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Origin and history of temp

temp

1886 as a noun, short for temperature. By 1909 as an adjective, American English, a shortened form of temporary (job, worker, etc.). As a noun in this sense by 1932; as a verb by 1973. Temp. "in the time of" is attested from 1650s, an abbreviation of Latin tempore. Related: Temped; temping.

Entries linking to temp

temperature(n.)

mid-15c., "fact of being tempered, proper proportion;" 1530s, "character or nature of a substance" as determined by the four qualities (hot, cold, mist, dry); from Latin temperatura "a tempering, moderation," from temperatus, past participle of temperare "to mix in due proportion, modify, blend; restrain oneself" (see temper (v.)).

The modern scientific sense of "degree of heat or cold" is by 1670 (Boyle), from Latin temperatura, which had been used in this sense by Galileo. As "the thermal element of weather" by 1820; in reference to the degree of heat of a living body, by 1876. The meaning "fever, high temperature" is attested by 1898.

temporary(adj.)

"not permanent, lasting for a time only," 1540s, from Latin temporarius "of seasonal character, lasting a short time," from tempus (genitive temporis) "time, season" (see temporal (adj.1), which was the earlier word for "lasting but for a time"). The noun meaning "person employed only for a time" is recorded from 1848; compare temp. Related: Temporarily; temporariness.

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    Atlas
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