- influenza
- 1743, borrowed during an outbreak of the disease in Europe, from It. influenza "influenza, epidemic," originally "visitation, influence (of the stars)," from M.L. influentia (see influence). Used in It. for diseases since at least 1504 (cf. influenza di febbre scarlattina "scarlet fever") on notion of astral or occult influence. The 1743 outbreak began in Italy. Often applied since mid-19c. to severe colds.
- grippe
- 1776, from Fr. grippe "influenza," originally "seizure," from gripper "to grasp, hook," of Frank. origin, from P.Gmc. *gripanan (see grip). Supposedly in reference to constriction of the throat felt by sufferers; the word spread through European languages after the influenza epidemic during the Rus. occupation of Prussia in the Seven Years' War (c.1760).
- flu
- 1839, shortening of influenza.