Ashwin Lewis
The word kip is used in British English to refer to a short period of sleep. The word first appeared in English literature in Oliver Goldsmith's The Vicar of Wakefield, published in 1766. The word probably originated from the Danish word kippe, which refers to a hut or a low sort of alehouse. By the time it was adopted in Ireland, it was used as slang for a brothel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Origin | Probably Denmark via Ireland |
| Original meaning | Danish "kippe" meaning a hut or alehouse |
| First recorded use | Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield", 1766 |
| First meaning shift | Irish slang for brothel |
| Second meaning shift | Common lodging house or bed in such a house |
| Third meaning shift | Act of sleeping |
| Use in Scotland | Bed |
| Use in Romani | Basket |
| Use in German | Tilt, incline |
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What You'll Learn
The word 'kip' may have Danish origins
The word "kip", meaning sleep, may have Danish origins. The word "kip" first appeared in English literature in Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield", published in 1766. In the book, Goldsmith wrote, "My business was to attend him at auctions... to take the left hand in his chariot when not filled by another, and to assist at tattering a kip, as the phrase was, when we had a mind for a frolic".
Goldsmith was Irish and educated in Dublin, so he likely picked up this piece of vernacular there. The word "kip" is suspected to have come from the Danish word "kippe", which means a hut or a low sort of alehouse. By the time it got to Ireland, it was a slang term for a brothel. This is evident in Goldsmith's use of the phrase "tattering a kip", which describes the act of smashing up a house of ill repute.
In the 19th century, when the word crossed the Irish Sea to mainland Britain, it had lost its association with prostitution and came to refer to a common lodging house or, more specifically, a bed in such a house and then, by extension, a bed in general. The word "kip" had thus gone from referring to a place where one sleeps to referring to the act of sleeping itself.
The word "kip" can be used as a noun, as in "Get some kip", or as an intransitive verb, as in "They kipped in the barn". It can also be used as a verb on its own, as in "They kipped down for the night".
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'Kip' was used as a verb in the 20th century
The word kip, which means sleep, has a long and fascinating history. It was first recorded in the middle of the 18th century as an Irish slang term for a brothel. The earliest known example of its usage is from Oliver Goldsmith's 1766 novel, "The Vicar of Wakefield." By the latter part of the 19th century, the word had evolved in Britain (excluding Ireland) to refer to a common lodging house for tramps and the homeless. Soon after, it transitioned from describing a place where one sleeps to referring to the act of sleeping itself, marking its entry into the world of verbs.
In the early 20th century, "kip" began its life as a verb, taking on the meaning of ""to sleep." This development occurred in mainland Britain, where the word had shed its association with brothels and doss-houses. The transformation is quite intriguing, as the word's original context was far removed from the peaceful notion of sleep.
The word's etymology can be traced to the Danish word "kippe," which refers to a hut or a low alehouse. It is also speculated to have roots in the Romany language, with potential links to "kipsi" (basket) and "kitchema" (inn). Additionally, there may be a nautical origin, as "kip" can also mean "hammock."
Over time, "kip" has continued as a verb in British English, often used in phrases like "get some kip" or "they kipped in the barn." It is worth noting that while the word's slang connotations have faded, one should still exercise caution when using it in certain countries, as the original meaning might be considered offensive.
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The word's evolution from noun to verb
The word "kip" has an interesting journey, evolving from a noun to a verb over time, and it is useful to understand the roots of the word to see how this evolution took place. The word "kip" originated as a noun in the late 16th century, derived from an earlier noun "kype," which meant "to lie down." This noun form of "kip" had a few different but related meanings, including a short period of sleep, a place to sleep, or a period of time spent in a lazy or inactive manner. The word was commonly used to describe the act of sleeping, especially during the day, and could also refer to a nap or a brief rest.
The transition to a verb likely occurred due to the nature of the noun's definition, which lent itself to a verbal form. The verb "kip" first appeared in the early 17th century, and it meant 'to take a short sleep,' 'to catch some sleep,' or 'to sleep briefly.' This verb form added a sense of action and energy to the word, reflecting the active nature of taking a quick nap or resting for a short while. Over time, the verb "kip" has become a widely accepted and commonly used part of the English language, especially in British English, where it is more prevalent.
The evolution of "kip" from a noun to a verb showcases how words can develop and take on new life over time. It is a natural process for words to evolve as language itself is a living, changing entity. The word's journey offers a fascinating insight into how language adapts to the needs and nuances of its speakers, and how a simple shift in part of speech can occur organically over centuries of use.
The word's history also highlights how language is influenced by cultural and societal factors. In this case, the recognition of the importance of rest and the need for a word to describe a short sleep likely played a role in the development of "kip." This evolution demonstrates how language is a powerful tool that can reflect and influence our understanding of the world and our daily experiences, even something as universal as the need for sleep.
The story of "kip" also serves as a reminder that words can have multiple lives and uses. Through its evolution, "kip" has taken on new meanings and uses, enriching the language and providing a more nuanced way to describe the human experience. This evolution is a natural and ongoing process, and it will be fascinating to see how words like "kip" continue to develop and change in the future.
So, the next time you hear someone say they are going to "kip," you will know that this word has a long and interesting history, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and our ever-evolving understanding of the world.
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'Kip' was first used in English literature in 1766
The word "kip" was first used in English literature in Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield", published in 1766. In the novel, Goldsmith wrote:
> "My business was to attend him at auctions... to take the left hand in his chariot when not filled by another, and to assist at tattering a kip, as the phrase was, when we had a mind for a frolic."
Goldsmith was Irish and educated in Dublin, which is where he likely picked up this piece of vernacular. A later commentator noted that "tattering a kip" described the act of smashing up a house of ill repute. By the time the word crossed over to mainland Britain in the 19th century, it had lost its association with prostitution and came to refer to a common lodging house or, more specifically, a bed in such a house and, by extension, a bed in general.
The word "kip" is probably derived from the Danish word kippe, which meant a hut or a low sort of alehouse. By the time it entered the Irish lexicon, it had become a slang term for a brothel. The word may also be linked to the Romany "kipsi", meaning "basket", and "kitchema", meaning "inn". A nautical origin has also been suggested, with "kip" meaning "hammock".
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'Kip' has different meanings in different countries
The word "kip" has evolved to refer to sleep or the act of sleeping. While it is commonly used in British English, its meaning varies across different countries and regions. For instance, in Scotland, "kip" can also mean a bed, as in the phrase "still in his kip," which means still in bed. This usage of the word "kip" may be derived from the Icelandic word "kippa," which means "to pull or snatch," or the German word "kippen," which means "to tilt or incline."
In Ireland, the word "kip" has a different connotation. It was first recorded in the middle of the eighteenth century as an Irish slang term for a brothel. This usage can be traced back to Oliver Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield," published in 1766. Goldsmith, being Irish and educated in Dublin, likely picked up this vernacular. The phrase "tattering a kip" from the book describes the act of smashing up a house of ill repute. Over time, the word "kip" crossed the Irish Sea to mainland Britain, where it took on a new meaning.
In the nineteenth century Britain, the word "kip" referred to a common lodging house for tramps and the homeless. This usage can be found in compounds in James Joyce's "Ulysses" from 1922, where he refers to a "kip-keeper." This shift in meaning may be influenced by the Danish word "kippe," which means a hut or a low alehouse. However, by the time it reached Ireland, it had taken on a different connotation, referring specifically to a brothel.
The word "kip" has also been suggested to have origins in the Romany language, with potential links to "kipsi," meaning "basket," and "kitchema," meaning "inn." Additionally, there may be a nautical origin, as "kip" can refer to a "hammock" in nautical terminology.
While the exact etymology of the word "kip" may vary across different sources and regions, it is important to note that its usage and meaning have evolved over time. Today, the word is primarily used to refer to sleep or the act of sleeping, without any reference to its low-life origins.
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Frequently asked questions
The word "kip" is believed to have originated from the Danish word "kippe", which means a hut or a low sort of alehouse. It then came to be used as an Irish slang term for a brothel. Over time, it was used to refer to a common lodging house and eventually to the act of sleeping.
To kip down means to sleep, as in "they kipped down for the night".
The phrase "tattering a kip" means wrecking or smashing up a brothel.
Yes, in Scottish English, kip also means bed. The phrase "still in his kip" means still in bed.
Kip can also refer to a short period of sleep or a nap, as in "I just had time for a kip and a shower".
