dash (English)
Where does "dash" come from?
The word 'dash' traces its roots to Middle English 'daschen,' which originally referred to a forceful strike or the act of hitting someone with a weapon. It likely originated from Scandinavian terms like the Danish 'daske,' meaning to slap or smack, which are themselves thought to be onomatopoeic. Over time, the meaning evolved from a physical blow to describe quick, energetic movement, ultimately broadening into the diverse range of meanings we use today.
Full etymology tree
- dash (English), 'To run quickly or for a short distance.'
- inherited daschen (Middle English), 'To hit with a weapon and cause damage; to land a blow or hit.'
- inherited daske (Danish), 'To move or walk lackadaisically or carelessly, to dawdle'
- inherited daska (Old Norse)
- inherited daske (Danish), 'To move or walk lackadaisically or carelessly, to dawdle'
- inherited daschen (Middle English), 'To hit with a weapon and cause damage; to land a blow or hit.'
Direct ancestors
Updated July 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris