Word Origin: Souvenir
Did you
know the word souvenir comes from the French verb souvenir, which literally means “to remember”? It traces back even further to the Latin subvenire, meaning “to come to mind.” That’s fitting, because souvenirs are really about memory, not the object itself.
The term first appeared in English around the late 18th century,
when travelers to Europe would return with small mementos of their journeys. Instead of bulky treasures, they often chose items easy to carry home...postcards, miniature figurines, or pressed flowers. Over time, souvenir became a universal way to describe anything that helps us recall a place, moment, or person.
Interestingly, souvenirs don’t have to be store-bought. A seashell from the beach, a playbill from a Broadway show, or even a handwritten note can hold just as much value as something purchased in a gift shop. What gives it meaning is the story behind it. That’s why some of the best souvenirs are free. They’re tied directly to the experience itself.
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