The word 'scoot' originally came from Scandinavian as 'skjóta'

'Scoot' is a word borrowed from Scandinavian 'skjóta'. The word entered the English language some time around 1758.

scoot [verb] [1758]

• to move swiftly
• to slide especially while seated

Meaning: to move swiftly; to slide especially while seated scoot over and let me sit down.

Etymology: perhaps alteration of earlier scout; of unknown origin.

Topics: Maritime:Nautical.

Origin: From Scandinavian to English.

note: The word scoot likely emerged in the mid-18th century possibly as nautical slang with uncertain origins but potential links to Scandinavian words like Old Norse skjóta (to shoot/dart) or related dialectal terms for quick movement and in Scots it also meant to gush out. It's also thought to be connected to Middle English scottlynge (scampering/scuttling) and some sources suggest Dutch/Italian roots (like scampare to decamp) though Scandinavian influence is strong and it was perhaps reintroduced to British English from America.

See 'scoot' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Scandinavian.

See more loan words from 1700s.