entry
mechanic
/məˈkænɪk/Skilled worker who repairs and maintains machinery
From Greek mēkhanē (Machine).
from Ancient Greek μηχανικός (mēkhanikós, “pertaining to machines or contrivance, mechanic, ingenious, inventive”)
from Latin mechanicus "of or belonging to machines or mechanics; inventive,"
+1 more sourcefrom Middle English mekanyk (“mechanical”)
Word Ancestry
from Ancient Greek μηχανικός (mēkhanikós, “pertaining to machines or contrivance, mechanic, ingenious, inventive”)
from Latin mechanicus "of or belonging to machines or mechanics; inventive,"
+1 more sourcefrom Middle English mekanyk (“mechanical”)
A mechanic began life not as someone covered in engine grease, but as an ingenious problem-solver. Ancient Greek μηχανή (mēkhanḗ) meant a device or contrivance—anything from a practical tool to a clever scheme—and μηχανικός described someone “full of resources.” The word traveled through Latin mechanicus and Old French before reaching Middle English, where it could refer broadly to a person practicing a handicraft; by the early 20th century, machinery had narrowed the job title toward engines and repairs. The same Greek family also gave English machine and mechanism, so every mechanic is, etymologically, a professional descendant of the person who knows how to make a stubborn contraption obey.
The Story
A mechanic began life not as someone covered in engine grease, but as an ingenious problem-solver. Ancient Greek μηχανή (mēkhanḗ) meant a device or contrivance—anything from a practical tool to a clever scheme—and μηχανικός described someone “full of resources.” The word traveled through Latin mechanicus and Old French before reaching Middle English, where it could refer broadly to a person practicing a handicraft; by the early 20th century, machinery had narrowed the job title toward engines and repairs. The same Greek family also gave English machine and mechanism, so every mechanic is, etymologically, a professional descendant of the person who knows how to make a stubborn contraption obey.
Modern Usage
A person regarded as useful or dangerous to have as an enemy; also, someone making precision guesses from unreliable information.
Notable References
- Urban Dictionary entries describe a mechanic as an especially valuable friend or formidable enemy, and as a dubious guesser.
Kin & Kindred
From 'mēkhanē'·Machine, device, contrivance, or ingenious means
Derived Terms
English words from this root
Sources
Urban Dictionary
Wikipedia
Wiktionary