Shady Shadows

11th December 202511th December 2025 By Simon

Words for shadow, shade and related things in Celtic languages.

Shady shadows

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	skāto(m) = shadow ufo-skāto/u = shadow, shelter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	scáth [skaːθ] = shade, shadow, shelter, protection foscad = shade, shelter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scáth, scatha, sgátha [skaːθ] = shade, shadow, reflexion, image, phantom, spectre, shelter, covering, protection scáthaig(h)the = frightened, terrified scáthán, scathan, sgathán = mirror, looking-glass foscad, foscud, foiscthe, foscaidh = shadow, shade, gloom, glimmer, shelter, protection
Irish (Gaeilge)	scáth [sˠkɑː / ˈsˠkæː] = shade, shadow, covering, protection, screen, reflected image, phantom, fear, dread, bashfulness, timidity scáthach = shady, sheltered scáthaigh = to shade, darken, obscure, cover, screen, protect scáthán = mirror, looking-glass, centre of attraction scáthánach = reflecting, specular scáthlán = shelter, open-ended hut or shed, screen, (lamp) shade foscadh = (literary) shade, shadow, shadowy form, shelter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgàth [sgaː] = shade, shadow, dread, apprehension sgàthach [sgaː.əx] = shady, shadow, timid, fearful, shy, skittish sgàthachd [sgaːhəxg] = timidity sgàthag [sgaː.ag] = dread, fright sgàthair [sgaː.ɛrʲ] = coward sgàthan [sgaːhan] = looking-glass, mirror, reflector sgàthanaichte [sgaːhanɪçdʲə] = mirrored fasgadh [fasgəɣ] = (act of) sheltering, shelter
Manx (Gaelg)	scaa = shadow, shade, screen, cover, timidity, apparition, ghost scaagh = bashful, timid, shadowy, shady scaaghey = to darken, overshadow, shade, shadow, shadowing scaadooagh = shadowy, shadowing, shady scaane = mirror
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	isscaud, isgaud, yscaỼt, ysgod, ysgaỼt = shade, shadow, darkness gwascawt, gwasgawt, gwasgawd = shelter, shady place, shadow kyscaut, kysgod, cyscod = shadow, reflection, shade kyscoty, kysgodi, kyscodi = to shelter, defend, protect yscodic, iscodic, ysgodic = retreating, fearful, skittish, sheltered ysgodigaw = to frighten, retreat, flee, escape
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgod = shade, shadow, darkness, night, soul, spirit, apparition, goblin, appearance, fright, disguise, mask cysgod = shadow, reflection, shade, likeness, phantom, symbol, shelter cysgodaf, cysgodi = to shelter, defend, protect cysgodol = shadowing, sheltering, shady, snug gwasgod = shelter, shady place, shadow (y)sgodig = retreating, fearful, skittish, sheltered ysgodigaf, ysgodigo = to frighten, retreat, flee, escape
Old Cornish	scod = shade, shadow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	schus = fear, suspicion
Cornish (Kernewek)	skeus, skeuj = shadow, reflection skeusedner, skeusenner = photographer skeusek = shady, suspicious skeusen = photograph skeusenieth, skeusenweyth = photography skeusener, skeusenores = photographer skeusi = to elude, escape, evade capture
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	scot = shadow, reflection, ghost guascotou = shelter, shade
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	squeut = shadow, reflection, ghost goasquet = shelter, shade
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skeud [skøːt] = shadow, reflection, ghost skeudan = to shade skeudenn [ˈskøːdɛn] = image, illustration skeudennadur = figurine, illustration skeudennadurezh = iconography skeudennaouañ = to illustrate gwasked = shelter, shade

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *sḱeh₃t- (darkness, shadow) [source]. The English words shadow and shade come from same roots, as do schaduw (shadow) in Dutch, Schatten (shadow, shade) in German, and skodde (fog, mist) in Norwegian [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, Geriafurch, TermOfis

