Where does “limp-wrist” come from?

limp-wrist (English) comes from English wrist, from Middle English wrist, from Old English wrist, from Proto-Germanic wristuz, from Proto-Germanic wrīþaną, from Proto-Indo-European wreyt-, from Proto-Indo-European wer- — to burn; to cover, heed, notice; squirrel.

limp-wrist (English): A gay man, especially a flamboyant one

Definitions

  1. A gay man, especially a flamboyant one

Ancestry of “limp-wrist”, step by step

limp-wrist traces back through two separate lines of ancestry.

via English wrist

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishwristThe complex joint between forearm bones, carpus,...
2Middle Englishwristwrist; The joint at the ankle
3Old Englishwristwrist
4Proto-Germanicwristuzjoint
5Proto-Germanicwrīþanąto weave, to twist
6Proto-Indo-Europeanwreyt-to twist
7Proto-Indo-Europeanwer-to burn; to cover, heed, notice; squirrel

via English limp

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishlimpTo walk lamely, as if favouring one leg; To...
2Middle Englishlimp
3Old Englishlemp
4Proto-West Germanic*limpanto turn out well
5Proto-Germaniclimpanąto glide; to go; to suit, fit
6Proto-Indo-European(s)lemb-to droop; sag; hang loosely
Every word from Proto-Indo-European wer-Every word from Proto-Indo-European wreyt-Every word from Proto-Germanic wrīþaną
limp-wrist — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer