Plural of viper; venomous snakes known for their sharp fangs and toxic bite, or people who are treacherous and deceitful.
From Old French 'vipere,' derived from Latin 'vipera,' possibly from 'vivus' (living) and 'parere' (to bear), as vipers were believed to give live birth. The metaphorical use for treacherous people developed in medieval literature.
People in the Middle Ages thought vipers were extra evil because females supposedly ate through their father's body to be born—a complete myth, but it made 'viper' the ultimate insult for a traitor!
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