Etymology of trimmings by etymonline (2024)

mid-15c., probably from Old English trymian, trymman "strengthen, fortify, confirm; comfort; incite; set in order, arrange, prepare, make ready; become strong," from trum "strong, stable," from Proto-Germanic *trum-, from PIE *dru-mo-, suffixed form of root *deru- "be firm, solid, steadfast." Examples in Middle English are wanting.

Original sense is preserved in nautical phrase in fighting trim (see trim (n.)); where the verb meant "distribute the load of a ship so she floats on an even keel" (1570s). Meaning "make neat by cutting" is first recorded 1520s; that of "decorate, adorn" is from 1540s. Sense of "reduce" is attested from 1966.

Etymology of trimmings by etymonline (2024)

FAQs

Etymology of trimmings by etymonline? ›

trimmings (n.) "adornments, accessories, etc.," 1610s, from trim (v.). also *dreu-, Proto-Indo-European root meaning "be firm, solid, steadfast," with specialized senses "wood," "tree" and derivatives referring to objects made of wood.

Where does the term trimmings come from? ›

Entries linking to trimmings

Meaning "make neat by cutting" is first recorded 1520s; that of "decorate, adorn" is from 1540s. Sense of "reduce" is attested from 1966.

Where does the slang term trim come from? ›

Trim is slang for female genitalia. In the blues, it's usually used by a man to express a need or a intention, as in “I'm gonna get me some trim tonight.” This usage has been around since 1920s. This meaning for trim is still in use to this day. It's basically something like “sex”, (something nasty)-,-

What is the meaning of Etymonline? ›

The Online Etymology Dictionary or Etymonline, sometimes abbreviated as OED (not to be confused with the Oxford English Dictionary, which the site often cites), is a free online dictionary that describes the origins of English words, written and compiled by Douglas R. Harper.

Why is it called trimming the tree? ›

The word “trim” comes from an old meaning of “to put in order” or “arrange.” We don't cut the tree itself when decorating but rather arrange ornaments and decorations on it.

Why do we say "all the trimmings"? ›

If you say that something comes with all the trimmings, you mean that it has many extra things added to it to make it more special.

What is the history of trimmings? ›

Trimming can be traced back to the nomadic tribes of the Middle East. Cords were made to help construct tents and woven bands were used to tie provisions onto camels and donkeys, during travel.

What does it mean when a guy calls you trim? ›

If you describe someone's figure as trim, you mean that it is attractive because there is no extra fat on their body.

Why is trim called trim? ›

trim (adj.) c. 1500, "neatly or smartly dressed," probably ultimately from trim (v.) or from related Old English trum "firm, fixed, secure, strong, sound, vigorous, active." Related: Trimly; trimness.

What does trim mean in Atlanta slang? ›

Trim is like Atlanta slang. Tripping. You don't say the whole word. You trim. It could be a bad thing or a good thing.

What is the etymonline word for girl? ›

girl (n.) c. 1300, gyrle "child, young person" (of either sex but most frequently of females), of unknown origin.

What is the Etymonline of wife? ›

Middle English wif, wyf, from Old English wif (neuter) "woman, female, lady," also, but not especially, "wife," from Proto-Germanic *wīfa- (source also of Old Saxon, Old Frisian wif, Old Norse vif, Danish and Swedish viv, Middle Dutch, Dutch wijf, Old High German wib, German Weib), of uncertain origin and disputed ...

Is etymonline reliable? ›

The issue is that while it is in general a good resource, there are a number of issues. Every once in a while you will come across something that's not quite accurate, but which you wouldn't necessarily know was a problem unless you were already familiar with the etymology. Generally it's a good place to start.

What's the difference between pruning and trimming? ›

Trimming is the process of cutting away overgrowth on plants to keep them looking neat while pruning aims to remove dead or diseased branches to maintain the plant's health. Keep reading to learn how trimming is different from pruning, and why your trees and shrubs need both.

What is the technical term for tree trimming? ›

CUTTING BACK - Pruning designed to reduce the crown of a tree or individual branch. Sometimes referred to as heading back, drop crotch pruning, natural pruning, lateral pruning, or directional pruning.

What is the art of trimming trees called? ›

Topiary is the horticultural practice of shaping live trees, by clipping the foliage and twigs of trees and shrubs to develop and maintain clearly defined shapes, often geometric or fanciful. The hedge is a simple form of topiary used to create boundaries, walls or screens.

What is the difference between trimming and trimmings? ›

The trimming on something such as a piece of clothing is the decoration, for example along its edges, that is in a different colour or material. Trimmings are pieces of something, usually food, which are left over after you have cut what you need.

What does "turkey with all the trimmings" mean? ›

: something that is added to complete a dish or meal. a feast with turkey and all the trimmings [=all the other foods that are typically served with turkey]

What does trimmings mean in clothing? ›

A garment 'trim' or 'trimming' refers to something that is added to a piece of clothing to add colour or interest. For example, a shirt could have sleeves that are trimmed with lace to add a little something extra, or buttons could be added for decoration.

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