The word “parrot” is used to refer to a type of colorful, tropical bird known for its ability to mimic speech and other sounds. Parrots are popular pets and symbols of the tropical regions where they live. But where did the word “parrot” come from originally? Understanding the etymology or word origin of “parrot” provides insights into the history of the English language.
Theories on the Origin of “Parrot”
There are a few main theories about the origin of the word “parrot”:
- From the Latin word “psittacus” meaning “parrot”
- From the Italian word “parrocchetto”
- From the Middle French word “perroquet”
- From the Arabic word “babbaghah”
Let’s explore each of these theories in more detail.
Theory 1: From the Latin “Psittacus”
One theory is that “parrot” comes from the Latin word “psittacus” which referred to a parrot or parakeet. The Romans had contact with parrots through trade with Africa. The word “psittacus” may have originally derived from the Greek word “psittakos”. In this theory, as Latin words filtered into Old English, “psittacus” transformed into the word “parrot”.
Theory 2: From the Italian “Parrocchetto”
Another idea is that “parrot” comes from the Italian word “parrocchetto”. In Italian “parrocchetto” refers to a parakeet, a small variety of parrot. Words from Italian first entered English in the 14th century. English may have adopted the word “parrocchetto” from Italian merchants and transformed it into “parrot”.
Theory 3: From the Middle French “Perroquet”
Some linguists believe “parrot” comes from the Middle French word “perroquet”. The word “perroquet” meant parrot or parakeet in Middle French. Middle French was used from the 14th to 16th century. As Middle French vocabulary entered English, “perroquet” may have become anglicized as “parrot”.
Theory 4: From the Arabic “Babbaghah”
The Arabic word “babbaghah” referred to a parrot or parakeet and came from the onomatopoeia “babba” mimicking a parrot’s speech. Through trade routes between England and Arabic nations, “babbaghah” may have been adopted into English as “parrot”.
Earliest Known Uses of “Parrot”
Looking at the first known uses of the word “parrot” in English can provide clues about its origin:
- 1374 – “parot” is found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem Troilus and Criseyde
- 1508 – “paratts” is used in the poems of William Dunbar in reference to parrots as exotic pets
- 1523 – “parret” is used in a poem by John Skelton
- 1551 – “parratts” is used in The Complaynt of Scotland which mentions parrots from “Inde” (India)
These early uses seem to point to the word entering English from the 14th-16th century. This time period would align with the theory that “parrot” comes from the Middle French “perroquet” or the Italian “parrocchetto”.
Conventional Spelling Established in the 17th Century
In the 1500s and early 1600s, the word was spelled in a variety of ways including “parot”, “parratts”, “parret”, and “paratts”. It wasn’t until around the mid-1600s that the spelling “parrot” was established as the conventional spelling used today.
Factors that contributed to this standardization of spelling include:
- Increasing use of dictionaries – Dictionaries set out standardized spellings
- Changes in pronunciation – The “r” sound in parrot became more emphasized
- Influential documents used the spelling “parrot” – Such as writings by Francis Bacon
So by the mid-1600s, the spelling of this tropical bird’s name had stabilized as “parrot”.
Breakdown of the Parts of “Parrot”
Looking at the different parts or morphemes that make up the word “parrot” can also offer clues about its origin:
Parr- This beginning portion suggests a French origin. Similar beginnings are found in words like “parley” and “parish” from the French “parler” meaning to speak.
-ot The ending suggests Italian influence. Words adopted from Italian like “gondola” and “regatta” end with a similar sounding “-ot” or “-otto”.
Together the parts point to a possible blended origin from both French and Italian.
Cognates in Other Languages
Cognates are words across languages that share the same origin. Looking at cognates of “parrot” in other languages also sheds light on the word’s beginnings:
| Language | Word for “Parrot” |
|---|---|
| French | perroquet |
| Italian | pappagallo |
| Spanish | loro |
| Portuguese | papagaio |
The French and Italian words in particular seem very close to “parrot” supporting the theory of Romance language origins.
Shift to Refer Specifically to Parrots
Originally “parrot” had a broader meaning referring to any parrot-like bird such as:
- Parakeets
- Macaws
- Cockatoos
Over time the word “parrot” narrowed to refer mainly to specific true parrot species in the genus Psittacara. By the 1800s, “parrot” had assumed its modern meaning.
Conclusion
Tracing the linguistic history of the word “parrot” points to a likely origin from Middle French or Italian in the 14th-16th centuries, before becoming standardized in spelling and meaning by the mid-1600s. The Romance language roots and cognates suggest the word was borrowed into English as parrots were increasingly traded as exotic pets. Understanding the etymology provides insight into the intertwining influences that shaped English vocabulary. Next time you see a “parrot”, you can appreciate the long history behind its name.
