Definition of tousle

The word "tousle" is derived from the Old Norse word "tynsla," which means "to shake or disorder." This word found its way into Middle English as "tenzelen" and later evolved into "tunselen" in Early Modern English. The spelling of the word evolved over time, with popular variations including "tensel" and "tansell." During the late 17th century, "tousle" emerged as a more common and simplified form of the word, replacing older spellings. The Oxford English Dictionary dates its usage back to around 1685, when it first appeared in a written work. However, the literal meaning of disarraying or jumbling remained the same. In modern usage, "tousle" typically describes a disordered or messy state caused by shaking, as seen in messy hair or scattered clothing. In a broader sense, the verb "to tousle" connotes an untidy and casual atmosphere, implying that the affected object or person is less than perfectly organized. In summary, the origin of the word "tousle" can be traced back to Old Norse, and it has undergone several linguistic evolutions before settling into its current form, retaining its original meaning of disorder or disarray.