Bushy Hedges

17th July 202617th July 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for hedge, bush and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kʷerstā, kʷerkus, *kʷerxt- = hedge, bush
Gaulish	perth [pɛrθ] = bush, hedge
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ceirt = apple tree, Ogham letter ᚊ (q) [kw]
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ceirt, cert = apple tree, Ogham letter ᚊ (q) [kw]
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceirt [cɛɾˠtʲ] = apple tree, Ogham letter ᚊ (q) [kw]
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceirt [kʲer̪ʃdʲ] = Ogham letter ᚊ (q) [kw], crab / wild apple (archaic)
Proto-Brythonic	*perθ [pɛrθ] = bush, thicket
Pictish	*ᚚᚓᚏᚈ (pert) = wood, grove
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	perth = hedge, (thorn) bush, brake, thicket, copse
Welsh (Cymraeg)	perth [pɛrθ] = hedge, (thorn) bush, brake, thicket, copse, coppice, bush, countryside, jungle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	perth = a bush
Cornish (Kernewek)	perth = thicket

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *pérkus (oak) [source].

Perth, the city in Scotland, gets it’s name from the Pictish word *ᚚᚓᚏᚈ (pert). The Scottish Gaelic version of the name: Peairt comes from the same roots, as does the city of Perth in Australia [source].

Other words from the same roots include fjör (vitality, sprightliness, vigour, energy, fun, merriment, life) in Icelandic, fur (pinewood) in Swedish, quercia (oak) in Italian, pērkons (thunder) in Latvian, and fir and cork in English, and possibly the words below [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷerkʷtā = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ceirt = rag
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ceirt, cert = rag, piece of cloth ceirtín = tatters certán = an item of clothing (?)
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceirt [cɛɾˠtʲ] = piece of clothing, rag, clout ceirtachán = ragged person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceirt† [kʲer̪ʃdʲ] = rag ceirteach† [kʲer̪ʃdʲəx] = rag, ragged, pertaining to or abounding in rags ceirteachd† = tawdriness, raggedness ceirteag† = ragged girl

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *perkʷ-téh₂, from *perkʷ- (oak) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	garrda = garden, yard
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	garrda, garrga = a plot, yard, enclosure, court, garden garrdadóir = gardener
Irish (Gaeilge)	garraí [ˈɡɑɾˠiː] = garden, yard, enclosure, ring, halo garrdaíodóir = gardener garraíodóireacht = gardening
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gàrradh [gaːr̪ˠəɣ] = dyke, wall, garden, enclosure
Manx (Gaelg)	garey = garden, allotment, arbour gareyder = gardener, horticulturalist garagh, gareydys = gardening
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gard, gart, gardd = garden, enclosure gard(d)wr = gardener
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gardd = garden, enclosure garddio = to garden, cultivate a garden garddlan = garden, nursery garddol = garden, horticultural garddoriaeth = horticulture garddwr = gardener garddwriaeth = gardening, horticulture
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	garth = a garden
Cornish (Kernewek)	garth = courtyard, enclosure, yard
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	garz = bush, hedge
Breton (Brezhoneg)	garzh [ɡars] = hedge, wooded embankment

Etymology: from Old Norse garðr (enclosed space, yard), from Proto-Germanic *gardaz (court, yard, enclosure), from PIE *gʰórdʰos (hedge, fence), from *gʰerdʰ- (to enclose, encircle, enclosure, fence, belt). Words from the same roots include yard, garth, girth, girdle, garden and horticulture in English, jardin (garden) in French, gård (farm, estate, land, court, yard) in Danish, gård (estate, farmstead, ranch, yard) in Swedish [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Teanglann.ie, Am Faclair Beag, An etymological dictionary of the Gaelic language, Fockleyreen: Manx – English Dictionary, Online Manx Dictionary, Gaelg Corpus, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Lexicon cornu-britannicum : a dictionary of the ancient Celtic language of Cornwall, Gerlyver Kernewek, Devri : Le dictionaire diachronique du breton, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Binding Fastenings

9th July 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for binding, fastening and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	rigo- = to bind komrigā = binding, bond
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuimrech [ˈku.β̃ʲɾʲəx] = binding, bond, fastening, fetter, captivity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuimrech, cuiṁbrech, cuibrech = act of binding, fastening, fettering, imprisoning, captivity, bond, fetter, chain
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuibhreach = binding, fetter, trammel cuibhrigh = bind, fetter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuibhreach [kɯivrəx] = chain, trammel cuibhreachadh [kɯivrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) binding, fettering, restricting, restriction cuibhreachail [kɯivrʲəxal] = limiting, restrictive
Proto-Brythonic	*korrɨɣ = thong (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	corruui = thong, lace, leather strap, rein
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	karrei = thong, lace, leather strap, rein
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carrai [ˈkara / ˈkarɛ] = thong, lace, leather strap, rein, leash
Cornish (Kernewek)	kevren = bond, link, share kevrenna = to share kevrennek, kevrenoges = participant, stakeholder, participating
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	comreg = tie, bond, connection (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	corre-enn, qévre, qevre = tie, bond, connection
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kevre [keːvre] = tie, bond, connection, link, agreement, alliance kevread = bond, league kevreadenn = hook-up, connection, link kevreañ = to connect, to join forces kevreded = federation, association, alliance

