I’m curious about the roots of the word “loong.” Can you tell me where it comes from?
The word “loong” is actually a variant spelling of the word “long,” which is derived from the Old English word “lang.” The word “lang” can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word “langa,” which means “extending far in space” or “having a great distance from end to end.” The word “langa” itself is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European root *dlonghos, which also gives rise to the Latin word “longus” and the Greek word “dolichos,” both of which mean “long” or “extended.”
The concept of length being associated with the word “long” is reflected in various languages and cultures around the world. For example, in Chinese, the word “龍” (lóng) is used to refer to the mythical creature known as the dragon, which is often depicted as a long, serpent-like creature. Similarly, in various other languages, the word for “long” is often associated with concepts such as distance, duration, or spatial extent.
The word “long” has been used in the English language for centuries to describe objects, distances, durations, or periods of time that are greater than average or expected. It is a versatile word that can be used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of length or extension. Furthermore, the word “long” has also been used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts such as time, relationships, or journeys that are perceived as being lengthy or prolonged.
In conclusion, the word “long” has ancient roots that can be traced back to Proto-Indo-European and Proto-Germanic languages. Its association with length and extension is reflected in various cultures and languages around the world, including the Chinese word “龍” (lóng). The word “loong,” a variant spelling of “long,” retains these historical roots and continues to be used in modern English to convey the idea of length or extension in various contexts.