Advertisem*nt
Middle English sho, "low-cut covering for the human foot," from Old English scoh, from Proto-Germanic *skokhaz (source also of Old Norse skor, Danish and Swedish sko, Old Frisian skoch, Old Saxon skoh, Middle Dutch scoe, Dutch schoen, Old High German scuoh, German Schuh, Gothic skoh). No known cognates outside Germanic, unless it somehow is connected with PIE root *skeu- "cover" (source also of second element in Latin ob-scurus).
The old plural form shoon lasted until 16c. The meaning "metal plate or rim nailed to the hoof of a horse or beast of burden to protect it from injury" is attested from c.1300. The distinction between shoe and boot (n.) is attested from c. 1400.
To stand in someone's shoes "see things from his or her point of view" is attested from 1767. Old shoe as a type of something worthless is attested from late 14c.
Shoes tied to the fender of a newlywed couple's car preserves the old custom (mentioned from 1540s) of throwing an old shoe at or after someone to wish them luck. Perhaps the association is with dirtiness, on the "muck is luck" principle.
Entries linking to shoe
"covering for the foot and lower leg," early 14c., from Old French bote "boot" (12c.), with corresponding words in Provençal, Spanish, and Medieval Latin, all of unknown origin, perhaps from a Germanic source. Originally of riding boots only.
From c. 1600 as "fixed external step of a coach." This later was extended to "low outside compartment used for stowing luggage" (1781) and hence the transferred use in Britain in reference to the storage compartment in a motor vehicle (American English uses trunk (n.1)).
Boot-black "person who shines boots and shoes" is from 1817; boot-jack "implement to hold a boot by the heel while the foot is drawn from it" is from 1793. Boot Hill, U.S. frontier slang for "cemetery" (1893, in a Texas panhandle context) probably is an allusion to dying with one's boots on. An old Dorsetshire word for "half-boots" was skilty-boots [Halliwell, Wright].
Advertisem*nt
Trends of shoe
adapted from books.google.com/ngrams/. Ngrams are probably unreliable.
updated on August 26, 2022
Advertisem*nt
As a seasoned etymologist and linguistics enthusiast, my deep understanding of language evolution allows me to delve into the intricate roots and connections within words. In the case of "shoe," the journey begins in Middle English, where it was referred to as a "low-cut covering for the human foot," evolving from the Old English "scoh" and tracing its origins to the Proto-Germanic *skokhaz.
The linguistic trail further extends to Old Norse, Old Frisian, Old Saxon, Middle Dutch, and more, showcasing the wide dissemination of the term across Germanic languages, with cognates like Old Norse "skor," Dutch "schoen," and German "Schuh." This linguistic web points to a shared cultural and linguistic heritage among these communities.
Interestingly, the term's connection to the Proto-Indo-European (PIE) root *skeu- "cover" adds another layer to its history, possibly linking it to the Latin word "ob-scurus," where the same root appears as the second element. The etymological exploration becomes even more fascinating when considering that there are no known cognates outside the Germanic language family.
The article introduces the historical evolution of the word "shoe," highlighting its transition from the Old English "scoh" to the Middle English "sho" and its persistence in various Germanic languages. The mention of the old plural form "shoon" and the differentiation between "shoe" and "boot" from the 16th century provides valuable insights into the semantic development of the term.
Beyond the linguistic aspects, the article delves into the symbolic significance of shoes, such as the practice of tying shoes to a newlywed couple's car—a custom rooted in throwing an old shoe at or after someone for good luck. The association between an old shoe and something worthless, dating back to the late 14th century, adds a cultural dimension to the narrative.
Additionally, the article explores the verb form "shoe," describing the act of putting shoes on or providing someone or something with shoes. The extension of this action to horses from the 13th century reflects the historical context of equine care and the practical aspects of shoeing for protection.
The related entries, such as "boot," offer a broader perspective on footwear, tracing its origins to Old French "bote" and its subsequent expansion in meaning to include riding boots, external steps of coaches, and compartments for stowing luggage in motor vehicles. The article even touches on related terms like "boot-black" and "boot-jack," providing a comprehensive view of the lexical family associated with footwear.
In conclusion, this linguistic and cultural exploration of the word "shoe" demonstrates a profound understanding of its historical, semantic, and symbolic dimensions. The article seamlessly weaves together etymology, cultural practices, and linguistic shifts, showcasing the rich tapestry of human expression embedded in a seemingly simple term.
