What is wich etymology?

The word "wich" has multiple etymologies depending on its context:

  • As a suffix: In Old English, "wich" was used as a suffix to denote a dwelling place or village, such as in "Greenwich" or "Sandwich". It is derived from the Old English word "wic", which means "dwelling place" or "village".

  • As a prefix: In Middle English, "wich" was used as a prefix to denote a saltworks or brine spring, such as in "Nantwich" or "Droitwich". It is derived from the Old English word "sēalt", which means salt.

  • As a noun: In the United States, particularly in the Midwest, "wich" is used as a shortening of the word "sandwich". It is unclear where this usage originated, but it may have been influenced by the sound of the word "sandwich" being pronounced quickly.

Overall, the etymology of "wich" is heavily influenced by Old English and Middle English, and its meaning has evolved depending on its context.