DON'T PANIC

English

risk

Nearest English gloss

exposure to a downside that has not happened yet

What the gloss loses

Modern “risk-taking” is often a compliment paid to people who will not sleep in the wreckage. The gloss hides who is exposed.

Etymology

From Italian risco / rischio, possibly from Arabic rizq (sustenance allotted) or from a maritime word for cliff. The etymology is disputed, which is almost too on-the-nose.

History

Engineering risk, financial risk, imposed danger, and a chosen expedition are not morally identical. Ask who benefits and who pays.

Who bears the downside if this fails?