Where “Freelancing” Came From
Let’s take a little detour for today. If you don’t know where the word “freelancing” came from, read on.
According to recorded history, Sir Walter Scott coined the word “freelance” for his novel Ivanhoe. He used it to describe a “mercenary medieval warrior.”
Makes sense to me, since lots of these European “medieval warriors” probably used “lances.” And anyone not serving a king or nobleman was probably “free.” Besides, “mercenary” sounds so menacing!
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POSTED IN: Humor, On Freelancing
4 opinions for Where “Freelancing” Came From
Elber
Jan 10, 2007 at 10:15 pm
I read about this too! I probably saw it in Readers’ Digest or a similar publication, and that’s the same explanation I remember reading.
Alfa
Jan 10, 2007 at 10:20 pm
I’m disappointed. :( I thought it’s from free lunch. :D
Rico
Jan 10, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Elber: Thanks for the confirmation. :)
Alfa: Fun-neeeeee! :P
Contract Worker - What Contract Worker Considers “Freelancing”
Jan 29, 2007 at 4:35 am
[…] This blog is about freelancing. We already know where the word came from, but there are differing opinions of what it means. Strictly speaking, a freelancer’s involvement with a company is only for one specific job. Neither full- nor part-time. But, for the purposes of this blog, even part-time commitments fall under the scope of freelancing. In fact, I’ve decided to consider freelancing in its most general sense. Which is basically not being tied down to a single job. In fact, many of the most lucrative freelancing oppurtunities don’t end on the “first date.” That doesn’t necessarily mean spreading yourself too thin (the jack of all trades is the master of none). It’s still possible to work for different clients/employers, but practice only one craft. That is the beauty of Contract Work: not limiting yourself to a single obligation comes with lots of advantages. Like building a network of contacts, since you get to interact with different kinds of people. Or Enjoying more oppurtunities to hone your skills. And, of course, the chance to earn more money within the same amount of time. There is of course the danger of not giving each project the attenntion it deserves, but a person who has mastered the fine art of time management will have no problem. […]
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