Where does the word genie come from?

The word "genie" comes from the Arabic word "jinn" (جنّ), which refers to a type of supernatural being in Islamic mythology.

Here's a breakdown:

* Arabic "jinn": This word describes creatures made of fire, believed to inhabit the Earth alongside humans. They are not inherently evil, but can be mischievous or even malicious.

* French "djinn": The French adopted the Arabic word, spelling it "djinn."

* English "genie": Over time, the French "djinn" evolved into the English "genie," which became the common term for these magical beings in Western culture.

So, while the genie of Western popular culture is often depicted as granting wishes, the concept originates from the Arabic word "jinn," representing a much broader and complex mythical creature.