Kidnappers are called kidnappers because the term originated from criminal slang, combining the slang words "kid" and "napper."
Understanding the Term's Origin
The specific reason the term "kidnapper" is used stems directly from the historical language used by the criminals themselves. According to historical word analysis:
- The term seems to have originated among those who committed the crime.
- This is known because the two components of the word – "kid" and "napper" – were slang terms commonly used by criminals.
This suggests the term was not initially a formal legal or societal label but rather emerged from the argot or specialized vocabulary of criminal groups.
Breaking Down the Components
While the reference specifically states they were criminal slang, here's what the components typically referred to in that context:
- Kid: A slang term for a child or young person.
- Napper: A slang term meaning "to steal" or "to seize."
Combining these slang terms resulted in "kid-napper," a description of someone who steals or seizes a child. Over time, this criminal slang term entered broader usage and became the standard word for someone who commits the crime of kidnapping.
This linguistic history highlights how words related to criminal activities can sometimes originate from the communities involved before becoming widely adopted.
| Component | Historical Context (Based on Criminal Slang) |
|---|---|
| Kid | Slang for a child or young person |
| Napper | Slang meaning "to steal" or "to seize" |
The term "kidnapper" therefore serves as a linguistic artifact, reflecting its beginnings within the criminal underworld and its eventual mainstream acceptance.