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *(H)reyǵ- (to bind, reach), possibly via Latin corrigia (shoelace, tie, thong whip) [source]. Words from the same roots include correggia (leather strap or belt, thong) in Italian, courroie (strap, belt, band, strip) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	gem-, gem-eno-, *gemelo- = shackle, chain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gemel = chain, fetter gébend = bond, fetter, captivity
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gemel, gemeal = fetter, chain, gyve gemlech, geimhlech = a fettered person, a prisoner, a hostage, fettered, captive gébend = bond, fetter, captivity
Irish (Gaeilge)	geimheal = fetter, shackle, chain geimhleach = fettered person, captive, prisoner; fettered, captive, held in bondage geimhligh = fetter, shackle, chain géibheann [ˈɟeːvʲən̪ˠ] = bond, fetter, bondage, captivity, strait, difficulty, distress, need géibheannach [ˈɟeːvʲən̪ˠəx] = person in bonds, person in fetters, captive géibheannas = bondage, sore distress
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geamhal = fetter, shackle, gyve geimheal = fetter, shackle, gyve geimhleach [gʲevləx] = fetter, captive, slave gèibhinn = fetter
Manx (Gaelg)	geuley = manacle, chain, bond, shackle geulaghey = manacle, chain, shackle, bind in chains geuleydagh = bondman, chain
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gebin = fetter, shackle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	geuyn, gefyn, gevyn = fetter, shackle, gyve, manacle, chain geuynnedig = shackled, fettered gefynnu = to shackle, fetter, manacle gevynnauc = shackled, fettered
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gefyn = fetter, shackle, gyve, manacle, chain gefynedig = shackled, fettered gefynnaf, gefynnu = to shackle, fetter, manacle, couple, link gefynnog = shackled, fettered

Etymology: from from Proto-Indo-European *gem- (to press, grasp) [source]. Words from the same roots include gyve (shackle or fetter, especially for the leg; to shackle, to fetter, to chain) in English, жать (žatʹ – to press, squeeze, lift) in Russian, ožeti (to squeeze) in Slovenian, ždímat (to wring) in Czech, and γεμίζω (gemízo – to fill, stuff) in Greek [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sibal = clasp, pin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sibal(l) = a clasp, buckle, pin
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	fual = fetter, gyve, shackle, bond
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hual = fetter, gyve, shackle, bond hualu = to fetter, manacle, shackle, chain, hobble, restrict, restrain hualawc, hualoc, hualog, hualawg = fettered, shackled, trammelled, tethered
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hual = fetter, gyve, shackle, bond, hobble, restriction, restraint, check, trammel, hindrance, impediment hualaf, hualu = to fetter, manacle, shackle, chain, hobble, restrict, restrain hualedig = fettered or manacled, shackled, tethered hualog = fettered, shackled, trammelled, tethered
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	fual, fu, hual = fetter, shackle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hual = shackle hualaff = to hinder, impede, obstruct
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hual = shackle, leg irons, anti-theft device hualañ [hyˈɑːlã] = to shackle, put in irons, subjugate, subdue hualet = hindered dishualañ [di.syˈɑː.lã] = to emancipate, deliver, liberate, unshackle

Etymology: possibly from or related to Latin fibula (clasp, buckle, brooch) [source]. Words from the same roots include sivella (buckle) in Catalan, fibbia (buckle, clasp) in Italian, and hebilla (buckle, clasp) in Spanish [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Boards & Planks

2nd July 20266th July 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for board, plank and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tile, tiled = board, plank, stern
Irish (Gaeilge)	tile = board, plank, sheets, poop (deck)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dèile [dʲeːlə] = board, deal, plank, bier
Manx (Gaelg)	deal = plank, batten

Etymology: from English deal [source] (a plank of softwood, a wooden board or blank), from Middle English dele (plank), from Middle Low German dele, from Old Saxon thili, ultimately from Proto-Germanic *þiljǭ (plank, board, plank, flooring, deck) [source].

