Savage
/ˈsæv.ɪdʒ/noun
A term describing someone who is fierce, brutal, or untamed.
Did you know?In medieval times, 'savage' was often used to describe not just wild animals, but also uncivilized people, reflecting deep-seated fears of the 'other.'
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*selw-
“to be alone or to dwell in solitude, hinting at untamed nature.”
Latin
Latin
silvaticus
“of the woods or wild, emphasizing a connection to untamed wilderness.”
Old French
Old French
sauvage
“wild, untamed, often referring to nature or fierce behavior.”
Middle English
Middle English
savage
“wild, untamed; used to describe both animals and people perceived as uncivilized.”
Modern English
English
savage
“retaining connotations of wildness and fierce brutality, often applied in both literal and metaphorical contexts.”
Explore more surprising origins