Fast
When you hear the word fast, what comes to mind? Something that is moving very quickly? That is just one of many different meanings and uses of the word fast.
The word fast has quite different meanings depending on whether it is used as an adjective (fast food), an adverb (run fast), a verb (to fast), or a noun (a fast as a period of not eating).
The use of the word fast as an adjective seems to be the original use of the word. The origins are found in the Proto-Indo-European root past- (firm, solid), Sanskrit pastyam (dwelling place), Proto-Germanic fastu (firm, fast), and Old English faest (firmly fixed, steadfast, constant; secure; enclosed, watertight; strong, fortified). None of these words imply moving quickly or ‘fast’. In fact, these original word origins mean just the opposite.
The use of the word fast as an adverb as well as an adjective is seen in Old English faeste which not only meant firmly, securely, strictly, but also is seen as meaning speedily. The word fast meaning quickly, swiftly, rapidly, appears by around 1200 from Old Norse fast (firmly, fast; strongly, vigorously)—to run ‘fast’ did not just refer to speed but to run ‘hard’. To be ‘fast asleep’ is to be strongly asleep.
The verb ‘to fast’, from Old English faestan (to fast, as a religious duty; to confirm, to pledge) is from Old Norse fasta (to abstain from food) and Proto-Germanic fastanan (to hold firmly, to have firm control of oneself, to hold oneself in observance).
The Old English verb faestnian (to fasten) meant to make fast, make firm, fix, secure.
The noun fast (the act of fasting) is from Old English fasten (voluntary abstinence from food and drink.
Some uses of the word fast include ‘color-fast’ colors (1650s), fast living (1745) and living fast; i.e., living an unrestrained life, eager pursuit of pleasure (1746), clocks running ‘fast’ (1840).
Fast track, originally in horse racing (1934). To fast talk someone (1946). Fast buck (1947). Fast forward re audio tapes (1948). Fast food (1951). Fast lane (1966).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
The word fast has quite different meanings depending on whether it is used as an adjective (fast food), an adverb (run fast), a verb (to fast), or a noun (a fast as a period of not eating).
The use of the word fast as an adjective seems to be the original use of the word. The origins are found in the Proto-Indo-European root past- (firm, solid), Sanskrit pastyam (dwelling place), Proto-Germanic fastu (firm, fast), and Old English faest (firmly fixed, steadfast, constant; secure; enclosed, watertight; strong, fortified). None of these words imply moving quickly or ‘fast’. In fact, these original word origins mean just the opposite.
The use of the word fast as an adverb as well as an adjective is seen in Old English faeste which not only meant firmly, securely, strictly, but also is seen as meaning speedily. The word fast meaning quickly, swiftly, rapidly, appears by around 1200 from Old Norse fast (firmly, fast; strongly, vigorously)—to run ‘fast’ did not just refer to speed but to run ‘hard’. To be ‘fast asleep’ is to be strongly asleep.
The verb ‘to fast’, from Old English faestan (to fast, as a religious duty; to confirm, to pledge) is from Old Norse fasta (to abstain from food) and Proto-Germanic fastanan (to hold firmly, to have firm control of oneself, to hold oneself in observance).
The Old English verb faestnian (to fasten) meant to make fast, make firm, fix, secure.
The noun fast (the act of fasting) is from Old English fasten (voluntary abstinence from food and drink.
Some uses of the word fast include ‘color-fast’ colors (1650s), fast living (1745) and living fast; i.e., living an unrestrained life, eager pursuit of pleasure (1746), clocks running ‘fast’ (1840).
Fast track, originally in horse racing (1934). To fast talk someone (1946). Fast buck (1947). Fast forward re audio tapes (1948). Fast food (1951). Fast lane (1966).
Reference: Online Etymological Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com/
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