Nettles

20th November 202520th November 2025 By Simon

Words for nettle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ninatis = nettle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nenaid = nettle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nenaid, neanaidh = nettle nentóg, nenntog, neantog, neanntóga, nenntóc = nettle
Irish (Gaeilge)	neanta = nettle(s), stringing, irritating, painful, irritable, testy neantóg [ˈn̠ʲan̪ˠt̪ˠoːɡ] = nettle neantóg loiscneach = stinging nettle neantúil = nettle-like, stinging, irritating, irritable, testy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neanntag [n̪ʲãũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle (urtica dioica) deanntag [dʲãũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle feanntag [fjãũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle eanntag [ɛ͂ũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle deanntag / feanntagach / eanntagach [dʲãũn̪ˠdagəx / fjãũn̪ˠdagəx / ɛ͂ũn̪ˠdagəx] = place where nettles grow, common/stinging nettle
Manx (Gaelg)	undaagagh = (stinging) nettle, urticaceous (nettle-like)
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨnad = nettles
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	danhad, danat, dynat, dynhad danatl = nettles
Welsh (Cymraeg)	danadl [ˈda(ː)nadl] = nettles, plants of the genus Urtica, and other plants similar in appearance. danhad(l)en, dynhaden = nettle danadl duon = stinging-nettles danadl-dir = land that brings forth nettles or thorns danhad(l)og, dynhadog = abounding or overgrown with nettles
Old Cornish	linhaden = nettle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	linhaden = nettle
Cornish (Kernewek)	linas = nettles linasen = nettle linasek = bed of nettles
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	linat, linad = nettles linhadenn = nettle linhadec = nettle-infested place
Breton (Brezhoneg)	linad [ˈlĩː.nat] = nettles linadenn = nettle linadeg [lĩ.ˈnɑː.dɛk] = nettle-infested place

Etymology: uncertain [source]. Possibly from Proto-Indo-European *neh₂d- (to twist, knot, tie), which might be the root of nettle in English, netel (nettle) in Dutch, Nessel (nettle, muslin) in German, nässla (nettle) in Swedish [source].

What?

12th November 202512th November 2025 By Simon

Words for what? which? who? where? and related things in Celtic languages.

What?

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷid? = what?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cid? = what? cote, cate, catte [ˈko.d̠ʲe] = of what sort is …? what is …?
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cote, coteeet, codde, cate, cati, cáte = what (is)?
Irish (Gaeilge)	cad? [kad̪ˠ] = what? where? (in Munster) cad é? [kəd̪ˠˈeː] = what? (in Connacht & Ulster) cad é mar (atá tú)? = how (are you)? (in Ulster) céard? [ceːɾˠd̪ˠ] = what? (in Connacht) goidé? [ɡəˈtʲeː] = what? (in Connacht & Ulster) cad chuige? [kɑt̪ˠ ˈxɪɟɪ / kəˈt̪ˠiɟə] = why? (in Mayo,& Ulster) cad ina thaobh? [ˌkɑn̪ˠəˈheːvˠ] = why? (in Munster)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciod? [kʲid] = what? ciod air bith = whichever, whatever ciod e? = what? ciod thuige? [kʲid hugʲə] = why? dè? [dʲeː] = what? who? dè man? dè mar? [deː man / dʲeː mar] = how?
Manx (Gaelg)	cre? = what? cre fa? = why? cre wooad? = how much? quoid? = how many? how much?
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pa? = what? which?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pa? py? = what? which? paham? pam? = why? reason, cause, question
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pa? [paː] = what? which? paham? pam? = why? reason, cause, question pa bryd? = when? at what time? pa un? p’un? = who(m)? which (one)?
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pe? pa? py? = what? which? where? pa le? = where place? where? pahan = what perag? prâg? = for what? wherefore? why? pattel? patla? fattel? fatla? = how? by what means? pe? pa? py? =
Cornish (Kernewek)	py? pe? = what? which? py lies? = how many? pyth? = what?, that which ple? = where? prag? = why? what for? fatla? = how?
Old Breton	pe? = what?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pe? pé? = what? peguement? pe quement? = how much? how many? pe en lech? = where? penaus? penos? = how? perac? pe-rac? = why? petra? = who? what?
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pe? [peː] = which one? pegeit? [peˈɡɛjt] = how long? how far? pegement? [pe.ˈɡẽ.mːɛnt] = how much? how many? pegoulz? [pe.ˈɡuls] = when? pehini? [peˈ(h)ĩːni] = which one? pelec’h? [peˈlɛːx] = where? penaos? [pẽ.ˈnɔːs] = how? perak? [pe.ˈrɑːk] = why? peseurt? [peˈsøʁt] = what? what kind? petra? [ˈpe.tʁa] = who? what?

