Definition of lax

The word "lax" has its origin in the Old Norse language, which was spoken for centuries in Scandinavia. In Old Norse, the word was spelled as "lax," meaning "salmon" in English. The northern Europeans, especially those living near lakes, fjords, and rivers, have a long-standing history of fishing and consuming salmon. The word "lax" became a common term used to describe the fish due to its significance in their daily lives. The Old Norse word "lax" was brought to England during the Viking Age, as the Vikings conquered and settled in England, starting from the late 8th century. The English language adopted the Old Norse word for salmon, which evolved into the modern-day "lax." However, the usage of "lax" in English no longer exclusively implies salmon. Today, "lax" is used more generally to mean "loose" or "relaxed," probably due to its original meaning conveying a sense of flexibility or ease related to the movement of swimming salmon in water. Thus, the evolution of the meaning of "lax" from an Old Norse term for salmon to a modern-day adjective meaning "loose" or "relaxed" is a testament to the cultural and linguistic connections between the ancient Scandinavian tribes and English-speaking societies.