Saturday, 12 November 2022

The word 'berserk' is originally from Scandinavian 'berserkr'

'Berserk' is a word borrowed from Scandinavian 'berserkr'. The word entered the English language some time around 1818.


berserk [noun] [1818]
  • an ancient Scandinavian warrior frenzied in battle and held to be invulnerable
  • one whose actions are recklessly defiant
See 'berserk' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Scandinavian.

Etymology: Old Norse 'berserkr' probably from 'ber-' bear + 'serkr' shirt
See more loan words from 1800s.


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