Definition of sallow

The word "sallow" originates from the Old English word "selu," which literally means "yellow." It referred to the pale, yellowish-green hue of leaves in springtime. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to describe pale or yellowish-looking human skin, specifically in people with illnesses or malnutrition, where a sickly complexion becomes apparent. The word was later adopted by the Middle English language, where it acquired its current meaning as a term for pale, sickly-looking skin. The etymology of "sallow" is closely related to the words "sulphur" and "sulfur" as it originally described the color of sulfur, which is a pale yellow or sulfur-yellow hue. In modern English, "sallow" is typically used to describe a person's complexion as being unusually pale, and it is often associated with sickness or ill health. Its usage can be found in literature, particularly in the Victorian era, where it was frequently used in the context of depicting the appearance of the poor and destitute. Today, the term is still commonly used in the English lexicon, but it is mostly restricted to certain dialects and regional usages.