Where does the Word “Quiz”
really come from?
Etymology and Early Origins
Date published: 27th of November, 2025
Most popular theory for "quiz" dates back to late 18th-century Dublin, Ireland. According to legend, a theater manager named Richard Daly wagered that he could introduce a new nonsense word into the English language within 48 hours [1]. Daly allegedly hired people to chalk the word "quiz" on walls throughout the city. The mysterious word sparked curiosity and conversation, quickly entering common usage. While this tale is charming and widely circulated, most etymologists consider this doubtful [4].
More credible scholarly sources trace "quiz" to the Latin word "quis," meaning "who" or "what," which was commonly used in Latin grammar exercises and examinations [3][4]. The term may have evolved through academic circles where students were "quizzed" on their knowledge using questions beginning with interrogative pronouns.
The Oxford English Dictionary's earliest recorded use of "quiz" as a verb meaning "to question" dates to approximately 1780-1790, while its use as a noun referring to an examination or test emerged in the early 19th century, particularly in American educational contexts [2][4].
The First Recorded Quizzes
The earliest documented quiz format appeared in newspapers during the mid-19th century, although pinpointing the absolute first quiz is challenging. The Illustrated London News and similar publications featured puzzle columns and question-and-answer sections that bear striking resemblance to modern quizzes [6].
In educational settings, the quiz format became formalized in American colleges during the 1860s and 1870s [7]. Yale University records from this period reference "quiz sections" where students would gather for rapid-fire questioning on their coursework. These sessions were distinct from formal examinations and were intended as learning tools rather than high-stakes assessments.
Cultural Significance
Although the quiz has evolved into a significant cultural phenomenon with multiple dimensions, there are new and exciting formats, mechanics and social dynamics supported as a result of quizzes. In education, quizzes serve as lower pressure assessment tool that reinforces learning and provides immediate feedback [7]. The psychological principle of retrieval practice, actively recalling information, has made quizzes valuable cognitive and testing tools.
Beyond academia, quiz culture exploded in the 20th century with pub quizzes, radio quiz shows, and television game shows. The BBC's Brain of Britain (first broadcast in 1953) [5] and American programs like Quiz Kids (1940s) demonstrated the entertainment value of competitive knowledge testing [6].
In contemporary digital culture, online quizzes have become social media phenomena. Personality quizzes, in particular, have proven remarkably popular, suggesting that quizzes satisfy deeper psychological needs for self-discovery and social connection. The quiz format has thus transcended its educational origins to become a versatile tool for entertainment, marketing, and social engagement.
Today, "quiz" remains a dynamic term, continuing to evolve with technology while maintaining its essential function: to question, to challenge, and to discover what we know.