This single parent language – known as Proto Indo-European – spawned all these later languages and their shared word for paters.īut how did the “p” in “pater” morph into the “f” found in all the Germanic “father” words"? This means that the word “father” likely came from a long-dead source language, estimated to date back some 6,000 years. For instance, we find closely matching terms in Latin with “pater,” Sanskrit’s “pitar” and in Greek with “patér” – all older languages that developed separately from the Germanic line. Related words are found across the entire Indo-European language tree – a large group of distantly related languages that stretches over most of Europe and a good bit of Asia. This uniformity strongly suggests this word was found in the languages’ early Germanic parent – that is, the source language from which all these Germanic languages descended.īut the similarity in terms used for “father” doesn’t stop with this Germanic forefather. In Old Dutch there was “fader” in Old Icelandic we find “faðir” in Old High German, a precursor to modern German, it was “fater” – now “vater” and, finally, in Old Danish, “fathær.” Tracking the linguistic evolution of modern “father,” we find it as far back as written English goes – with references to “feadur” or “fadur” or “fædor” in Old English texts from the seventh to 11th centuries. But, whether it’s “papa,” “dada” or “vater,” what is striking is the cross-cultural bias in the words used to describe him – and how the same names have stuck around over millennia.
But as someone who studies the origins of words, I see the story providing an example of something that is real: the universality of the names used for fathers across all languages.Ĭonsidering that dads played a key part in populating the dawn of civilization, it is perhaps not that surprising that a label for the dude we call “dad” would emerge early in the development of languages. The true origin story of Vader’s moniker is not as cool as the myth. Indeed, had the big reveal been “I am your fader” it would have made a nice play on the heavy-breathing villain’s name with a nod to an old Dutch term for “father.” “Darth Vader” does, after all, have a distinct paternal ring to it linguistically. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too.Movie legend has it that the identity of Luke Skywalker’s father was always hiding in plain sight – well, at least through a subtle naming clue. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method. We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item. We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.Ĭertain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). You can always contact us for any return question at and issues Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. To start a return, you can contact us at If your return is accepted, we’ll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package.
You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. We have a 30-day return policy, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.