Welcome to our fascinating exploration into why a penis is called a “dick!” For many of us,the words “penis” and “dick” are interchangeable, but exactly where does the latter come from and how has it come to be so popular?
It’s a question we bet you’ve been wondering about for some time, and the answer might surprise you! According to recent statistics, “dick” is the third most popular term used to describe a penis, closely behind “wiener” and “schlong”. Now that we’ve got your curiosity piqued, let’s dive right in and explore the origins of this slang word and why it’s used so widely today!
Why is a Penis Called a Dick?
The origin of the word dick is almost as mysterious as the organ itself.Nobody actually knows why the word has been widely used as a term for a penis, especially since it has no other widely accepted use. There are, however, a few theories that offer some clues as to where the term may have originated.
Old English Usage
One of the earliest uses of the term may be traced back to Old English, which was the language of the British Isles prior to the 12th century.Old English included many words for the male reproductive organ, including wyrm, wirp, and wicke. These words may have been interchangeable with dick or similar slang names used by other cultures.
Germanic Linguistic Root
The etymology of the word dick as it relates to a penis may also point to a Germanic root possibly involving tik, a Germanic word for “penis.” It is believed that the original form of the word was likely an Old High German derivative of tik, which later underwent various changes over time and eventually ended up in English as “dick” in the 17th century.
Racial Derogatories
Another possibility is that the word “dick” was originally a racial slur, commonly used by white Europeans in the Middle Ages to refer to black people.It is also believed that this word may have also been used as a derogatory term for people of other races. As time passed, the word began to be used in a more general way to refer to a penis.
Conclusion
The true origin of the word “dick” as a slang term for a penis is unknown, but there are several possible explanations.It may have its origins in Old English or Germanic language, or it may have been derived from a racial slur. Regardless, the term is now widely used as a colloquial way to refer to a penis.
Citation URL: https://www. ducksters. com/history/language/origin_of_dick. phphttps://en. oxforddictionaries. com/definition/dick