:: Etymology ::
18:21 | view comments
Before the development of firearms, a "free lance" was a mercenary - a skilled warrior with no afiiliation to any particular master. An example of this is the ronin of feudal Japan.
As lances gave way to guns, the word "freelance" took on a different meaning - one detached from warfare. A free lance was one who offered his services, whatever these services were, to the highest bidder.
As the 20th century came around, the noun became a verb, giving rise to the word's meaning today.
So, what am I getting at? I don't know.
18:21 | view comments
Before the development of firearms, a "free lance" was a mercenary - a skilled warrior with no afiiliation to any particular master. An example of this is the ronin of feudal Japan.
As lances gave way to guns, the word "freelance" took on a different meaning - one detached from warfare. A free lance was one who offered his services, whatever these services were, to the highest bidder.
As the 20th century came around, the noun became a verb, giving rise to the word's meaning today.
So, what am I getting at? I don't know.