The conversation between human and AI assistant.
What is the etymology of the word "blackmail"?
Can you tell me about the etymology of the word "blackmail"?
Sure! "Blackmail" is a compound word that dates back to the 16th century. "Black" is used to signify something bad or wicked, while "mail" is a word that means payment, tribute, or rent. So "blackmail" originally meant a payment made to a wicked or evil person.