Frisk
/frɪsk/noun
To search someone for concealed items by patting their clothing.
Did you know?In the 16th century, 'frisk' was also associated with lively, playful movements, reflecting a time when joy was often expressed through dance and merriment.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰrēgʰ-
“to break or crush, suggesting energetic movement.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
friska
“to leap or spring, denoting lively motion.”
Middle English
Middle English
frisken
“to leap or dance playfully, expressing joyfulness.”
16th Century
English
frisk
“to search someone playfully, reflecting both movement and searching.”
Modern English
English
frisk
“to search someone for concealed items, maintaining a playful connotation.”
Explore more surprising origins