The Word "Caddie" Comes from the French

The Word "Caddie" Comes from the French

The term "caddie" — the person who carries a golfer’s clubs and offers advice — has an interesting origin rooted in royalty and language.

French Origins

• The word comes from the French word "cadet", meaning younger son or junior.

• In 16th-century France, young military cadets would assist soldiers and nobles, often in a supportive role.

Mary, Queen of Scots and Golf

• Mary, Queen of Scots is often credited with popularizing golf in Scotland.

• While studying in France, she used cadets to carry her clubs.

• When she returned to Scotland, the term "cadet" was adopted locally and eventually evolved into "caddie."

So next time you're on the course with a caddie, you're actually using a word with royal and military roots from 500 years ago.