Have you ever asked “why is a crush called a crush?” If yes, you’re not alone. Millions of people across the world ask this same question, and for good reason.
Recent studies have shown that up to 60% of the population has experienced a crush in their lifetime and 86% said the experience was impactful on their life. So why is a crush called a crush?
Why Is a Crush Called a Crush?
When we are attracted to someone, be it in a romantic way or just as a friend, it can often be referred to as having “a crush”.Many people have wondered why we have come to call such an attraction a “crush”, an interesting term that we have often come to associate with romantic interest, although it originated as a verb meaning “to press and bruise”.
Origin Of The Term
The word “crush” has been around since the mid 16th century, with the first known usage being recorded in 1560. It is most likely derived from the Old French word “croissir” which means “to press or crunch”.The term was first used in a figurative sense in the 18th century to refer to an infatuation or strong feeling of admiration towards someone and eventually the meaning evolved to refer to a romantic interest.
Folk Etymology
Folk etymology is the study of the origins and history of words, and is especially useful when it comes to understanding why certain words have become associated with certain phenomena.When it comes to the phrase “crush,” folk etymology suggests that the term may have been derived from the idea of being “squashed” or “smothered” by love, thus giving the feeling of being “crushed”.
Crush As A Verb
The word “crush” can also be used as a verb and can mean “to press or bruise”, which may give a further insight into why the word has been used to describe romantic feelings. A crush can often feel as though one is being “pressed” or “bruised” by an intense emotion, something that may be particularly apt for those who are disappointed after their affections are not reciprocated.Conclusion
In conclusion, the term “crush” has been around for centuries and has its origins in a verb meaning “to press or bruise. ” Folk etymology suggests that the term may have been derived from the idea of being “squashed” or “smothered” by love, thus giving the feeling of being “crushed”.The verb form of the word might also be relevant in understanding why the word has been used to describe romantic feelings. Citation URL: https://www. etymonline.
com/word/crushhttps://en. oxforddictionaries. com/definition/crush