The most common theory:
* Old Norse: The word "kid" likely originated from the Old Norse word "kitt," which referred to a young goat.
* Middle English: This word evolved into "kid" in Middle English and began to be used more broadly for young children.
Other possible influences:
* Old French: Some sources suggest a possible link to the Old French word "quide," meaning "small child."
* Onomatopoeia: There's also a theory that "kid" might be an onomatopoeic word, mimicking the sound children make.
Evolution of meaning:
* Young goat: Initially, "kid" referred specifically to a young goat.
* Young child: Over time, the word's meaning broadened to include any young child.
* Slang term: Today, "kid" is a common slang term for children, even teenagers and young adults.
It's fascinating how a word originally related to goats has become a ubiquitous term for children across different cultures.