Definition of superficial

The word "superficial" originally came from the Latin verb "supersnus" meaning "licking up" or "tasting over." In medieval Latin, it referred specifically to tasting wine in a shallow glass or bowl, as opposed to drinking directly from the barrel. This usage is thought to have developed from the common practice of dipping a taster's spoon into a tankard of beer or wine before passing it around for consumption. As the meaning of the word evolved over time, it began to apply more generally to things or ideas that seem fine on the surface but lack depth or substance. Around the 14th century, "superficial" came to be used to describe things that are merely apparent, as opposed to things of real significance or value. By the 15th century, it was being used in a derogatory sense, indicating something that is shallow, insignificant or trifling. The linguistic path from dipping a spoon into a tankard to describing a person's intellectual shallowness may seem convoluted, but the evolution of the word "superficial" is a testament to the richness and adaptability of the English language.