When you hear 'thing' are you hearing English or Scandinavian?

'Thing' is a word borrowed from Scandinavian 'thing'. The word entered the English language some time before the 12th century.

thing [noun] [before 12th century]

• a matter of concern
• affair
• state of affairs in general or within a specified or implied sphere
• a particular state of affairs
• situation
• event

See 'thing' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Scandinavian.

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, thing, assembly; akin to Old High German 'ding' thing, assembly, Gothic 'theihs' time

See more loan words from before 1200.