dash

Pronunciation

• IPA: /dæʃ/^[1]

Etymology

Middle English dasshen is of uncertain origin,^[2][3] probably imitative, formed like clash, bash and smash from the sound of a blow or a sudden movement,^[2][4][5] and perhaps from a Scandinavian source: compare Swedish daska, Danish daske, to beat, strike,^[3][4][2] though no older Scandinavian forms are recorded.^[4]

Earliest recorded meaning

To strike violently, so as to break into pieces: about 1300, the sense still seen in dashed to pieces and dashed hopes.^[3][6][2]

Semantic evolution

Moving quickly, rushing, is from the 14th century.^[4][3] The noun, a violent blow, is from about 1390.^[2][3] The punctuation mark is from the 1550s,^[3] a small amount mixed in (a dash of salt) from the 1610s,^[3] showy appearance (to cut a dash) from 1715, and vigour or spirited action by 1796.^[3] In the 19th century dash became a euphemism for damn, partly from the printed dash put in place of the word.^[4] Dashboard was first a board in front of a carriage to stop mud being dashed up by the horses.^[3]

Timeline

• c. 1300 – to strike, smash.^[3][2]
• c. 1390 – a blow (noun).^[2]
• 1550s – the punctuation dash.^[3]
• 1610s – a small admixture.^[3]
• 1715 – a showy appearance.^[3]
• 19th century – dash it!^[4]

Modern meaning

Verb

1. To hurl or smash violently: waves dashed against the rocks.
2. To move with haste; to rush.
3. To write or finish quickly: to dash off a letter.
4. To destroy or frustrate: our hopes were dashed.

Noun

1. A sudden quick movement or sprint; a short race.
2. A small amount of something added: a dash of milk.
3. A punctuation mark (—) used to show a break or insertion.
4. Lively style or flair.

Word family

• dashing
• bedash
• dashpot
• dashy
• slapdash
• spatterdash
• em dash
• en dash

Related words

• dashboard
• clash
• bash
• smash

Usage notes

Merriam-Webster records a separate dash, a gift or tip in West Africa, perhaps from Portuguese das, “you give”.^[5]

References

1. ^ Jones, Daniel (2011), Cambridge English Pronouncing Dictionary, 18th ed., ed. Peter Roach, Jane Setter and John Esling, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
2. ^ a b c d e f g Barnhart, Robert K. (1988), The Barnhart Dictionary of Etymology
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
4. ^ a b c d e f Hoad, T. F., ed. (1986), The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, Oxford: Clarendon Press
5. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
6. ^ Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press