Here's a breakdown of its journey:
1. Proto-Germanic "sulōn" (gloomy, dark)
2. Old English "solen" (gloomy, sullen)
3. Middle English "sullen" (gloomy, morose, angry)
4. Modern English "sullen" (gloomy, bad-tempered, and uncommunicative)
The meaning has shifted slightly over time, but the core concept of a dark, gloomy, and often bad-tempered state has remained consistent.
Interestingly, the word "sullen" is related to the word "sun," which seems counterintuitive given its negative connotation. However, it's believed that the original meaning of "sulōn" referred to the absence of light and warmth, hence the association with a dark and gloomy state.
So, next time you encounter someone who's "sullen," you can imagine them being enveloped in a metaphorical darkness!