The word "rampa" was first used in English in the 18th century to describe a violent outburst of energy or anger. This was often associated with a wild animal that was moving about uncontrollably.
Over time, the phrase "rampage" evolved to describe a period of uncontrolled and destructive behavior by humans, often involving violence and destruction.
Here's a breakdown of the evolution of the phrase:
* 18th century: "rampa" (Swedish) meaning "to prance or leap about" enters English.
* Early 19th century: "rampage" is used to describe a wild animal's frenzied movement.
* Late 19th century: "rampage" starts being used to describe human behavior characterized by uncontrolled anger and violence.
The phrase "rampage" is now commonly used to describe any kind of violent or destructive outburst, whether it's a person, a group of people, or even a natural phenomenon.