping" is from 1650s.
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I'm an expert in linguistics and etymology, specializing in the historical development of language and the origins of words. My extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of language evolution, providing a nuanced understanding of how words have transformed over time. In this context, let's explore the concepts embedded in the provided article on the word "brown."
The term "brown" has ancient roots, tracing its origins to the Old English word "brun," meaning "dark, dusky." This word underwent a semantic shift, acquiring a definite color sense around the 13th century. The Proto-Germanic root brunaz, shared by Old Norse, Danish, Old Frisian, Old High German, Dutch, and German, signifies the color brown. The etymological journey of "brown" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root bher- (2), which encompasses the notions of brightness and brown.
The Old English term "brun" also carried a sense of "brightness" and "shining," as evidenced by its association with the word "burnish." Interestingly, the Germanic word "brown" made its way into Romance languages, such as Middle Latin brunus, Italian and Spanish bruno, and French brun.
Several compound terms and expressions have emerged over time, reflecting the widespread use and cultural significance of the color brown. "Brown sugar," for instance, can be dated back to 1704. Additionally, the slang term "Brown Bess," referring to the old British Army flintlock musket, is recorded by 1785, showcasing the historical depth of the word's usage.
The expression "brown study," denoting a state of mental abstraction or meditation, has roots in the 1530s. The Oxford English Dictionary notes that the associated notion is somewhat "gloomy," adding a layer of complexity to the semantic evolution of the term.
Lastly, the term "brown-paper," referring to a kind of coarse, stout, unbleached paper used for wrapping, has been in use since the 1650s. This historical usage demonstrates the practical applications of the color brown in everyday life.
In conclusion, the word "brown" carries a rich history, with its roots extending deep into the linguistic tapestry of various languages. The semantic shifts and cultural associations surrounding this term offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of language and the diverse ways in which colors are perceived and integrated into human expression.
