Today, “vegan” is everywhere. It’s stamped on plant-based burgers, shouted from social media, and printed on trendy oat milk cartons. But have you ever stopped to wonder where the word actually came from? Spoiler: it wasn’t invented by TikTok or hipsters. The term “vegan” has deep roots, and it all started with a strong belief, a bit of wordplay, and a UK man with a bicycle.

Born in Britain (and on a Bike)

The word vegan was coined in 1944 by Donald Watson, an English woodworker and animal rights activist who grew up in Yorkshire and later became a teacher. As a child, Watson saw animals slaughtered on a farm and decided to stop eating meat, and eventually, all animal products.

But at the time, there wasn’t a word for someone who avoided meat, dairy, eggs, and everything else that comes from animals. “Vegetarian” came close, but many vegetarians still drank milk or ate cheese.

So, Watson got clever.

He took the first three letters of vegetarian (“veg”) and the last two letters (“an”) and fused them together. His idea? That vegan marks “the beginning and end of vegetarian.”

Simple. Bold. Catchy. And a whole new word was born.

A Peaceful Revolution

Watson didn’t just create a word, he helped start a movement. In 1944, he and a small group of like-minded people founded The Vegan Society in the UK. They released a newsletter, now called The Vegan, to spread their message.

Their goal? To promote a lifestyle that avoids all animal exploitation for food, clothing, or any other purpose.

Back then, this was radical stuff. Most people didn’t even know how to pronounce “vegan.” (For the record, Watson said it should rhyme with “region.”)

But over time, the idea spread.

Why “Vegan” Stuck

So why did this new word take off?

One reason is that it gave people a clear identity. “Vegan” wasn’t just a diet; it was a statement, a stand for animals, health, and the planet. And it was easy to remember, short to spell, and powerful to say.

Plus, the timing was right. As people became more interested in animal welfare and environmental issues, “vegan” gave them a name for the lifestyle they wanted to live.

Fast-forward to today, and the word is part of mainstream culture. You’ll find it in supermarkets, on restaurant menus, and in global campaigns. Even celebrities and athletes proudly call themselves vegans.

But Here’s the Twist…

Although the word “vegan” is less than 100 years old, the idea of avoiding animal products goes way back. Ancient cultures like the Jains of India and certain Greek philosophers promoted plant-based living long before Donald Watson was born.

Watson gave that old idea a fresh, modern name, one that could grow, travel, and inspire change worldwide.

Final Bite of the Story

So next time you see the word “vegan” on a label or a latte, remember: it’s not just about tofu or trendy diets. It’s a word with a purpose, created by a quiet British activist who wanted to speak for those without a voice.

Donald Watson may have been soft-spoken, but the word he coined still shouts worldwide.