Where Does Coward Come from?

Coward comes from the Old French word coart, from the Latin coda or cauda, meaning “tail (of an animal).” As a result, the word likely came to imply fear in a metaphorical sense—an animal's tail tucked between its legs.

What is the origin of coward?

According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word coward came into English from the Old French word coart (modern French couard), which is a combination of the word for "tail" (Modern French queue, Latin cauda) and an agent noun suffix.

What makes a coward a coward?

A coward is someone who's afraid of doing something daring or dangerous. ... Being afraid of something dangerous might make someone a coward, but the word can also describe someone who avoids doing something difficult or unpleasant.

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Maya Lin-Takahashi

Consumer Tech & Gadget Reviewer

Maya is a hardware enthusiast who tests and reviews smart home devices, smartphones, wearables, and audio gear. She focuses on practical consumer value and build quality.