Words from the same Diele (plank, hallway, hall, foyer) in German, tilja (floorboard, stage floor) in Swedish, and dilljá (bulkhead) in Pite Sami [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	astal = bookmark
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	astal, astol = chip, splinter, sliver, bookmark, plectrum, pointer, baton
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	astal = javelin, spear, pikestaff, chip, lath
Proto-Brythonic	*asklọd = chips (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	astell, estyll = plank, board, shelf, lath, stave, rod asclaud, asglaỽt, asglod = chips, shavings, splinters esglodyn, ysglodion, ysclodyn, sclodion = chips, slices, parings
Welsh (Cymraeg)	astell [ˈastaɬ / ˈastɛɬ] = plank, board, shelf, lath, stave, rod, ledge (of rock) astell gerdd = music stand astell ddu = blackboard astell lyfrau = bookshelf astellaf, astellu = to board, batten astellddal = shelf astellog = boarded, planked astyllen = plank, board, shelf, lath, stave, rod, tablet, toilet, privy, latrine (y)styllen = plank, board, panel, shelf, lath, stave, mould-board asglod [ˈasɡlɔd] = chips, shavings, splinters, fragments (y)sglodion [(ə)sˈɡlɔdɨ̞n] = chips, slices, parings (y)sglodyn, (y)sgloden = chip, slice, paring
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	astel = board, plank
Cornish (Kernewek)	astel = plank, shingle, splint astel an oles = mantelpiece astel grey = chalkboard astel todnow = surfboard astelwolyans = windsurfing astelyer = striker estyllen = shelf, board, plank asklos = chips asklosen = chip asklosi = to chip asklotti = chip shop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ascloedenn = shavings, splinters of split wood
Breton (Brezhoneg)	astel = plank, flat piece of wood, extension leaf (of a table), shelf, crêpe spatula, (medical) splint astellad = vomiting astellat = to vomit astelladenn = emetic, to vomit askleud [ˈaskløt] = shavings, splinters of split wood askleudenn = shaving, splinter

Etymology: from Latin astella (splinter), from asula / astla (splinter, shaving, chip, shiver, shingle) from assis (axel, North Pole, the heavens, board, plank), from Proto-Italic *aksis, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eḱs-i-s, from *h₂eḱs- (axle, axis)[source]. The Breton words, apart from askleud(enn), come from the same Latin roots, via Old French astelle (splinter or piece of wood) [source].

Words from the same roots include axis and axle in English, Achse (axis, axle) in German, axel (shoulder, axle, axis) in Swedish, and exio (axle, axis) in Portuguese, așchie (sliver, splinter, chip) in Romanian, and words for axle and axis in Celtic language [source].

Overflowing

25th June 202625th June 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for discharge, overflow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*skeyeti = to vomit
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sceïd [ˈsʲkʲe.əðʲ] = to vomit, to spew sceith = spewing, vomit, vomiting
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	strong>sceïd, sceithid, sceidid, sceigid, sceith, sceth(ed), sgeth [ˈsʲkʲe.əðʲ] = to vomit, to spew, to eject, to burst forth, to pour forth, to sprout, to bud sceith, sgeith = act of vomiting, spewing, vomit, dashing, spurting (of sea), bursting out, sprouting (of plants)
Irish (Gaeilge)	sceith [ʃcɛ(h) / ʃcɛç] = vomit, spawing, spawn, overflow, discharge, eruption, spreading, disintegration; to spew, vomit, overflow, pour forth, discharge, erupt, give away, divulge, spread, disseminate sceitheach = vomiting, spewing, spawning, discharging, erupting, tattling sceitheadh = spawning, overflow, eruption sceithre = telltale, tattler sceithreacht = (act of) divulging, disseminating, tattling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgeith [sgʲeh] = puke, vomit; retch, spew sgeitheach [sgʲehəx] = nauseous, emetic sgeitheadh [sgʲehəɣ] = (act of) vomiting, puking, retching, spewing
Manx (Gaelg)	skeeah = spew, vomit skeeahrey = disgorge, spew, vomiting skeay = vomit
Proto-Brythonic	*hwɨd = vomit (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chuyt, chwyt, chwyd = vomit, a vomitting, spewing chwydu, chwydy = to vomit, spew, disgorge, vomitting chwydawc = inclined to vomit, nauseous, nauseating, loathsome
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwŷd [ˈχwɨdɨ / ˈχwid] = vomit, a vomitting, spewing, that which is ejected, spew, ejection chwydaf, chwydu [ˈχwədɨ / ˈχwədi] = to vomit, spew, disgorge, vomitting chwydiad = vomit, a vomitting, a spewing, eruption chwydog = inclined to vomit, nauseous, nauseating, loathsome, fulsome, morose, moody, glutted, worthless
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	hweda, hwedzha = to vomit, to spew hwedh = a swelling, a puffing up, a swell hwedhy = to swell, to puff up
Cornish (Kernewek)	hweja, hwyja = to throw, puke, vomit hwejas = eruption
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	huedaff, huediff = to vomit huedadenn = vomiting
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hwed = vomit, puke c’hwedadenn = vomiting c’hwedañ = to vomit c’hwedez = person who vomits c’hwederezh = vomiting c’hwediñ = emetic, to vomit

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European skey- (to split, to dissect) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Old Norse skjaðak (a kind of weed, darnel), include skjæraks (darnal, ray grass – dialectal) in Norwegian, and skäde in Swedish.

