Definition of the word babe

The origin of the word "babe" can be traced back to Old English, specifically the West Saxon dialect. In Old English, the word "babe" meant "child" or "infant" and was spelled "bāb". This word was derived from the Proto-Germanic *babi-, which meant "swelling" or "protuberance". The Proto-Germanic root can also be found in other Germanic languages, such as the Old Frisian bab, Old Norse bábi, and Old High German bābfōrt (meaning "child-fort" or "stronghold of children"), all of which had similar meanings. In Middle English, the spelling of the word "babe" became "bābe", which later evolved into "babe" in Early Modern English. Today, the word mostly refers to a young, attractive woman, particularly in North American English. This use of the word can be traced back to the 1920s, where it was associated with jazz music and flapper culture. Overall, the word "babe" has a rich linguistic history and has evolved over time to carry different meanings. It serves as a reminder of the close connections between Old English, Middle English, and Early Modern English, and the continuity of the Germanic language family.