minion的词源

英文词源

minion (n.): c. 1500, "a favorite; a darling; a low dependant; one who pleases rather than benefits" [Johnson], from Middle French mignon "a favorite, darling" (n.), also a term of (probably homosexual) abuse;" as an adjective, "dainty, pleasing, favorite," from Old French mignot "pretty, attractive, dainty, gracious, affectionate," perhaps of Celtic origin (compare Old Irish min "tender, soft"), or from Old High German minnja, minna "love, memory" (see mind (n.)). Used 16c.-17c. without disparaging overtones.

来自中古法语mignon,宠幸的人，宠臣，来自Proto-Germanic*mindijo,关心，关怀，来自PIE*men,思想，记忆，挂念，词源同mind,mania.在古代词义偏向于指娈童，男宠之类的仆从，如和珅，而非普通打杂的小厮。

该词的英语词源请访问趣词词源英文版：minion 词源，minion 含义。