Words from the same PIE roots include schijf (disk, a slice) in Dutch, Scheibe (disc, slice pane [of glass]) in German, șaibă (washer) in Romanian, skive (slice, shive) in Danish, and maybe sheath and ship in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	do·léici = to let, allow, throw, fling, hurl, lower, cast down, shed (blood, tears, etc)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	teilcid = to throw, cast, hurl, let go, let loose, give up
Irish (Gaeilge)	teilg [ˈtʲɛlʲɪɟ] = to cast, throw, project, fade, slake, convict, sentence teilgeach = casting, throwing, projectin, lasting, economical teilgean = to cast, throw, projection teilgeoir = thrower, pitcher, slinger, projector, founder teilgeoireacht = (act of) casting, moulding, plastering
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tilg [tʲiligʲ] = cast, fling, pitch, toss, throw, shoot, retch, spew, throw up, vomit tilgeachan [tiligʲəxan] = jibe, taunt tilgeadair [tʲilɪgʲədɪrʲ] = projector tilgeadh [tʲiligʲəɣ] = (act of) casting, flinging, hurling, pitching, retching, spewing, throwing up, vomiting, projecting
Manx (Gaelg)	tilg = to throw, prokect, cast, vomit, discharge tilgey = throwing, vomiting, casting

Etymology: from Old Irish to- and léicid (to leave, abandon, release, let go, allow, permit) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	aisec = to act of giving back, restitution, return
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aisec = (act of) restoring, giving back, restitution, restoration aisicid = to return, to give back, to restore
Irish (Gaeilge)	aiseag [ˈaʃəɡ / ˈæʃək] = restoration, restitution, vomit, emetic, (financial) returns aiseagthóir = restorer, restitutor
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aiseag [aʃəg] = ferry (crossing), (act of) ferrying over, return, deliverance, recovering, restoring, restitution, restoration, the Resurrection
Manx (Gaelg)	assaig = ferry

Etymology: from Old Irish ess- (ex-, out, non. dis-) from Proto-Celtic *exs- (out, non-, -less, without); and Old Irish -ec (verbal noun suffix) from Proto-Celtic *-ankom [source].

Thorny Brambles

17th June 202617th June 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for bramble, briar, thorn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	dristis, drissis = briar, bramble, thorn bush
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dris [ˈd̠ʲɾʲisʲ] = bramble, briar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dris = bramble, briar, thorn bush drisech = thorny, brambly
Irish (Gaeilge)	dris [dʲɾʲɪʃ] = bramble, briar, a cantankerous, prickly person drischoill = bramble brake driseach = brambly, briary driseog = (small) bramble, a prickly, irritable person drisín = small bramble drisíneach = prickly, irritable, touchy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dris [driʃ] = thorn, a thorny plant, small pin driseach [driʃəx] = prickly, thorny, brambly driseag [driʃag] = small thorn, small thorny plant driseil [driʃal] = prickly, thorny drisleach [driʃləx] = thorny thicket, briar patch, thicket of brambles
Manx (Gaelg)	dress = blackberry bush, briar, bramble dressag = small bramble bush dressagh = brambly, briary
Proto-Brythonic	*drɨs = dry
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	drissi = briars, brambles, thorn bushes
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrys [ˈdərɨ̞s / ˈdərɪs] = wild, rough, uncultivated drissi, dris, dryssi, drysi = briars, brambles, thorn bushes dryssyant, drysiant = entanglement, perplexity, quandary
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dyrys [ˈdərɨ̞s / ˈdərɪs] = wild, rough, uncultivated, tangled with undergrowth, thorny, dense, matted, intricate, entangled drys(i) [ˈdrəsɪ / ˈdrəsi] = briars, brambles, thorn bushes, entanglement, intricacy drysiant = entanglement, perplexity, quandary drysïog = full of briars or brambles, thorny drysle, dyrysle = intricate place, maze, labyrinth, bramble-brake, thicket dryslyd, dyryslyd = perplexing, puzzling, embarrassing, tangled, intricate, puzzled, confused, bewildered, deranged
Old Cornish	dreis = brambles, briars
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	dreis, dreyn = brambles, briars
Cornish (Kernewek)	dreys = brambles dreysen = bramble dreysa = to tangle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dres = brambles dresen = bramble
Breton (Brezhoneg)	drez [dreːs] = brambles drezenn = bramble drezad = brambles drezeg [ˈdreː.zɛk] = bramble patch, bramble thicket drezek = full of brambles drezid = bramble grove

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *der- (to split, separate, tear, crack, shatter) [source].

Dry Barrenness

12th June 202612th June 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for dry, barren, sterile and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*siskʷos = dry
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sesc [ˈsʲesk] = barren, dry, infertile
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sesc, seisc = dry, barren, unproductive sescach = dry cows sescus = state of dryness (of cattle)
Irish (Gaeilge)	seasc [ʃasˠk] = barren, unfruitful, infertile, dry, not giving milk, sapless, unmated, neuter seascach = dry cow(s), unproductive season seascachán = neuter, unmated bird seascacht = barrenness, dryness (of cattle)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seasg [ʃesg] = barren, sterile, dry (not giving milk) seasgach [ʃesgəx] = causing barrenness / sterility, barren, sterile, dry not leaking seasgachadh [ʃesgəxəɣ] = (act of) sterility, sterilisation seasgachd [ʃesgəxg] = barrenness, sterility seasgaichte = sterilised
Manx (Gaelg)	shast = sterile, barren, unfruitful (animal) shiast = barren (animal) shastagh = barren animal shastaght = barrenness shiastid = sterility, dryness shiastit = sterilized
Proto-Brythonic	*hɨsp = dry
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hesb, hesp, hysb = barren, sterile, not yielding milk, dry hysby = to become sterile or barren, to cease to give milk hyspydd, hispydd = dry, exhausted
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hysb, hesb [hɨ̞sb / hɪsb] = barren, sterile, not yielding milk, dry (of cattle, sheep, etc), dried up, exhausted hysbedd = dryness, barrenness, sterility hysb(i)af, hysb(i)o = to become sterile or barren, to cease to give milk, to dry up (esp. of a cow) hysbydd = dry, exhausted, empty (lake, etc), barren, sterile hysbyddedig = exhausted, improverished (land), dried up
Cornish (Kernewek)	hesk = milkless cow, dry cow, dried up cow heski = to go milkless, to run dry heskys = dried up, milkless
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hïscen = (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hesq = dried up, dry
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hesk [hesk] = dried up, desiccation, dry, drying out, arid heskaat = to dry up, to dry out heskadur = drying up heskenn = cow that no longer gives milk

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *sisku- (dry), probably from *sek- (to dry up) [source].

Words from the same roots include sec (dry, dried, lean, thin) in French, secco (dry, dried, thin) in Italian, seco (dry, desiccated, withered) in Portuguese, secetă (drought) in Romanian, and desiccate (to dry) in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*samosiskʷī = heifer, sterile cow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	samaisc = heifer
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	samaisc, samṡeisc, samascib = heifer
Irish (Gaeilge)	samhaisc = three- to four-year-old heifer samhaisceach = stalwart person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	samhaisg = heifer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hafesp = river name
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hafesp = river name
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hanvesk = sterile cow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hañvesk = sterile

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *samos (summer and *siskʷos (sterile, dry) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dīsiskʷos = (?)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dísc = barren, dried up
Irish (Gaeilge)	dísc [dʲiːʃc] = dryness, barrenness i ndísc [əˈn̠ʲiːʃc] = (having run) dry díscíu = drying up, consumption, exhaustion, eliminiation, extermination díscigh = to dry up, drain out, consume, exhaust, eliminate, exterminate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dìosg [dʲiəsg] = barren (of an animal), barren cow, fault, flaw dìosgail [dʲiːsgal] = going barren, going dry

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *dī- (away, off) and *siskʷos (sterile, dry) [source].

Fasting Fridays

4th June 20262nd July 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for fast(ing), abstinence, Friday and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	aín(e) [ˈaːi̯nʲ] = fast, fasting (period of time when one abstains from or eats very little food) aínid = to fast Cétaín [ˈkʲeː.d̪aːi̯nʲ] = Wednesday (“first fast”) Dardóin [d̪aɾˈd̪aːi̯nʲ] = Thursday (a contraction of etar-dá-óin* – “between two fasts”) aín dídine, oín dídine* = Friday (“last fast”)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	aín = fast, period of fasting aínid = to fast, to keep a fast aíntech = abstemious, ascetic cétaín(e), cetain, cétain [ˈkʲeː.d̪aːi̯nʲ] = Wednesday dardoín, dardáin, dardain = Thursday aín dídin(e), aín díden = Friday
Irish (Gaeilge)	aoine [ˈiːnʲə] = fast, fasting, abstinence (archaic), Friday aointeach = falling on / pertaining to Friday (Dé) Céadaoin [(dʲeː) ˈceːd̪ˠiːnʲ] = (on) Wednesday Déardaoin [ˌdʲeːɾˠˈd̪ˠiːnʲ / dʲaɾˠˈd̪ˠiːnʲ] = (on) Thursday Dé hAoine [dʲeː ˈhiːnʲə / dʲaˈhiːnʲə] = (on) Friday Aoine an Chéasta = Good Friday
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aoine [ɯːn̪ʲə] = Friday, fast, fast-day aoineach [ɯːn̪ʲəx] = fasting, fast DiCiadain [dʲɪˈkʲiədɪn̪ʲ] = Wednesday DiDaoirne [dʲɪˈdɯːr̪n̪ʲə] = Thursday DihAoine [dʲɪˈhɯːn̪ʲə] = Friday
Manx (Gaelg)	Yn Eney [tʃeu] = Friday Jeheiney [dʒeˈhəːnʲə] = (on) Friday Jardain, Jerdein = (on) Thursday Jecrean, Crean, Curain = (on) Wednesday
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	yeun, iun, iunou, yun, jun = fasting yunaff = to fast
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yun [jỹːn] = fasting yunadenn = a period of fasting yunan, yunañ, yuniñ [ˈjỹː.nã / ˈjỹː.nĩ] = to fast yuner / yunerez [ˈjỹː.nɛr / jy.ˈneː.res] = fasting person, hunger strike

Etymology: from Latin ieiūnium (fast [day], fasting, Lent, hunger), from ieiūnus (fasting, abstinent, hungry), Proto-Italic *jagjūnos, from Proto-Indo-European *h₁yaǵ-yu-s, from *h₁yaǵ- (to sacrifice, worship) [source].

