Etymology

au pair

Today it means: On a working basis by which work done by one party is rewarded by benefits (especially board and lodging) rather than by monetary remuneration. Full definition →

First used 19th c.French au pair
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The story

  1. French · borrowed fromau pair
  2. French · borrowed fromau pair
  3. English todayau pair

Borrowed from French au pair.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 19th c. On a working basis by which work done by one party is rewarded by benefits (especially board and lodging) rather than by monetary remuneration.
  • from 19th c. An au pair working arrangement (see Adverb).
  • from 20th c. A person (especially a young woman) working in such a way; now specifically, a foreign worker who helps a host family with childcare, housework, or both while staying as a guest with a host family, and generally receives a small allowance (or pocket money).

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.