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TWINGE

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2005 10:15 pm
by tcward
twinge (n.)
1548, "a pinch," from obsolete verb twinge "to pinch, tweak," from O.E. twengan "to pinch," of uncertain origin. Meaning "sharp, sudden pain" is recorded from 1608. Fig. sense (with ref. to shame, remorse, etc.) is recorded from 1622.
I was very surprised to see that this was such an old word!

It has to be related to twang, as well, doesn't it?

-Tim

Re: TWINGE

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 2:29 am
by frank
I was very surprised to see that this was such an old word!
It has to be related to twang, as well, doesn't it?
For what it's worth, the ODEE explains it as a onomatopea.

F