Words from the same roots include dinner and jentacular (pertaining to breakfast) in English, xantar (dinner, lunch) in Galician, yantar (to lunch, dine, eat) in Spanish, άγιος (ágios – holy, saintly, Saint) in Greek, and جشن (jašn – celebration, festival, feast) in Persian [source].

Proto-Celtic	kʷritus = form, shape, moment, time kʷritiyos = shaper, timer
Proto-Brythonic	*prɨd [prɨd] = shape, form, time
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	unpryt, vnpryd, vn pryt, ympryt, umpryt = a fast(ing), hunger strike ym prydant, vn prydyaf, vmprydio = to fast, to be or go on hunger strike, to keep (a fast) unprydyawl, ymprydiol, vnprytiol = pertaining to a fast or fasting, hungry
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pryd [prɨːd / priːd] = time, meal(time), when ympryd, umpryd, unpryd, un pryd [ˈəmprɨ̞d / ˈəmprɪd] = a fast(ing), hunger strike ymprydiaeth = a fast(ing) ympryd(i)o = to fast, to be or go on hunger strike, to keep (a fast) ymprydiol, unprydiol = pertaining to a fast or fasting, hungry ymprydiwr = one who fasts, faster
Old Cornish	prit = time, season, meal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	pres, preys, prŷs, prês, prez = a stated time, time, season, a meal time, a meal
Cornish (Kernewek)	prys, pres = time, season, while prysweyth, presweyth = instant, occasion, epoch prysweythel = momentary, instantaneous
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	prit = moment, meal
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pret = moment, meal
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pred [preːt] = meal, moment, time predad = moment predadenn = (good) meal predañ [ˈpreː.dã / ˈpreː.ʒã] = to have a meal, to eat, to feed preti [ˈpretː.i] = restaurant

Etymology: from Middle Welsh un (one) and pryt (time) [source]. See also the post about Time & Weather.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	troscad, troscud = (coercive) fasting
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	troscad, troscud = (act of) fasting troiscid, troscaid, troscad = to fast
Irish (Gaeilge)	troisc [t̪ˠɾˠɔsˠk] = fast troscach = fasting troscadh [ˈt̪ˠɾˠosˠkə / ˈt̪ˠɾˠʌsˠkə] = to fast, fasting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trasg [trasg] = fasting, fasting, diet, dieting traisg = to fast, diet là-trasgaidh = fast-day
Manx (Gaelg)	trostey = fasting brishey trostey = breakfast

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrwest, dyruest, dyrỽe(i)st = abstinence from food and drink, fasting, fast dyrwestu, dyrwest = to fast, to abstain from food and drink dir westua, dyrwestfa = fast, abstention, a fasting, penitence
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dirwest, dyrwest [ˈdɪrwɛst] = abstinence from food and drink, fasting, fast, temperance, self-restraint, teetotalism, abstemious, sober, chaste, continent dirwestaf, dirwest(u) = to fast, to abstain from food and drink dirwestfa [dɪrˈwɛstva] = fast, abstention, a fasting, penitence dirwestol [dɪrˈwɛstɔl] = abstinent from alcohol, abstemious

Etymology: unknown [source].

Side by Side

19th May 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for side, flank and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*toibos = side
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tóeb, táeb, toíb, taeb [ˈt̪oːi̯β / ˈt̪aːi̯β / ˈt̪oːi̯β] = side strong>lettáeb [ˈl̠ʲe.t̪aːi̯β] = side
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	taeb, tóib, tóeb, tuib = side, direction, part, region taebán, tóeban = little side, side, rafter
Irish (Gaeilge)	taobh [t̪ˠeːvˠ / t̪ˠiːvˠ] = side, border, edge, flank, aspect, direction, region, point of view, attitude, party, team, faction, cause, line of descent, reliance, dependence, recourse, resort taobhach = lateral, trusting, partial, biased taobhacht = trustfulness, confidence, tendentiousness, partiality taobhagán = hypotenuse taobhaí = companion, adherent, supporter taobhaigh = to draw near, approach, side with, support, rely on, trust, entrust to, urge, enjoin taobhaíocht = support taobhaitheoir = supporter, sympathizer aontaobhach = unilateral déthaobhach = bilateral, double-sided comhthaobhach = collateral leataobh = one side (of two), lay-by leataobhach = one-sided, lopsided, tilted, partial, biased do leataobh, i leataobh = aside
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	taobh [tɯːv] = side, flank, angle, aspect, facet, direction, way, point of view, liking, partiality, coast taobh a-muigh = outside, exterior taobh a-staigh = inside, interior aon-taobhach = one-sided, unilateral dà-thaobhach = double-sided, duplex, bilateral co-thaobhach [kɔ hɯːvəx] = aligning, collateral ri taobh = beside, by the side of, by, next to
Manx (Gaelg)	çheu [tʃeu] = side, beam, standpoint, page çheumooie = outside, without, outboard, exterior çheusthie = inside, within, indoor, interior, inland, inner un-çheuagh = unilateral daa-heuagh = bilateral co’heuagh = collateral
Proto-Brythonic	*tʉβ = side
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	tu = side
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tu = side tú há, tu a, tua, tv ac = towards, facing tu dalen, tvdalen = page
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tu [tɨː / tiː] = side, edge, flank, direction, area, district, region, place, point of view tu allan / tu fas = outside, exterior tu mewn = inside tu ôl = behind tua [tɨː.a / tiː.a] = towards, facing, around, in relation to, about, approximately tuaf, tuo = to tend, incline, side, lean towards, direct tudalen [tɨ̞ˈdalɛn / tɪˈdaːlɛn] = page (one side of a leaf of a book)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	tu = side, part, region tuhe, tyha = towards
Cornish (Kernewek)	tu [tyː / tiˑʊ] = side, direction, bearing tu a-ves = exterior tuedh = tendency, trend tuedha (troha / war-tu ha) = to tend (towards) tuedhder = orientation heptu [hɛpˈtyː / həpˈtiˑʊ] = neutral, nonaligned untu [ˈʏnty / ˈɪntɪʊ] = unilateral, one-sided war-tu = towards
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tu = side tu-hont, tuhont = over there
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tu [tyː] = side, direction tu-hont = over there tuad = side, direction tuadur = position, location, orientation

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)teygʷ- (flank, side). Words from the same PIE root possibly include стегно [steːɡno] (thigh) in Serbian, and stehno (thigh) in Czech [source].

Directly Straight

12th May 202612th May 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for straight, direct and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	díriuch [ˈd̠ʲiː.ɾʲux] = direct, straight, straightforward, upright strong>dírgid = to direct, guide, straighten
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	díriuch, dírech = direct, straight, straightforward, upright, just, right dírgas = righteousness, uprightness dírge, dírga = directing, straightness, directness dírgid = to straighten, to make straight, to direct, to aim, to guide
Irish (Gaeilge)	díreach [ˈdʲiːɾʲəx / ˈdʲiːɾʲa(h)] = straight, straightforwardness, straight course; straight, direct, just, exact(ly) díríocht = straightness, directness, uprightness díritheach = directing, rectifying díritheoir = director
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dìreach [dʲiːrʲəx] = straight, direct, just, directly, vertical, erect, upright, forthright dìreachadh [dʲiːrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) making straight, straightening dìreachd [dʲirʲəxg] = straightness dìrich [dʲiːrʲɪç] = make straight, straighten
Manx (Gaelg)	jeeragh [ˈdʒiːrax] = straight, straightforward, rigid, lineal, sincere, faithful, candid, honest, frank, direct, just, true, due, strict, exact, precise, erect, plumb, point-blank jeereyder = director, straightener jeerid = straightness, directness, strictness, sincerity, honesty jeerys = right, straightness, justice, rigidity

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *rego- (to extend, stretch, straighten), from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃réǵ-u-s ~ *h₃r̥ǵ-éw-s (straight), from *h₃réǵ (to straighten, to righten) [source]. Words from the same PIE root possibly include reacht (law) in Irish, cyfraith (law) in Welsh, direzione (direction, way, course) in Italian, and adress, adroit, correct, direct, dress, regular and right in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	* =
Old Irish (Goídelc)	seta = tall
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	seta, seda = long, slender, graceful
Irish (Gaeilge)	seada = long, slender, graceful (graceful)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	syth, seth = straight, direct sythu = to straighten, stand up, stiffen sythter. sythder = straightness, erectness, rigidity, stiffness sythyedic = fixed, stiffened, starched
Welsh (Cymraeg)	syth [sɨːθ / siːθ] = straight, direct, immediate, upright, erect, vertical, perpendicular, steep, stiff, rigid, unbending, steady, righteous, honest sythaf, sythu = to straighten, stand up, stiffen sythder = straightness, erectness, rigidity, stiffness syth(i)edig = fixed, stiffened, starched
Cornish (Kernewek)	syth, seth = direct, upright

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *sísdeti (to be sitting down), from *sed- (to sit) [source]. [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	diŵyr, diwyr = straight, direct diwyro = to straighten, turn back
Welsh (Cymraeg)	diwyr, di-ŵyr [ˈdɪ.ʊɨ̯r / ˈdiː.ʊi̯r] = undeviating, straight, direct, unbiased, regular, constant, correct diwyraf, diwyro = to straighten, turn back diwyredd = straight, direct diwyro = without deviating or bending, unswerving, unerring, straight, direct
Cornish (Kernewek)	diwirhaval = unlikely, improbable
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	diguis, diuir = cruel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	diwir [ˈdiwir / ˈdiɥːir] = cruel, disloyal, unfair, false, deceitful diwirdik = one who is not sensitive diwirheñvel = unbelievable, improbable diwiridikaat = numb diwirion = inauthentic, insincere, unrealistic

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *gwuɨr, from Proto-Celtic *weiros (crooked), from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₁iros (turned, twisted), from *weh₁y- (to twist, wrap) [source]. See also the post about words for Crooked.

