Dash/Dasher/Dashing

A dash was originally a violent blow as in 'to dash to pieces' or an impetuous, fast movement of some kind, as in 'to dash off', dates in both these sensers from the Middle English period (1150 - 1350). Dash, meaning to destroy or frustrate, as in 'to dash one's hopes' dates from the early 1500s. Dash as in a punctuation mark dates from the late 1500s. Dash signifying a small portion of something, usually a liquid, as in a dash of soda water, dates from the early 1600s. Dash, meaning to do something or other in a hurry, as 'to dash off a letter, memo or email, dates from the early 1700s. 'To cut a dash' is to cut or fashion a stylish performance. Confusingly, the OED gives two dates for this, 1715 and 1786, so take your pick. 'Dashing' the adjective for a stylish, fashionable person or performance, dates from 1801. 'Dasher' a lively, spirited person or horse, dates from 1790. Dash, the exclamation, as in 'dash it all', is a euphemism or minced oath for 'damn' and dates from 1812. Dash as in 'dot dash' as used in Morse code dates from 1859. Dash, as in an abbreviation for dashboard, dates from the early 20th century. See also Dashboard.