Chess is called "chess" because the name evolved from the Persian word "shah," meaning king, which is related to the key element of "check" in the game.
Here's a breakdown of the etymology:
-
Persian Origins: The game originated in India and spread to Persia, where the king was a central figure.
-
"Shah" (King): The Persian term "shah" referred to the king.
-
"Shah Mat" (The King is Dead/Defeated): This phrase signifies checkmate, the game's end. The term translated directly to the king is dead or defeated.
-
Spread and Evolution: As the game spread westward, the word "shah" transformed through various languages.
-
Latin "Scacchi": In Latin, the game became known as ludis scaccorum ("game of checks") or simply scacchi. This emphasizes the attack on the king.
-
Middle French "Eschec": The Latin term scacchi evolved into the Middle French eschec, which later became échecs in the plural.
-
English "Chess": Finally, eschec was adopted into English as "chess."
In essence, the name "chess" is derived from the Persian word for king ("shah") and the concept of "check," reflecting the game's objective to threaten and ultimately checkmate the opponent's king. The game wasn't named after the king's death, but rather the attacks (checks) made against the king.