A Stack of Heaps

7th May 20267th May 2026 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at words for heap, pile, stack and related words, in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dasti- = heap, pile
Gaulish	Condate = Condé (a place in France)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	daiss, daise, dassaib, daisib = heap, pile, rick, stack (esp. of corn) tegdais, tegdas, techdais = house, dwelling, mansion, room, apartment, tabernacle, church
Irish (Gaeilge)	dais = heap, stack (literary) teaghais, teaghdhais house, dwelling, tabernacle, church, room, apartment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dais [daʃ] = heap, pile, (bread loaf-shaped) rick, stack dais-fheòir = haystack, hayrick dais-eòrna = stack/rick of barley dasieadh [daʃəɣ] = (act of) heaping, piling up, making a rick or stack taigheadas [tɤjədəs] = residence, housing, housekeeping
Manx (Gaelg)	dash = small pile, heap
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	das, dais = rick, stack, mow, heap, pile das(s)wrn = heap, pile, rick
Welsh (Cymraeg)	das = rick, stack, mow, heap, pile das (o) wair = hayrick, haystack das (o) fawn = peat stack, turf pile dasag, dasu = to stack, rick, pile, heap up dasiad = a ricking daswl = pile, stack daswr = one who stacks, ricks, piles up or heaps up daswrn = heap, pile, rick
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	tasurn = a pile of wood, a wood-rick
Cornish (Kernewek)	das = stack, rick das wora = haystack, hayrick dasa = to stack
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	desi = pile (?)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tes = stacking, pile tesañ = to pile up, stacking tesenn = stack, pile

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- (to do, put, place) [source]. Words from the same PIE root possibly include дело (delo – affair, matter) in Russian, dáil (tryst, betrothal, legislature) in Irish, Ort (place, location) in German, odd, family and theme in English, and hacer (to do, make) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	karnos, karnom = heap of stones, cairn, tomb, horn, antler
Gaulish	karnon = horn karnuātus = horned
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carn = heap, pile
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	carn, carnd = heap, mound, hillock carna(ig)id, carnait, carnaigit = to heap up, pile up
Irish (Gaeilge)	carn [kɑːɾˠn̪ˠ / kaːɾˠn̪ˠ] = heap, pile, cairn, great amount carnach = full of cairns, made up in heaps, cumulative carnadh = accumulation carnán [ˈkɑːɾˠn̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ] = (small) heap, mound
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	càrn [kaːrˠn̪ˠ] = cairn, heap of stones, pile (up), stack of corn càrnach [kaːrˠn̪ˠəx] = rocky, stony càrnadh [kaːrˠn̪ˠəɣ] = (act of) heaping, piling (up), hoarding, heap, pile (up), accumulating, accumulation
Manx (Gaelg)	carn = heap, cairn, stack of stone carnagh = cumulative carnane = heap, mound, dump, cairn, rampart carnaneagh = heaped, piled up, cumulus, cumuliform
Proto-Brythonic	*karn = a pile of stones, a cairn
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	carn, karn = cairn, barrow, tumulus, mound, rock, heap, pile carned(d), karned = cairn, tumulus, mound, heap, pile, ruin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carn [karn] = cairn, barrow, tumulus, mound, rock, heap, pile; drinking horn, handle carnedd [ˈkarnɛð] = cairn, tumulus, mound, heap, pile, ruin carneddaf, carneddu = to heap, pile, amass, accumulate carneddog, carneddol = abounding with heaps of stones, rocky carnen = a small cairn or tumulus
Old Cornish	carn =
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	carn = a rock, a rocky place, a high rock, a shelf in the sea, a heap of stones, the hilt, handle of an instrument
Cornish (Kernewek)	karn = rock-pile, tor, carn, heap of rock karnedh = cairn
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	carn = cairn, tumulus, horn (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	carn = cairn, tumulus, horn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karn = cairn, tumulus, horn

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱerh₂- (head, top, horn) [source]. Words from the same roots include cairn in English and Scots, procrastinate, cranium and giraffe in English, corne (horn) in French and krowa (cow) in Polish [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Bushy Hedges

Binding Fastenings

Boards & Planks

Overflowing

Thorny Brambles

Dry Barrenness

Fasting Fridays

Side by Side

Directly Straight

A Stack of Heaps