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷid (what? which?) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include çë (what?) in Albanian, kas (that, which, who) in Latvian, что (što – that, what, which) in Russian, che (what, which) in Italian, ¿qué? (what? which?) in Spainish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷei? = who?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cía = what? where? who? how? if, although cía airet? = how long? cía airm? cairm? airm? = where? cía chruth? = how? cía méit? = how many? how much?
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cía? ce? ci? = who? what? how? where?
Irish (Gaeilge)	cá? = what? how? where? cá hait? = (at) what place? where? cá huair? = at what hour? when? cá fhad? = how long? cá mhéad? = how much? how much? cé? = who? cén? = what? which?
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cò? [koː] = who(m)? where? cò idir = whoever cò ann? = wherein? cò as? [ko as] = where from?
Manx (Gaelg)	quoi? [kwəi] = who? whom? which? whichever, who? quoi erbee = who(so)ever, whom(so)ever quoi jeu? = which one? quoid? c’wooad? = how many? how much?
Proto-Brythonic	*puɨ? = who?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pwy? = who(m)? what? pwy bynnac, pwybynnag = whoever
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pwy? [puːɨ̯ / pʊi̯] = who(m)? what? pwy bynnag = whoever
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pew? pyw? p(y)u? piwa? = who? pywpenag, piwha bennac, piwa bennac, pyu penagh = who(s)ever
Cornish (Kernewek)	piw? [piˑʊ] = who? piw penag, piw pynag = whoever piw? = who?
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	piu? = who?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	piu? piou? = who? piupennac, piu pennac, piou bennac = whoever
Breton (Brezhoneg)	piv? [piw] = who? piv bennak = whoever pivelezh = identity

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷís (who? what? which, that) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include ca (than, as) in Romanian, hve (how, like, as) in Icelandic, how and when in English, and hoe (how) in Dutch [source].

Tenacious Toughness

5th November 2025 By Simon

Words for tough, tenacious, stiff and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*reginis = hard, stiff, tough
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rigin = hard, tough, slow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rigin = tough, hard, unyielding, slow, dilatory, prolix, slow-moving, tranquil rigne = tenacity, toughness, slowness, prolixity, sluggishness
Irish (Gaeilge)	righin [ɾˠiːnʲ] = tough, tenacious, unyielding, stubborn, slow, deliberate, lingering, tardy, vicous, stringy, ropy righne = toughness righneáil = (act of) lingering, loitering, dawdling righneálach = lingering, loitering, dawdling righneálaí = lingerer, loiterer, dawdler, stubborn person righneas = toughness, tenacity, stubborness, slowness, tardiness, viscosity righnigh = to toughen, persevere, linger, delay, become viscid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	righinn [r̪ʲi.ɪn̪ʲ] = stiff, tough, sticky, adhesive righinn-bheulach = tight-lipped rìghneas [r̪ʲiːnəs] = stiffness, tenacity
Manx (Gaelg)	reen = hard, rigid, stiff, unyielding, thick-skinned reenagh = stringy, toughish, tight reenaghey = stiffen, toughen(ing) reeneyder = stiffener, toughener, tonic reenid = rigidity, starkness, toughness
Proto-Brythonic	*rrėɣɨn = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	Regin = tribal name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rein, rain, rhain = stiff (of corpse), stone-dead, rigid, stiffened
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhain [r̥ai̯n] = stiff (of corpse), stone-dead, rigid, stiffened

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *regeti (to stretch, to straighten), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃réǵeti (to be straightening, from *h₃réǵ- (to straighten, to righten) [source].

Words from the same roots include rail, rank, realm, regime, regular and rule in English, Regel (rule) in German, rang (row, line, position) in French, rheng (rank, row) in Welsh, reja (grate, grating, grille) in Spanish, rank [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	serth = steep, sloping, precipitous, high syrthaỽ, syrthav = to fall, tumble, prostrate oneself
Welsh (Cymraeg)	serth = steep, sloping, precipitous, high, straight, vertical, upright, discourteous, uncivil, insulting, curt, surly, unseemly, uncouth serthaf, serthu = to become steep, to revile, abuse, malign serthaidd = steep, precipitous, discourteous serthrwydd = steepness, obscenity, ribaldry syrth(i)af, syrth(i)o [ˈsərθjɔ] = to fall, tumble, prostrate oneself
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	serth = stiff, hard
Cornish (Kernewek)	serth = abrupt, erect, stiff, upright, vertical serthals = precipice serthi = to rise up sharply serthter = abruptness, inflexibility, rigidity, rigour, steepness, stiffness, verticality
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	serz = abrupt, tightly, firmly
Breton (Brezhoneg)	serzh [ˈsɛrs] = steep, robust, stable serzhañ = to tackle, to go back up serzhded = escarpment, cliff serzhder = perpendicularity serzhdenn = ascent, solid, robust

