Origin and history of intimate

1630s, "closely acquainted, very familiar," also "inmost, intrinsic," from Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare "make known, announce, impress," from Latin intimus "inmost, innermost, deepest" (adj.), also used figuratively, of affections, feelings, and as a noun, "close friend."

This is a superlative of Latin in "in" (from PIE root *en "in," and compare in- (2)) with the superlative ending -timus (as in ultimus "last"), here denoting "close association with" (compare maritimus "of the sea").

Intimates (adj.) used euphemistically in reference to women's underwear is attested by 1988, probably short for intimate apparel (by 1889). Related: Intimately.

1530s, "make known formally;" 1580s, "suggest indirectly," back-formation from intimation (which could explain the pronunciation) or else from Late Latin intimatus, past participle of intimare "to make known" (see intimate (adj.)). The Old French verb was intimer. Related: Intimated; intimating.

1650s, "familiar friend, person with whom one is intimate," from intimate (adj.). Sometimes 17c.-19c. in false Spanish form intimado. Latin intimus had a similar noun sense. Intimates as a commercial euphemism for "women's underwear" is by 1988.