dodger

The word 'dodger' is a transparent English formation from the verb 'dodge,' which emerged in the late 16th century with a sense of moving quickly to and fro. The origin of 'dodge' itself is obscure but may be related to similar words for quick, evasive movement. By adding the agent suffix '-er,' common in Germanic languages, the noun 'dodger' was created to denote one who dodges. Its primary modern sense, a person who evades responsibilities like taxes or military service, solidified in the 19th century, while its culinary sense for a simple, durable bread likely derives from the idea of it being a basic sustenance for one "dodging" about or living frugally.

Structure: dodge (to avoid) + er (agent suffix) - dodge: Origin uncertain, possibly from a dialectal English verb meaning "to move quickly or jerkily." Its functional role is the core verb meaning "to avoid." - er: From Old English -ere, an agent-noun suffix indicating "a person or thing that performs an action."