The word 'bagatelle' is a loan word from Italian 'bagatella'

'Bagatelle' is a word borrowed from Italian 'bagatella'. The word entered the English language some time around 1633.

bagatelle [noun] [1633]

• trifle
• any of various games involving the rolling of balls into scoring areas
• a short literary or musical piece in light style

Meaning: trifle 1; any of various games involving the rolling of balls into scoring areas; a short literary or musical piece in light style.

Etymology: French; from Italian bagattella.

Topics: Society:Culture.

Origin: From Latin to English.

note: Likely a diminutive of the Italian bagata (little property) or perhaps from the Latin baca meaning berry used to represent something small and insignificant.

See 'bagatelle' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Italian.

See more loan words from 1600s.