Definition of frisk

The origin of the word "frisk" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "friskr," which means "free from care" or "untroubled." This word made its way into Old English in the form "frīscan" and was used to describe someone who is carefree and uninhibited. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to an animal's behavior. In the late 18th century, "frisk" came to describe a horse or other animal that is lively, animated, and full of energy. By the early 19th century, this meaning had been applied to humans as well, particularly in the context of children who are "frisky" or full of boundless energy and enthusiasm. Some linguists suggest that the word "frisk" may also be related to the Old English word "frīscan," which meant "to dance," or the Old Norse word "frøskr," which meant "fresh" or "new." These connections reinforce the idea that "frisk" describes something that is youthful, lively, and unafraid to have fun. In summary, the word "frisk" originated in Old Norse as a term for a person who is free from care, and over time, it evolved to describe various other meanings, including an animal's lively behavior and a person's energetic, carefree disposition.