Etymology News From Middle English newes, newys (“new things”), equivalent to new (noun) +‎ -s. Compare Saterland Frisian Näis (“news”), East Frisian näjs (“news”), West Frisian nijs (“news”), Dutch nieuws (“news”), German Low German Neeis (“new things; news”), though unlike the English word, these originated as genitives, not plurals. Sometimes erroneously claimed to be an acronym of "North, East, West, South" or "Noteworthy Events, Weather, Sports".