'scold' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'skald,' where 'skald' meant 'poet' or 'singer of scornful songs.'

'skald' transformed into the Middle English word 'scolden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'scold.'

Initially, it meant 'to sing or recite scornful songs,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to reprimand or criticize angrily.'