SKULL CROSSBONES Meaning and
Definition
-
"Skull and crossbones" refers to a widely recognized symbol that consists of a human skull positioned above crossed long bones, usually depicted as crossed femurs or tibias. Also known as the "Jolly Roger," this symbol has been associated with piracy and danger throughout history and popular culture.
The skull within the symbol represents human mortality and death, serving as a reminder of the impermanence and fragility of life. It symbolizes the conventional notion of a skull, typically depicted with empty eye sockets and a prominent jawbone. This element is often illustrated in a sinister, menacing manner to invoke feelings of fear or threat.
The crossed bones beneath the skull typically represent crossed tibias or femurs, forming an X shape. This design element complements the skull and enhances the overall symbolism of the symbol. The arrangement of the bones signifies danger, often associated with piracy, warning of potential harm or death.
The skull and crossbones symbol became commonly associated with pirates during the Golden Age of Piracy in the 17th and 18th centuries. Pirates used this emblem to intimidate their victims, as its presence on a flag or a ship signaled ruthless pirates who may show no mercy. Today, the skull and crossbones symbol continues to be used in various contexts, including warnings for hazardous substances, poison labels, and sometimes as a fashion statement.
Common Misspellings for SKULL CROSSBONES
- akull crossbones
- zkull crossbones
- xkull crossbones
- dkull crossbones
- ekull crossbones
- wkull crossbones
- sjull crossbones
- smull crossbones
- slull crossbones
- soull crossbones
- siull crossbones
- skyll crossbones
- skhll crossbones
- skjll crossbones
- skill crossbones
- sk8ll crossbones
- sk7ll crossbones
- skukl crossbones
- skupl crossbones
Etymology of SKULL CROSSBONES
The termskull and crossbones" refers to a symbol consisting of a human skull and two long bones crossed together beneath it. The etymology of the word can be broken down as follows:
1. Skull: The wordskull" originated from the Old English wordsculd" orskulle", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic wordskulō". This term has also been connected to the Proto-Indo-European root wordskel" meaningto dry" orwithered". The notion of a skull representing death and mortality likely influenced the symbol's adoption.
2. Crossbones: The wordcrossbones" is a compound term combiningcross" andbones". The wordcross" can be traced back to the Old English wordcros" orcruc", which came from the Latin wordcrux", meaningstake".