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to start in English, styrte (to rush, fall down, overthrow, jump) in Dutch, and stürzen (to fall down, drop, tumble) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	razgo / ringo- = torture (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	riag = torture
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ríag = torture
Irish (Gaeilge)	riagh = rack, torture, execute (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	rag [r̪ˠag] = inflexible, rigid, stiff, pig-headed, stubborn, stark, tense ragach [r̪ˠagəx] = stiff, tough ragadh [r̪ˠagəɣ] = (act of) stiffening, making rigid, benumbing ragaireachd [r̪ˠagɪrʲəxg] = extortion
Manx (Gaelg)	rag = stiff
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reut [røːt] = stiff, rigid, sharp, stocky reutaat = to stiffen reutadur = stiffening, rigidification reutaer = stiffener reuted = rigidity

Etymology (Breton): from Old French roide (stiff, straight, steep, abrupt), from Latin rigidus (stiff, rigid, hard, stern), from rigeō (to be stiff, stiffen) from Proto-Italic *rigēō, from Proto-Indo-European *Hreyǵ- (to stretch out, reach, bind) [source]. The Goidelic words come from the same PIE roots, via Proto-Celtic *rigo- (to stretch) [source].

Words from the same roots include raide (stiff, straight, steep, abrupt) in French, rigid in English, recio (tough, robust, strong) in Spanish and rijo (hard, tough, stiff, wiry) in Portuguese [source].

Pithy Marrow

24th October 2025 By Simon

Words for bone marrow, pith and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*smerus = marrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	smir = marrow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smir, smiur = marrow smirammair = marrow-tub, apparently a bath of marrow from crushed bones used in the treatment of wounded warriors smirchomairt = marrow-mash, a mixture or extract of pounded marrow smirde = belonging to the marrow
Irish (Gaeilge)	smior [ˈsˠmʲɪɾˠ / ˈsˠmʲɛɾʲ] = marrow, pith, essential part, quintessence smiorúil = marrowy, medullary, lively, spirited, manly smiorúlacht = liveliness, spiritedness, manliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smior [smir] = marrow, pith, best part (of anything), the stuff of, stamina, vigour smior cnàmha = bone marrow smiorach [smirəx] = lively person, lad, young man; pertaining to or abounding in marrow, pithy smiorail [smiral] = mettlesome, plucky, hardy, vigorous, smart smioralachd [smirəl̪ˠəxg] = briskness, liveliness, courage, manliness smiorsadh [smir̪ˠsəɣ] = vim, pep
Manx (Gaelg)	smuir = marrow, medulla smuirr = fat, marrow smuiragh = greasy, marrowy smuirragh = marrowy, medullary
Proto-Brythonic	*mer = marrow (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mêr, mer = (bone) marrow, fibers or pith (of plant), sap, hemp, best or essential part, quintessence, essence, soul, heart, centre, middle, depth, (source of) strength
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mêr [meːr] = (bone) marrow, fibers or pith (of plant), sap, hemp, best or essential part, quintessence, essence, soul, heart, centre, middle, depth, (source of) strength meraidd = marrowy, medullar(y), merbys = marrowfat peas
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	maru = marrow
Cornish (Kernewek)	mer = marrow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mel = marrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mel [meːl] = marrow, sap mel-penn = brain

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *smérus (grease), from *smer- (to anoint) [source]. Words from the same roots include medulla (pith, marrow) and smear in English, moelle (marrow, pith, spinal cord) in French, smeer (smear) in Dutch, smör (butter) in Swedish [source].

Crested Combs

24th September 2025 By Simon

Words for comb, crest furrow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīsrā = comb
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cír [ˈkʲiːɾ] = comb, rake, crest, tip
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cír, cir = comb, rake, crest, tip círach = crested helmet círaid = to comb, to smooth out círán, círín = crest círmaire, cirmure = comber or fuller of cloth, comb maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíor [ciːɾˠ / ciəɾˠ] = comb, crest, cud; to comb, examine minutely, search cíorach = toothed cíoradh = combing, discussion, examination, hair-pulling, quarrelling cíoradóir = comber cíorán, círín = crest cíorláil = combing, searching, rough handling; to comb, search, rummage cíorlálaí = searcher, rummager, rough customer cíormhaire = (wool) comber, fuller, comb maker
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìr [kʲiːrʲ] = comb, cud, honeycomb cìreadh [kʲiːrʲəɣ] = (act of) combing, carding, teazing cìreag [kʲiːrʲag] = small comb cìrean [kʲiːrʲan] = comb, crest, ridging cìreanach [kʲiːrʲanəx] = pertaining to or abounding in combs, crested
Manx (Gaelg)	kerey = comb, combing, groom, hackle, teasel; to comb, mop up, tease (wool) kere [kʲeːrʲ / kʲiːr] = cobbler’s wax, comb, wax kereen = comb, coxcomb, crest, pack, topknot kereyder = comber, waxer (of wool), teaser, hackler

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kes- (to comb, scratch) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include verheddern (to entangle sth, to become entangled, to get stuck, confused) in German, hahtuva (fluff) in Finnish, kasti (mto dig, rake) in Lithuanian, česat (to comb) in Czech, кося (to mow, reap, cut) in Bulgaran, haar (hair) in Dutch, hår (hair) in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, and hair English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*krīkʷā = trench, furrow, boundary
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crích [ˈkʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, border, furrow, territory, area críchnaigid = to complete, fulfil coicrích = border (region), neighbouring territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crích, crich [kʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, limit (of territory), end, aim, purpose, confines, territory, district, land críchnaid = to delimit, bound, fix bounds to críchnaigecht = limits coicrích, coiccrich = border, march, neighbouring or foreign territory
Irish (Gaeilge)	críoch [cɾʲiːx] = limit, boundary, region, territory, end, completion, conclusion, fulfilment, settlement críochadóir = marker of boundaries críochadóireacht = demarcation, marking of boundaries críochaigh = to demarcate críochantacht = bounding, bordering críochnaigh = to finish, complete, accomplish críochnú = completion, accomplishment críochnúil = complete, thorough, neat, methodical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crìoch [krʲiəx] = border, frontier, boundary, end, close, finale, finish, limit(ation), goal, confines crìochach [krʲiəxəx] = finite crìochadair [krʲiəxədɪrʲ] = borderer crìochadaireachd [krʲiəxədɪrʲəxg] = bordering, demarcation, division crìochadh [krʲiəxəɣ] = ending, closing, finishing, terminating crìochaire [krʲiəxɪrʲə] = border guard/keeper
Manx (Gaelg)	creagh [krɨəx] = furrow, stack creeagh = border(line), boundary, termination creaghnaghey = to accomplish, complete, conclude creaghnee = to accomplish creaghney = to accomplish, completion creaghnit = complete(d)
Proto-Brythonic	*krib = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	crip = comb, crest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crib = comb, wild teasel, crest cribo, cribaf, kribo = to comb, curry cribiad = combing, carding, scratch krybyn, cribin, kribyn = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint kribawc, kribawg, kribyoc, criboc, cribog = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crib [kriːb] = comb, wild teasel, crest, pride, self-conceit, honeycomb, bridge of a violin cribell = small comb, crest of a bird, ridge, ledge, summit cribin = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint cribo = to comb, curry (to groom), cope, climb, clamber, creep crib(i)og = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested cribwr, cribydd = comber, ones who cards wool, carding-machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crib, crîb = comb, ridge, crest, summit criba(s) = to comb criban = comb, crest, tuft, plume cribia = to card wool
Cornish (Kernewek)	krib = comb, reef, arête kribas = to comb kribek, kribys = furrowed kribel = teasel kriben = ridge kribya = to card wool
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	crip = comb
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	crib = comb cribar = to comb cribell = crest cribenn = crest, peak
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krib [ˈkriːp] = comb, crest, summit kribañ = to comb kribell = crest, toupee kribellañ = to provide with a crest, crested kribelleg = crested kribenn = crest, peak, comb, summit, chatter

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *krek- (post) [source].

Whey

18th September 202518th September 2025 By Simon

Words for whey and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*mezgos = whey
Gaulish	*mesgos = whey (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	medc, medg [ˈmʲeðɡ] = whey
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	medc, medg, midc = whey, serum
Irish (Gaeilge)	meadhg [ˈmʲəiɡ / ˈmʲaiɡ / ˈmʲeːɡ] = whey, serum, blood-serum – also written meidhg meadhgúil = consisting of whey, watery meadhguisce = whey-water
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meadhg [mjɤːg] = whey meang [mɛŋg] = whey meòg [mjɔːg] = whey meògach = of whey, like whey, serous meug [miag] = whey mìg [miːgʲ] = whey miong [mjɤ̃ŋg] = whey miùg [mjuːg] = whey
Manx (Gaelg)	meaig = whey meaighagh = whey-faced
Proto-Brythonic	*meið = whey
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	medd, maidd, meid = whey meiddlyn = whey, buttermilk, posset
Welsh (Cymraeg)	maidd [mai̯ð] = whey, serum, curds and whey, blood serum meidda = to beg for whey meiddaidd, meiddl(l)yd = whey-like, wheyey, serous meiddioni = to curdle meiddlyn = whey, buttermilk, posset
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	meith = whey
Cornish (Kernewek)	meydh = whey
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	meid = whey

Note: in Breton, whey is laezh-bihan (‘small milk’) – a calque of French petit-lait (whey), laezh-glas (‘blue/green milk’), gwipad or gwitod [source] and [source].

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mosgʰos (marrow, brain). The Old French word mesgue (whey) comes from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish *mesgos [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include smadzenes (brain) in Latvian, भेजा (bhejā – brain, mind) in Hindi, মজ্জা (mojja – marrow) in Bengali, مغز (maġz – brain, marrow) in Persian, marrow in English, merg (marrow) in Dutch, Mark (marrow, pith) in German, and possibly mysa (whey) in Icelandic [source].

Just in case you’re wondering, whey [weɪ] is the liquid remaining after milk has been curdled and strained in the process of making cheese. It comes from Middle English whey(e) (whey), from Old English hwǣġ (whey), from Proto-West Germanic *hwaij (whey), perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *kʷey- (to pile up, build) [source]. It can be used to be used to make products like whey cheeses, such as ricotta, whey butter, and whey protein, which is sold as a dietary supplement popular with athletes and bodybuilders. [source].

Coughing

27th August 2025 By Simon

Words for cough and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷast- = cough
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cosachtach = act of coughing, cough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cosachtach = act of coughing, cough
Irish (Gaeilge)	casacht [ˈkɑsˠəxt̪ˠ] = cough casacht a dhéanamh = to cough casachtach [kəˈsˠɑxt̪ˠəx] = (act of) coughing, cough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	casad [kasəd] = (act of) coughing, cough casadach [kasədəx] = cough, pertaining to or abounding in coughs casachd [kasəxg] = coughing, casachdaich [kasədɪç] = (act of) coughing, cough castaich [kasdɪç] = (act of) coughing, cough
Manx (Gaelg)	cassaght = cough cassaghtee = coughing
Proto-Brythonic	*pas = cough
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pas, pâs = cough peswch = a cough, a fit of coughing pessychu, pvssuvchv = to cough
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pas [paːs] = cough peswch [ˈpɛsʊχ] = a cough, a fit of coughing peswchboeri = to expectorate, hawk peswchboeriad = expectoaration, hawking pesychu [pɛˈsəχɨ̞] = to cough, fit(s) of coughing pesychfa = a (fit of) coughing pesych(i)ad = a coughing, cough pesychwr = one who coughs
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pas, pâz = cough
Cornish (Kernewek)	pas = cough pasa = to cough
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pas = cough
Middle Breton	pas = cough passat = to cough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	paz [ˈpɑːs] = cough, fart pasaat [paˈsɑ:t] = to cough pasadenn = fit of coughing pasaer = cougher

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂s- (to cough) [source]. Words from the same root include kollë (cough) in Albanian, hoest(en) ((to) cough) in Dutch, Husten (cough) in German, hoste (cough) in Danish, and kašel (cough) in Czech [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	trichem = cough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	triuch = whooping cough trichem, trechem = cough, paroxism trichmech = fit of coughing
Irish (Gaeilge)	triuch [tʲɾʲʊx] = whooping cough tritheamh = fit, paroxysm tritheamh casachtaí = fit of coughing tritheamhach = convulsive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	an triugh [ən̪ˠ truɣ] = whooping cough an triuth(ach) [ən̪ˠ truh(əx)] = whooping cough triuthar [truhər] = convulsion (esp. from whooping cough)
Manx (Gaelg)	truh = whooping cough

Etymology: unknown

Note: in North Wales, one word for to cough is tagu, which is related to words for to choke and choking in the other Celtic languages. See the post To Choke for more details.

Swearing Oaths

13th August 202514th August 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for oath, vow, (to) swear and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	lug = oath lugyom = oath, swearing
Old Irish (Goídelc)	luige = oath, swearing lugae = oath luigid = to swear
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	luige, lug, luga, lugae = oath, (act of) swearing lugach = given to swearing, assertive, contentious luigid, luigaid = to swear
Irish (Gaeilge)	luigh [l̪ˠɪɟ / l̪ˠiː] = to swear (literary) luighe = oath
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lùgh [l̪ˠuː] = swear! curse! lùghadh [l̪ˠuː.əɣ] = (act of) swearing, oath, (act of) cursing lùighe [l̪ˠuːjə] = (act of) swearing, oath, (act of) cursing
Manx (Gaelg)	loo [luː] = oath, swear(ing), affidavit looee = oath
Proto-Brythonic	*lluɣ = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llv, llw = (solemn) oath, vow, oath, swear word, curse, blasphemy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llw [ɬuː] = (solemn) oath, vow, oath, swear word, curse, blasphemy
Cornish (Kernewek)	li = oath lia = to swear, take an oath
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	dilu = oath
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	le, lé = oath, blasphemy leanty = convent
Breton (Brezhoneg)	le [leː] = oath, swear, vow leañ [ˈleː.ã] = to swear, take an oath leandi [leˈãn.di] = convent

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *lewgʰ- (to announce, tell, publicly) [source]. Words from the same roots include lie in English, liegen (to lie, tell lies) in Dutch, lügen (to tell a lie, to lie) in German, ljuga (to lie, to tell an untruth) in Swedish, łgać (to lie, feign, simulate) in Polish [source].

Proto-Celtic	tungeti = to swear (an oath) writ-tungeti = to counter-swear
Gaulish	toncsiiontio = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tongaid = to swear fristoing = to forswear
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tongaid, toṅga, tongu = to swear, take an oath
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuinge = oath
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	twng, twg = a swearing, oath tyngu = to swear (an oath) gurthtygho, gurhtuc, gvrthegho, gurthtug = to counter-swear
Welsh (Cymraeg)	twng, twnc = a swearing, oath tyngu = to swear (an oath) camdyngu = to swear falsely, forswear cytyngu = to swear together, take a mutal oath gwrthdyngu = to counter-swear
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ty = an oath, imprecation
Cornish (Kernewek)	ti = oath, vow, swear tia = to swear, vow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	toeaff, touet = to swear, curse
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tou [tu:] = oath touiñ [ˈtuː.ĩ] = to swear, curse

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *h₂lewgʰ- (to announce), or from PIE *th₂négti (to touch, grasp; to take), from *teh₂g- (to touch, take) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*mandu = mark, sign, spot
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mind [mʲin͈d] = crown, insignia, oath
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mind, minn = crown, diadem, oath, vow
Irish (Gaeilge)	mionn = crown, diadem, oath mionnach = swearing, given to swearing mionnadóir = swearer mionnaigh = to swear mionnú = swearing, adjuration mórmhionnach = addicted to swearing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mionn [mjũːn̪ˠ] = oath, curse, (act of) cursing, insignia mionnaichte [mjun̪ʲɪçdʲə] = bound by oath, sworn, avowed mionnan [mjun̪ˠan] = (act of) swearing an oath, (act of) cursing, small curse mionnach [mjuːn̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in oaths or curses, swearing, sweary, cursing mionn [mjũːn̪ˠ] =
Manx (Gaelg)	mian = to wish mianey = to wish, desire, hanker, fancy, long, lust mynney = to swear, swear-word, imprecation, oath-book
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mann = spot, speck, blemish, stain, mark
Welsh (Cymraeg)	man [man] = spot, speck, blemish, stain, mark mannig = spot, dot, particle. breve (in music)

Etymology: uncertain [source], possibly from Proto-Indo-European *mend- (physical defect, fault) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	móit = vow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	móit, móid = vow, oath, wish, desire
Irish (Gaeilge)	móid [mˠoːdʲ] = vow móidach = votary, votive móidghealladh = solemn promise, profession móidigh = to vow móidín = devotee
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mòid [mɔːdʲ] = oath, solemn promise, swearing, vow mòideachadh [mɔːdʲəxəɣ] = (act of) swearing, vowing

Etymology: from Latin vōtum (promise, dedication, vow, will, desire, prayer), from voveō (to vow, promise, dedicate), from Proto-Italic *wogʷeō (to vow, promise, dedicate), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁wogʷʰéyeti, from *h₁wegʷʰ- (to promise, vow, praise) [source].

Ashen Embers

6th August 2025 By Simon

Words for ash, embers, cinders and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	loutus, loutwos, *loutwis = ash (from a fire)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lúaith = ashes, dust lúaithred = ashes, dust
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lúaith, luaith = ashes, dust lúaithne, luaithne = speck of ash lúaithred, luaithred = ashes, dust lúaithreda, luaitherda = dusty lúaithremail = ashen lúaithremán = creature of dust
Irish (Gaeilge)	luaith [l̪ˠuə(ç) / l̪ˠui̯] = ashes luaitheartha = ashen, dusty luaithghríosach = hot ashes luaithreach = ashes, dust luaithreadán = ashtray luaithreamhán = ashes, heap of ashes luaithrigh = sprinkle with ashes luaithriúil = ashy, ashen Céadaoin an Luaithrigh = Ash Wednesday
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	luath [ˈl̪ˠuə] = ash(es) luaithre [ˈl̪ˠuərʲə] = ash(es), dust luaithreach [ˈl̪ˠuərʲɪç] = ash(es), dust luaithreachadh = (act of) turning to ash luaithreadh = (act of) throwing ashes, turning to dust/ash(es), ash(es), dust luaithrich = turn to ash!
Manx (Gaelg)	leoie [ləːi̯] = ash, dross leoireydane = ashtray lorgaghey, shlig-leoie = to drive (on/along), to urge on, urging leoieagh = ashy leoiragh = ashy, dusty
Proto-Brythonic	*llʉdw = ash(es) (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lludu, llvdw, lludw, llutw, llytw = ash(es), cinders, embers lludwaw, llutwaw = to reduce to ashes, burn down, incinerate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwdw, lludu [ˈɬɨ̞dʊ / ˈɬiːdu] = ash(es), cinders, embers, lava, ruins or remains, shattered hopes llwdwo, lludio = to reduce to ashes, burn down, incinerate llwdwog = full of ashes or embers, ashy llwdwol = ash-like, tending to reduce to ashes llwdw du coal dust llwdw sebonog = potash
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lusow, losow, lidzhu = ashes, or the remains of anything burnt
Cornish (Kernewek)	lusu = ash (from a fire) lusuegyn, lujuegyn = ashtray lusuen, lujuen = ember, piece of ash
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ludu = ash
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ludu [ˈlyːdy] = ash, fertilizer ludua = to buy / look for ash luduan, luduañ = to incinerate ludueg = ashtray, homebody luduek = covered in ash, ashen luduenn = Cinderella luduer = incinerator, ash merchant luduet = reduced to ashes

Etymology: uncertain, possibly from from Proto-Indo-European *lewh₃- (to wash), or from PIE *lew- (dirt) [source]

Old Irish (Goídelc)	smál, smól, smúal = ashes, ember, live coal, blemish
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smál, smól, smúal, smual = ember, glowing coal, fire, ashes, dross, blemish, taint
Irish (Gaeilge)	smól = live coal, ember, smouldering fire; a burnt-out or charred object smólachán = smouldering, charred, material smóladán = snuffers, lamp-scissors
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smal [smal̪ˠ] = blemish, stain, impurity, spot, speck, smudge smòlach = ember, thrush

Etymology: uncertain [source], possibly from Proto-Indo-European *melh₂- (to grind, crush). Words from the same roots in include melde (to announce, report, notify), молния (lightning, zip(per)), and Mjǫllnir, Mjollnir (the hammer of the Norse god Thor) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	smúr = ashes, dust, dross, rust
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smúr, smur = dust, dross, rust
Irish (Gaeilge)	smúr [ˈsˠmˠuːɾˠ] = ash, dross, dust, rust, soot, grime smúrabhán = soot, lampblack smúrach = dusty, sooty, grimy smúránta = dull, hazy (weather) smúrlach = snout, dirty, grimy face smúrlóg = grimy-faced girl, mudlark
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smúr [smuːr] = dross, junk, rubbish, particle, blemish, drizzle smúrach [smuːrəx] = dross, junk, rubbish, crumbs, drizzle smúrag [smuːrag] = tiny particle, tiny bit smúran [smuːran] = small particle, mote, an iota, tiny bit (of)
Manx (Gaelg)	smarage = cinder, ember, live coal

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to smother and smoulder in English, and smeulen (to smoulder) in Dutch [source], which all ultimately come from Proto-Indo-European *(s)meld- (to burn, smoulder, smoke; tar, pitch) [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Dutch (Nederlands)

Shady Shadows

Nettles

What?

Tenacious Toughness

Pithy Marrow

Crested Combs

Whey

Coughing

Swearing Oaths

Ashen Embers