reveler
/ˈrɛvələr/
noun
Origin
Old French
reveler — to rebel, to make merry
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who enjoys themselves in a lively and noisy way, especially with drinking and dancing.
Literal older meaning
One who engages in boisterous merrymaking.
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
revelour
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term traces back to the Latin 'rebellare' (to rebel). In Medieval French, the sense shifted from political insurrection to the disorderly behavior often associated with late-night celebrations or street riots. By the time it entered English, the word had largely shed its strictly seditious connotation in favor of describing loud, public merrymaking.
Evolution
- Latin (12th century)
rebellare
“to revolt, rebel”
- Old French (13th century)
reveler
“to riot, to make merry”
Transition from political revolt to social disturbance
- Middle English (14th century)
revel
“a festive party or riotous entertainment”
- English (16th century)
reveler
“one who participates in a revel”
Addition of the agent suffix -er
Connections
Word parts
revel
root
to engage in lively festivities
er
suffix
agent suffix denoting a person who performs an action
Related across languages
French
réveillon
a long dinner party or celebration
Related words
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Related to reveler
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.