The origin of the word spa
The word “spa” immediately evokes mental pictures of relaxation, wellness and regenerating treatments. What is the origin of this term? Many associate the word to the Latin phrase Salus Per Aquam, meaning “health through water”, but the truth of it is much more charming. The Accademia della Crusca (literally Academy of the Bran, a society of Italian linguists and philologists) provides a clarifying answer, debunking a widespread myth and offering an interesting historical account.
The Latin hypothesis: Salus Per Aquam
One of the most popular theories is that ‘spa’ stands for the Latin expression Salus Per Aquam. This hypothesis, suggesting that health is achieved through water, is often mentioned in reference to spas and wellness centres. However, this interpretation is more etymology legend than it is historical reality. There’s no actual evidence that this expression was used by Romans, and acronyms were quite rare in ancient times. So, the idea that “spa” derives from Salus Per Aquam is a recent construction, an explanation adjusting to the modern meaning of the word rather than an authentic historical grounds.
The true origin: A Belgian city
Here’s the fascinating and actual truth: the word “spa” originates from a place name. In fact, it derives from the name of a Belgian city, Spa, in the province of Liège. Known since the Roman times for its natural springs, Spa became famous as a treatment and wellness centre around the 15th century. The popularity of the word ‘spa’ as a common name in English began in 1620 to refer to medicinal or mineral springs, and only later did the term take on the modern meaning of a facility dedicated to wellness and beauty treatments.
The use in the Italian language
The term “spa” appeared in the Italian language only recently. The first mentions in Italian can be found in documents from the 1990s, with a more frequent use starting in the early 2000s. These first uses are rare and often very specific, like in the case of Spa’ Deus in Chianciano Terme. Only later did the term gain a more general diffusion to indicate wellness centres and spa facilities. In Italian vocabularies, the word ‘spa’ has only officially entered in recent editions, such as the 2005 Zingarelli. As far as spelling is concerned, ‘spa’ is not an acronym, so it is used in lower case, unless referring to the name of the Belgian city, in which case it is capitalised.