When the term diva was initially coined in 1883, it solely referred to a distinguished female singer. However, in the late 1980s, a new connotation emerged, characterizing divas as demanding and narcissistic celebrities, largely due to their association with the former definition. This shift in meaning led to a significant increase in the usage of the word in literature. Originating from Italian, where it denoted a “fine lady,” the term had earlier roots in Latin as divus, signifying a “divine one.” This Latin term can be traced back to Old Latin as deiuos and Proto-Italic as deiwos, ultimately deriving from the Proto-Indo-European reconstruction deywos meaning “god.” Numerous cognates of this root exist in various languages, including words like divine, journey, Tuesday, meridian, circadian, Zeus, Jupiter, and dismal, showcasing the widespread influence of this ancient term.
