Swarthy
/ˈswɔːr.ði/noun
Having a dark complexion or color.
Did you know?Interestingly, the word 'swarthy' is linked to the Old English term for 'dark', revealing a historical connection to shadowy or mysterious figures in folklore.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sweḱ-
“to be dark or black”
Ancient Greek
Greek
σκοτεινός (skoteinós)
“dark, obscure, shadowy”
Old English
Old English
sweart
“dark, black, or dusky”
Middle English
Middle English
swarthe
“dark-colored, swarthy; having a dark complexion”
Modern English
English
swarthy
“having a dark or dusky complexion, especially in reference to skin tone.”