the work anecdote - unix1998/technical_notes GitHub Wiki

The word "anecdote" indeed has an interesting origin and is not native to English. It has its roots in Greek and came to English through French. Here's a brief history of the word's etymology:

Etymology of "Anecdote"

  1. Greek Origins:

    • The word "anecdote" comes from the Greek word ἀνέκδοτος (anekdotos), which means "unpublished" or "not given out."
    • It is derived from ἀν- (an-), meaning "not," and ἐκδοτός (ekdotos), meaning "published" or "given out." The Greek verb ἐκδίδωμι (ekdidōmi) means "to publish" or "to give out."

  2. French Influence:

    • The term was adopted into French as anecdote, retaining its meaning related to unpublished or secret stories.

  3. Adoption into English:

    • The word was borrowed from French into English in the early 18th century. Initially, it referred specifically to little-known or unpublished stories about a person, particularly those that were revealing or amusing.

Development of Meaning

  • Original Use: In its original use, an anecdote referred to short, unpublished narratives or secret histories, often about notable figures.
  • Modern Use: Over time, the meaning broadened to refer to any short, interesting, or amusing story, often used to illustrate a point or entertain.

Example of Historical Anecdote Use

  • The famous historian Procopius of Caesarea wrote a work called "Anekdota" (commonly translated as "The Secret History") in which he detailed the hidden lives and scandals of the Byzantine court. This use of the word reflected its original meaning of revealing unpublished or secret information.

Summary

The word "anecdote" has its origins in the Greek word "anekdotos," meaning "unpublished" or "not given out." It entered the English language through French and has evolved to mean a short, interesting, or amusing story. Its roots and original use highlight its connection to revealing hidden or lesser-known information.