Central Hearts

20th March 2024 By Simon

Words for heart, core, centre and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kridyom = heart, centre, focus, love, dear one, valour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cride [ˈkʲrʲiðʲe] = heart,
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cride = heart, centre, middle part, focus, affection, love, dear one, valour cridecán = little heart, heartlet (term of endearment) cridech = stout-headed cridechair = benign, kind, beloved cridemail = hearty, courageous, kind cridén = dear one, heartlet (term of endearment) cridenas = heart-trembling, fright and terror cridiscél = moving tale, special wish, darling
Irish (Gaeilge)	croí [kɾˠiː] = heart croíán = gallant, playboy croíbhriseadh = heart-break croíbhriste = heart-broken, heart-breaking croíbhrú = contrition croídín = cuddle, little darling croíléis = light-heartedness, merriment, sport croíléiseach = light-hearted, merry, sportive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cridhe [krʲi.ə] = heart, courage, centre, middle cridheachan [krʲi.əxan] = small heart, chest brooch cridhealas [krʲi.əl̪ˠəs] = cheerfulness, hilarity, gaiety,jollity cridhean [krʲi.an] = small heart, gallant cridheil [krʲi.al] = cheerful, hearty, jolly cridhe briste = broken heart, broken spirit cridhe-leòn = heartache cridhe teòma = a tender heart
Manx (Gaelg)	cree [kriː] = heart, hub, core, centre creeoil = cheerful, hearty, inspiring, courage cree brisht = bleeding heart, heartbroken cree cloaie = hardhearted, stony, heart y chree = dearest, my heart, my sweetheart
Proto-Brythonic	*krėð = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	craidd = centre, middle, heart
Welsh (Cymraeg)	craidd [krai̯ð] = centre, middle, heart, kernel, essence craidd disgyrchiad, craidd disgyrchiant = centre of gravity pwnc craidd = core subject
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cres, crês, creys = middle, centre, midst, heart
Cornish (Kernewek)	kres = centre, middle, waist kresnna, kresedna = to centralise kresek = average, medium kresel = central kresen = centre kresfoesik = centrifugal kreshwilus = centripetal kresosel = medieval kresvorek = Mediterranean
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creis, creiz, crais = centre, middle creisen = centre, central craisnos, crei-nos, creiss-noss = midnight, north
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreiz [ˈkrɛjs] = centre, middle kreiznoz = midnight, north kreisteiz [krɛjs.ˈtɛjs] = noon, south kreizenn [ˈkrɛj.zɛn] = centre, central kreizennañ [krɛjˈzɛ.nːã] = centraliser kreiz-kêr [krɛjsˈkɛːr] = town/city centre

Etymology: from PIE *ḱr̥d- from *ḱḗr (heart) [source]. Words from the same roots include heart and cardiac in English, cor (heart) in Spanish, srdce (heart) in Czech and sirds (heart) in Latvian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kalwond- = heart
Proto-Brythonic	*kalwon = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	callon, kallon = heart, bosom, breast gallondit, kalondit = courage, bravery, fortitude kallonni = to hearten, encourage, comfort callonnyawc, callonawc, calonnawg, kylonog = valiant, courageous
Welsh (Cymraeg)	calon [ˈkalɔn] = heart, bosom, breast, womb matrix, belly, entrails, centre, pith, core, essence, spirit, thought, intent, courage, confidence calondid = courage, bravery, fortitude, magnanimity, willingness, generosity, gentleness, mercy calonnaf, calonni = to hearten, encourage, comfort calonnog = valiant, courageous, plucky, hearty, willing, ready, enthusiastic, sincere, genuine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	calon = heart
Cornish (Kernewek)	kolon = heart kolonekter = courage, valour kolonnek, kolodnek = brave, cordial, courageous, fearless, hearty, kindly, genuine, sincere, truthful kolonnen = core
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	calon = heart
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kalon [ˈkɑː.lɔ̃n] = heart, soul, courage, chest, stomach, kindness kalonad = heartache kaloneg = cordial, courageous, warm, valiant kalonegezh [ka.lɔ̃.ˈnɛː.ɡɛs] = cordiality, courage, encouragement kalonek [ka.ˈlɔ̃ː.nɛk] = courageous, cordial, warm kalonekaat [ka.lɔ̃.ne.ˈkɑːt] = to encourage kalonenn = core, centre kalonour [kaˈlɔ̃ː.nur] = cardiologist kalonus = fortifying

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to colwedd (breast, heart) and/or coludd (bowels, intestines, guts) in Welsh [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

Colourful Hues

11th March 2024 By Simon

Words for colour, hue, pigment and related colourgs in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*līwos = colour
Gaulish	*lios = colour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lí [ˈtane] = lustre, beauty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lí, li = beauty, lustre, glory, complexion, slendour, appearance, pallor
Irish (Gaeilge)	lí [l̠ʲiː] = colour, complexion, lustre, sheen, pigment(ation) líú = (act of) colouring, painting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lì [l̪ʲiː] = paint, colour, tinge, hue, complexion, properity, happiness lìth [l̪ʲiː] = lustre, gloss, splendour, complexion, hue lìtheach [l̪ʲiː] = greasy, slimy,slippery
Manx (Gaelg)	lhee = pigment, pigmentation
Proto-Brythonic	*lliw = colour
Old Welsh	liu = colour, hue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llyu, lliw, lliỽ, llyw = colour,hue lliwyav, lliwaw = to colour, paint, dye lliỽyd, lliwyd = dyer, colourer, painter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lliw [ɬɪu̯] = colour, hue, tint, complexion, countenance, colouring lliwddall = colourbind lliwgar = colourful, vivid, beautiful, handsome lliw(i)af, lliw(i)o = to colour, tinge, paint, dye lliw(i)og = coloured, tinted, dyed, painted lliwydd = dyer, colourer, painter
Old Cornish	liu = colour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	liu, lyw = colour, dye, hue liue = to colour, paint liuor = painter, dyer
Cornish (Kernewek)	liw = colour,dye, paint liwa = to colour, dye, paint liwans = painting liwus = colourful liwayans = painting, picture liways = coloured, dye
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	liu = colour, ink, dyed
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	liu, liou = colour, ink, dyed liuaff = to colour, dye, paint
Breton (Brezhoneg)	liv [liw] = colour, ink, paint, dyed livañ [ˈliː.vã] = to colour, dye, paint, depict livek [ˈliːvek] = coloured liver, livour [ˈliː.vɛr/ˈli.wːər] = painter, colourist livus [ˈliːvys] = dye, picturesque

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *slih₂-wó-s from *(s)leh₃y- (blueish, plum-coloured) and *-wós (creates adjectives from verb stems) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include livid, lurid and sloe in English, slíva (plum) in Czech, and possibly lloer (moon) in Welsh, loor (moon) in Cornish and loar (moon) in Breton [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dath [daθ] = colour, dye
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dath = colour, dye, hue, tint, complexion dathach = coloured dathaid, daithaigid = colours, dyes, stains dathamail = coloured, fine, handsome, beautiful, comely, graceful dathugud = colouring, dyeing, painting
Irish (Gaeilge)	dath [d̪ˠax/d̪ˠɑh/d̪ˠah] = colour, dye dathach = coloured dathadóir = colourist, dyer, painter, exaggerator, fictionist dathadóireacht = (act of) dyeing, painting dathaigh = to colour,dye, paint dathannach = multi-coloured, gaily-coloured, colourful, glowing dathdhall = colour-blind
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dath [dah] = colour, colouring, dye, pigment, dying, hue, tint, staining, suit (of cards) dathach [dahəx] = coloured, colourful dathachadh [dahəxəɣ] = colourising, dyeing, staining dathadair [dahədɪrʲ] = dyer, colourist dathail [dahal] = colourful dathte [dahdʲə] = coloured
Manx (Gaelg)	daah = colour, dye, hue, paint, pigment, singe, stain, tincture daahagh = coloured, stainable daahder = colourer, colourist, dyer, exaggerator, painter daahit = coloured, dyed, painted, pigmented, stained daahoil = colourful, picturesque, well-coloured

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gné = appearance, form, kind, sort, species
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gné = kind, species, appearance, form, way, manner
Irish (Gaeilge)	gné [ɟnʲeː/ɟɾʲeː] = species, kind, form, appearance gnéitheach = specific, of good appearance gnétheacht = specificity gnéthigh = to regain appearance, mend
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnè [grʲɛ̃ː] = sex, gender, genre, kind, sort, temper, disposition, genus, species gnè-fhàs [grɛ͂ː aːs] = evolution gnè-eòlas = typology
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gne = colour, tint, hue, sight, aspect gorne = colour, hue, tint
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gne = colour, tint, hue, sight, aspect agne = colour, tincture gorne = colour, hue, tint, tincture, blush, brightness, appearance, aspect

Etymology: from PIE *ǵenh₁- (to produce, beget, give birth) [source]. Words from the same roots include gender, general, generate, genius and germ in English [source].

Thin & Slender

5th March 2024 By Simon

Words for thin, slender and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tanauyos = thin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tana [ˈtane] = thin, slender tanacht = thinness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tana = thin, slender, narrow, shallow, sparse, scanty, scattered tanacht = thinness, tenuity, shallowness tanaide = subtle, abstract, thin, slender tanaigid = to thin (out), dilute
Irish (Gaeilge)	tanaí [t̪ˠəˈn̪ˠiː / ˈt̪ˠan̪ˠiː] = thin, shallow tanaigh = to thin, slim tanaíochan = thinning tanaíocht = thinness, sparseness, flimsiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tana [tanə] = lean, slender, slim, thin, gaunt, skinny, shallow, flimsy tanalachd [tanəl̪ˠəxg] = shallows, shallowness tanach [tanəx] = narrow, slender tanachadh [tanəxəɣ] = thinning, makeing thinner, diluting tainead [tanəd] = degree of thinness tanlach [tanəl̪ˠəx] = shallow water, shallows, shoal, thin soil, epidermis tanachd [tanəxg] = thinness tanaichte [tanɪçdʲə] = diluted, thinned
Manx (Gaelg)	thanney = thin, watery, weak, flimsy, rare, shallow, slender, slim thannaghey = to dilute, liquefy, rarefy, reduce thannid = thinness, shallowness, leanness
Proto-Brythonic	*tanẹw = thin
Old Welsh	teneu = thin, slender, slim
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tenev, tenau, teneu = thin, slender, slim, flat, sparse, rare, tenuous, liquid, runny teneir = to make or become thin(ner) teneuder = thinness, leanness, slenderness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tenau [ˈtɛnaɨ̯ / ˈteːnai̯] = thin, slender, watery, thin, scarce, rare teneuaf, teneuo = to make or become thin(ner), lose weight, slim, dwindle, thin, dilute, water down teneuder = thinness, leanness, slenderness, rareness, scarcity, keenness teneudra = thinness, leanness, slenderness teneuedig = thin, thinned, diluted, depleted, rarefied teneuwr = dieter, weight-watcher, slimmer
Old Cornish	tenewen = thin
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tanow, tanaw = thin, slim, slender, lean, few, scarce tanowder = thinness, scantiness, scarcity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tanow = flimsy, lean, rare, scarce, sparse, tenuous, thin tanowder = rarity, scarcity, thinness tanowhe = to thin out
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tanau, tano = thin, fine
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tanav [ˈtãː.naw / ˈtãː.no] = thin, fine, fluid, rare, hypocritical tanavaat = (to be) refined, (to be) rarefied, to liquefy, dilute, weed & clear, cut (bread for soup) tanavded = tenuity, liquidity tanavder = tenuity, decay tanavenn = thin place (in fabric), sparse, liquid, emaciated, hypocritical

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ténh₂us (thin), from *tenh₂- (to stretch) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include thin and tenuous in English, tenú (tenuous, thin, slender) in French, dünn (thin, slender, slim) in German, and tenký (thin) in Czech [source].

Worms & Maggots

18th December 2023 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for worm, maggot and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷrimis = worm
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cruim [kruṽʲ] = maggot, worm crumdoma = maggot heap
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	cruim, crúim = worm, maggot crumach = full of reptiles crumdoma = dunghill cromóc = maggot
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruimh = maggot, larva, grub, tiny insect, worm crumhóg = maggot cruimheach = maggoty cruimheachán = venemous person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cnuimh [krɯ̃ĩv] = maggot, grub, worm cnuimheach [krɯ̃ĩvəx] = maggoty cnuimheag [krɯ̃ĩvag] = maggot, grub, worm cnuimhneag [krɯ̃ĩvn̪ˠʲag] = maggot, worm
Manx (Gaelg)	crooag = (flesh) worm, grub, maggot, worm crooagagh = maggoty, wormy
Proto-Brythonic	*prɨβ̃ [ˈprɨβ̃] = worm
Old Welsh	prem = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pryuet, pryf = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm pryuyedic = abounding in / infested with worms or maggots
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pryf [prɨːv/priːv] = insect, fly, larva, maggot, grub, worm pryfedaf, pryfedu, pryfedo = to breed worms of maggots, to become infested with worms or maggots pryfediad = worm or maggot infestation pryfedig = wormeaten, maggoty pryfeteg = entomology pryfiedig = abounding in / infested with worms or maggots
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pref, prêv, pryf = any small animal, a vermin, an insect, a worm, a reptile
Cornish (Kernewek)	pryv, prev = crawling animal, grub, insect, worm, weevil pryv del = caterpillar pryv prenn woodworm pryvladher = insecticide
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	preff, preuet, prenvv = worm
Breton (Brezhoneg)	preñv = worm preñvedik = vermiculated preñvek = vermicular, wormlike, wormy eneppreñveg, eneppreñvek = wormable

Etymology: from PIE *kʷŕ̥mis (worm) [source]. Words from the same root include cirmenis (maggot, grub) in Latvian, kirmis (worm) in Lithuanian, käärme (snake) in Finnish, کرم (kerm – worm) in Persian, and červ (worm, maggot) in Czech and Slovak [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorb = worm, larva
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dorb = small insect or worm
Irish (Gaeilge)	doirb [kɑbʲ/kabʲ] = water beelte doirbeach = infested with water beetles
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doirb [dɤrʲɤb] = unspecific term for a small/tiny/insignificant creature (e.g. minnow, worm, leech, small person)
Manx (Gaelg)	durrag = cabbage worm, larva of cabbage moth

Etymology: unknown

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, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Axes and Hatchets

7th December 2023 By Simon

In this post we’re looking at the words for axe and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tāxslo- = axe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tál = adze
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	tál = adze
Irish (Gaeilge)	tál [t̪ˠɑːlˠ/t̪ˠæːlˠ] = adze
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàl [taːl̪ˠ] = adze tàl-fuinn = hoe
Manx (Gaelg)	taal = adze

An adze cutting tool that has a curved blade set at a right angle to the handle and is used in shaping wood. [source].

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *tetḱ-(dʰ)lo-, from *teḱ- (to sire, beget) [source]. Words from the same roots include architect, technical, text and textile in English, цясла́ [t͡sʲasˈɫa] (adze) in Belausian, тесло [tʲɪsˈɫo] (adze) in Russian, and teslă (adze) in Romanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	túag = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	túag = axe, hatchet túagaid = to hew, chop, strike with an axe túagrótae = roadway cleared with an axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	tua [t̪ˠuə] = axe, hatchet tuadóir = axe-man, hewer, chopper tuadóireacht = (act of) hewing, shaping, chopping tuaigh = to chop (with an axe)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuagh [tuəɣ] = axe tuaghadair = axeman, axe-wielder
Manx (Gaelg)	teigh = axe, chopper, hatchet

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)tewk- (to push, press, strike, beat, pierce), from *(s)tew- (to push, hit) [source]. Words from the same roots include tkát (to weave) in Czech, tkać (to weave, stick, tuck) in Polish, and тъка [tɐˈkɤ] (to spin, plait, entwine, weave) in Bulgarian [source], and words for hole & hollow in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*biyatlis = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	biáil [ˈbʲi.aːlʲ] = axe, hatchet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bíail, biáil = axe, hatchet, battle-axe
Irish (Gaeilge)	biail [bʲiəlʲ] = hatchet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	biail = axe, hatchet (archaic)
Old Welsh	bahell = axe
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	buyall, bwell, bwyeill = axe bwyellic = small axe, hatchet bwyallawt = axe stroke bwiallawc = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bwyall, bwyell, bwell = axe, battle-axe bwyellan, bwyellig = small axe, hatchet bwyellangaib = pickaxe, hoe bwyellod, bwyallod = stroke or cut with an axe, axe stroke bwyellog, bwyallog = bearing an axe, armed with an axe; like an axe bwyellwr = woodman
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	biail, boell, bool = axe, hatchet
Cornish (Kernewek)	bool = axe, chopper, hachet bolik = (small) axe, chopper, hachet
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bouhazl, bouchazl, bouchal, boc’hal = axe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bouc’hal [ˈbuː.ɣal] = axe, hammered bouc’halig = hatchet

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *bināti (to strike, hit, beat) from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰi-né-h₂-ti, from bʰeyh₂- (to strike, hew) [source]. Words from the same roots include billhook and bone in English, bain (to extract, separate, strike) and béim (a blow, emphasis, beat) in Irish, gofid (grief, sorrow, regret) in Welsh [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, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Facing Opposition

10th November 202311th November 2023 By Simon

Words for face and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gnūstis = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gnúis [ɡnuːsʲ] = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gnúis = face, countenance, disc (of sun or moon), aspect, kind, form, species dognúisach = ill-featured, ill-favoured
Irish (Gaeilge)	gnúis [ɡn̪ˠuːʃ/ɡɾˠuːʃ] = face, mien, countenance, sour expression, frown, aspect, kind, form gnúiseach = well-favoured, good-looking. gnúiseachán = sour-faced person. gnúisgheal = bright-faced gnúis-searbh = sour-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnùis [gruːʃ] = face, countenance, visage gnùis-dhreach = aspect gnùis-bhrat = veil samhla-gnùis = smiley ☺️, emoticon maise-gnùis = cosmetics ruadhadh-gnùis = blush
Manx (Gaelg)	grooish = countenance, visage, aspect grooish-volley = deceit, deceive geyre-ghrooishagh = sharp-faced sharroo-ghrooishagh = vinegar-faced
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gnis = jaw, chin, countenance, face
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gnis [miːl] = jaw, chin, countenance, face gnisiaf, gnisio = to low, neigh, sigh, pant, groan, grumble
Cornish (Kernewek)	greuv = face, front

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same roots include cognition, cunning, gnome, ignorant, know, noble and uncouth in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*enekʷos = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	enech = face, honour, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	enech, ainech = face, front, opposite, against, in opposition to enechgris = face-flushing enechlóg = honour-price
Irish (Gaeilge)	oineach = honour, good name, reputation, generosity, hospitality, bounty, favour oineachúil = generous, good-natured eineach = face (literary) eineachlann = ‘honour-price’, proportionate compensation, satisfaction for injury, etc eineachras = safeguard, protection
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eanach [ɛnəx] = honour, praise
Proto-Brythonic	*ėnib = face
Old Welsh	enep = face
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wynep, wyneb, vynep = face wynebiat, wnepiat, wynepiat = surace, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion, wynebyon = surface, scum, froth,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyneb [ˈwɨnɛb / ˈwɨnab] = face, countenance, expression, grimace, surface, area, front, side, honour, respect, status, effrontery, impudence, audacity, cheek wynebaf, wynebu = to face, look towards, confront, oppose, encourage, support (g)wynebiad = surace, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion = surface, scum, froth, head (of beer), cream (g)wynebol = honourable, worthy, facial, front, facing, promising, favourable, handsome, beautiful
Old Cornish	eneb = face
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	enep, enap = face, countenance, page (of a book)
Cornish (Kernewek)	enep = face, surface enebi = to face, oppose enebieth = opposition
Old Breton	enep = face
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enep = face, resistance, opposition, opposite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eneb [ˈẽːnep] = face, opposite, honour enebenn [e.ˈneː.bɛn] = upper, front, page eneberezh = opposition enebiñ = to oppose

Etymology: from the PIE *h₁enih₃kʷos (face), from animālis (animate, living), from *h₁én (in) and *h₃ókʷs (eye), and okno (window) in Czech [source].

Words from the same roots include eye in English, acs (eye, vision, attention) in Latvian, akis (eye, loop) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*antonos = forehead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	étan, édan = front, brow, forehead étanán = frontlet
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠən̪ˠ/ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, flat surface, facet, table, end éadána = timid, diffident éadánacht = timidity, diffidence éadanchlár = fascia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial, side aodannach [ɯːdən̪ˠəx] = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-coimheach = mask aodann creige = rockface, cliff-face
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = face, facade, feature, front, apron, dial, impudence, cheek eddinagh = facial

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (face, forehead, front). Words from the same roots include answer, end in English, and anë (side, edge, verge, brink) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	agad [ˈaɣəð] = face, honour, surface
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	agad, aiged = face, countenance, surface, front
Irish (Gaeilge)	aghaidh [əiɟ/ai/əi̯] = face, front, aspect, dial (of clock), obverse (of coin) aghaidhbhéasach = civil-looking aghaidh-dhána = bold-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aghaidh [ɤː.ɪ] = face, visage, facade, front, facing, cheek, impudence, nerve aghaidheachd [ɤː.ɪjəxg] = resistance aghaidhich = oppose, face, confront, affront aghaidhichte = opposed, opposing, fronting, facing, confronted
Manx (Gaelg)	oai = countenance oaie = dial, exposure, facade, face, facial, front, frontage oaieagh = blasphemous, sepulchral

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to the Old Irish aigid (to drive), from Proto-Celtic *ageti (to drive), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti (to be driving) [source].

Proto-Celtic	drikā = face, front ɸaredrikā = face, front
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drech = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drech, dreach = face, countenance, front, surface drechach = fair, comely, graceful, shapely
Irish (Gaeilge)	dreach [dʲɾʲax] = facial appearance, look, expression, aspect, face, surface dreachadh =delineation, portrayal, make-up dreachadóir = delineator dreachúil = good-looking, comely
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreach [drɛx] = figure, form, shape, appearance, complexion dreachmhor [drɛxvər] = comely, handsome, a healthy complexion dreachadh [drɛxəɣ] = portraying, shaping, adorning dreachail [drɛxal] = handsome, personable dreachalachd [drɛxəl̪ˠəxg] = handsomeness
Manx (Gaelg)	dreagh = expression
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrch = face drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrich, edrych = to look, view, observe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drych [drɨːχ / driːχ] = mirror, looking-glass, reflection, example, magnifying-glass, glasses, countenance, appearance, aspect drachaf, drychu = to mirror, see, make apparent drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrych = regard, appearance edrych(af) = to look, view, observe, watch, search
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	derch = shape, aspect, appearance

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dr̥ḱ-eh₂ from *derḱ- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include dragon, drake and tarragon in English [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, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Booths

17th June 202317th June 2023 By Simon

Words for booths, huts and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*butā = place, dwelling, hut
Old Irish (Goídelc)	both [boθ] = hut, cabin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	both = hut, bothy, cot, cabin bothach = full of huts/hovels, hovel-like; crofter bothán = little hut, cabin, cottage
Irish (Gaeilge)	both [bˠɔ(h)/bˠoh]= booth, hut bothach = hutted, full of huts bothán = shanty, cabin, hut, shed, coop bothánach = given to visiting and gossiping bothánaí = a frequenter of neighbours’ houses bothánaíocht = (act of) visiting houses for pastime or gossip bothóg = shanty, cabin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bothan [bɔhan] = cottage, hut, bothy, hovel, shed bothag [bɔhag] = bothy, small hut, hovel, playhouse bùth [buː] = shop, booth bùthan [buː.an] = small booth, small bothy, tent bùthach [buː.əx] = pertaining to or abounding in shops/booths bùthanach [buː.anəx] = one who dwells in a small bothy or tent, tent-dweller
Manx (Gaelg)	bwaane = booth, cottage, hovel, hut, kiosk, outhouse, shack, shanty, shed bwaag = booth, bower, cabin, lodge, hut, pavilion, shed booage = booth, tent
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bod, bot, bôd = permanent home, dwelling place, residence, abode bwth = cabin, booth, cottage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bod = permanent home, dwelling place, residence, abode bwd = booth, cottage, cabin bwth = cabin, booth, cottage, shed, hut, outhouse, shack bwthyn = booth, cot, cottage, hut
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bod, bos, bo- = a dwelling house (found in place names) bôth = hut, booth bothoc = hut, cottage
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bôt, bod = residence, refuge, asylum
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bod = cottage, dwelling

Etymology: the Proto-Celtic word *butā might come from an unknown language, or from the same PIE root as booth [source].

Etymology (Scottish Gaelic bùth and Welsh bwth): from the Middle English bothe (a store, kiosk, booth, shack, cabin), from the Old Norse búð (booth, shop), from the Proto-Germanic *bōþō/*bōþǭ (buidling, dwelling), from the PIE *bʰuH- (to become, grow, appear) [source].

Words from the same roots include búð (shop, tent, pavilion) in Icelandic, bothy (a primitive dwelling or shelter) in Scots, booth in English, Bude (booth, stall, kiosk, shack, hut) and Baude (mountain hut or inn) in German, bouda (hut, shack, lodge, cabin, booth, stall) in Czech, and bod (shed, shack, shop) in Swedish [source].

Incidentally, the German word Baude comes from Silesian German, from the Czech bouda, from the Old Czech būda, from Middle High German buode, from the Proto-Germanic *bōþō/*bōþǭ [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Hooks and Crooks

17th November 202217th November 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at hooks, crooks and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*bakkos = hook, (curved) stick
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bacc = angle, bill-hook, corner, hindrance, mattock
Irish (Gaeilge)	bac = balk, hindrance, barrier, mattock, bend (in a river), (door) step bacadh = to balk, hindrance bacainn = barrier, obstruction, obstacle, blocking bacainneach = barring, obstructing, blocking bacán = hinge-hook, crook, peg bacánach = crooke, hinged
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bac [baxg] = hindering, impeding, obstructing, restraining, restricting, hindrance bacadh = to hinder, impede, obstruct, restain, restrict, ban
Manx (Gaelg)	bac = balk, disability, disqualification, drawback, handicap, moratorium, objection, obstacle, pull back, snag, trap
Old Welsh	bach = hook, grapple, mattock
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bach = hook, grapple, mattock
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bach [baːχ] = hook, grapple, mattock, hoe, fish hook, shepherd’s crook; hinge, pivot; nook, angle, corner, bend bachiad = a hooking, turning, curving, winding, bending bachog = hooked, barded, grabbing, grasping, greedy bachogrwydd = hookedness, crookedness, incisiveness bachol = hooking, grappling, grabbing, grasping, greedy bachu = to hook, anchor, connect, attach, fasten
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bah = hook, hinge
Cornish (Kernewek)	bagh = hook bagha = to trap
Old Breton	bah = hook
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bach, bac’h = hook for uprooting potatoes or seaweed, big hook bac’hig = little fang, hook, staple
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bac’h = (fish) hook

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bak- (peg, club) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include bachall (crook, crozier) in Irish, bagl (crook, crozier) in Welsh, pail in English, and possibly bok (side, flank, hip) in Czech, Polish and Slovak [source].

Mind Sense

14th May 202214th May 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for mind, sense and related things in Celtic languages.

Mind, Sense, Widom, Intelligence, Meaning

Proto-Celtic	*kʷēslā = mind; sense, wisdom, intelligence; meaning
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cíall [kʲiːa̯l͈] = sense, intelligence, mind; wisdom, good sense, skill; intention, cause, reason, idea; signification, meaning, function
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciall [kiəl̪ˠ/kʲal̪ˠ] = sense, sanity; normal state of mind; common sense; perception; meaning; reason, cause ciallaigh = to mean, signify; explain, interpret ciallchogar = confidential whisper ciallmhaireacht = sensibleness, reasonableness ciallmhar = sensible, reasonable, common sense aingiall = unreason fochiall = secondary meaning, connotation gan chiall = meaningless, misguided, unmeaning, callow, lunatic, senseless, silly
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciall [kʲiəl̪ˠ] = meaning, sense, significance, connotation, implication, understanding, reason ciallach = prudent, sensible, sane, tame ciallaich = to mean, signify, imply gun chiall = without sense, senseless, insane eu-céillidheachd = insanity, madness, irrationality, foolishness
Manx (Gaelg)	keeall = sense, significance keeaylagh = eloquent, prudent meecheeall = senselessness meecheeallagh = senseless, unadvisedly bun-cheeal = moral gyn keeall = unmeaning, senseless
Proto-Brythonic	*puɨll = mind; sense, wisdom, intelligence; meaning
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	puil, puilh = deliberation, consideration, care, caution
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pwyll [puːɨ̯ɬ / pʊi̯ɬ] = deliberation, consideration, care, caution; discretion, prudence, wisdom, patience, understanding, intelligence, perception, judgement; nature, disposition; meaning, significance, sense pwyll(i)ad = intention, intent, goal, aim, design pwyllaf, pwyllo = to exercise discretion, deliberate, consider, contemplate pwyllgor = committee, meeting pwyllog = discreet, wise, intelligent, sane, rational, reasonable pwyllwr, pwyllwraig = discreet, sensible or wise person gan bwyll = gently, gradually, carefully, slowly iawnbwyll = sanity, saneness, sane, sensible o’i bwyll = out of one’s mind, beside oneself, insane
Cornish (Kernewek)	poll = intelligence, reason pollek = brainy, intelligent
Breton (Brezhoneg)	poell = logical, logic poellata = to reason, argue poellakaat = to rationalize poellel = logical, logic poellelour = rationalist poellgor = committee

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *kʷeyt- (to notice) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include číst (to read) and čítat (to count) in Czech, šķist (to seem, appear) and skaitīt (to count) in Latvian, skaitýti (to read) in Lithuanian, and चित्त [t͡ʃɪt̪t̪] (mind, heart) in Hindi [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Dough

9th April 20229th April 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for dough and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	taistos, taysto- = dough
Old Irish (Goídelc)	taís, taés [ˈtai̯s] = dough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tóes, táes = dough
Irish (Gaeilge)	taos [t̪ˠeːsˠ/t̪ˠiːsˠ/t̪ˠiːsˠ] = dough, paste taosach = doughy, pasty taosaigh = to paste taosrán = pastry taoschnó = doughnut taos fiacla = toothpaste taos géar = sourdough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	taois [tɯːʃ] = dough, paste taoiseach = doughy, pasty taoiseag = doughnut taois-uighe = (egg) batter taois-chailce = putty taois gheur = sourdough
Manx (Gaelg)	teayst = dough, pastry, paste teaystag = dumpling teaystagh = doughy, ill-baked, pasty, under-cooked teaystyn, teaystnee = to knead
Proto-Brythonic	*toɨs = dough
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	toes = (lump of) dough or pastry
Welsh (Cymraeg)	toes [toːɨ̯s/tɔi̯s] = (lump of) dough or pastry, paste, sticky mass toesaidd = doughy, doughlike toesen = lump of dough, doughnut toesi = to make into dough, become a dough, knead, soften toeslud = putty toeslyd = doughy, doughlike, badly baked, soft, pasty, sticky, clammy, stodgy, heavy surdoes = leaven, sourdough, ferment
Cornish (Kernewek)	toos = dough know toos = doughnuts toos alamandys = marzipan toos gwari = playdough
Middle Breton	toas = dough, batter
Breton (Brezhoneg)	toaz = dough, batter toazadur = thickening, pastiness toazenn = noodle toazenner = pasta machine toazennoù = pasta toazennek = pasted, thickened

Etymology possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *teh₂ys-t- (dough), from *teh₂- (to knead, melt, flow) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include desem (sourdough, leaven, yeast) in Dutch, těsto (dough) in Czech, ciasto (dough, batter, cake, pie) in Polish, тесто [ˈtʲestə] (dough, paste, batter) in Russian, and тісто [ˈtʲistɔ] (dough) in Ukrainian [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Czech (čeština)

Central Hearts

Colourful Hues

Thin & Slender

Worms & Maggots

Axes and Hatchets

Facing Opposition

Booths

Hooks and Crooks

Mind Sense

Dough