'dirk' originates from Scots (Scots English), possibly influenced by Old Norse or Germanic words for a dagger such as Old Norse 'dólgr'/'dolk' or German 'Dolch', where the Germanic root meant 'dagger' or 'short stabbing weapon'.

'dirk' appears in Middle English/Scots as 'dirk' (early 15th century) and likely reflects influence from continental Germanic words like Old Norse 'dolk' and German 'Dolch', evolving into the modern English 'dirk'.

Initially it meant 'a short stabbing dagger' and over time has retained essentially the same meaning, though now it is often used historically or figuratively.