Swallowing

25th March 202625th March 2026 By Simon

Words for to swallow, to gulp and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*slunketi = to swallow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sluicid = to swallow slucait [ˈsl̪u.ɡəd̠ʲ] = throat, gullet
Middle Irish	sluicid. slocaid = to swallow, to engulf slucait = the throat, gullet, swallow slucud, slocud, slocod = act of swallowing, engulfing, chewing sloicthech = devouring
Irish (Gaeilge)	slog [sˠl̪ˠɔɡ] = gulp, swallow, draught, swig; to swallow, to engulf, to sink, to draw in, to recede, to absorb quickly, to accept eagerly, credulously slogach = swallowing, engulfing, gulping, gluttonous slogadh = to swallow slogaide = gullet, swallow-hole slogaire = swallower, gulper, glutton slogaireacht = swallowing, gulping, gluttony slogóg = a gulp, swig, draught slograch = sink-hole, sink (geological)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	slug [sl̪ˠug] = swallow, gulp, slur slugadh [sl̪ˠugəɣ] = (act of) swallowing, gulping, swallow, gulp, slurring, slur slugag [sl̪ˠugag] = small gulp, small pool slugaid [sl̪ˠugadʲ] = throat, gullet, gully slugaire [sl̪ˠugɪrʲə] = glutton, heavy drinker slugaist [sl̪ˠugɪʃdʲ] = gulp, mouthful (of liquid) slugan [sl̪ˠugan] = gullet, oesophagus, vortex, gorge, gulf, gossip sluganach = voracious, gluttonous
Manx (Gaelg)	slug = swig, swallow, draught sluggey = to swallow, swig, slug, guzzle, devour, gulp, engulf; devouring, swallowing, gulping sluggag = a swallow, gulp, swig
Proto-Brythonic	*llunk = swallow (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llwngc, llwnc, llwng = gullet, oesophagus, thraot, draught, gulp llỽngk, lỽnck, llyngku, llyngcu = to swallow llyngkedigaeth = fissure, gulf, chasm llyncua = gullet, oesophagus, throat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwnc, llwng = gullet, oesophagus, thraot, draught, gulp llyncu [ˌɬəŋkɨ̞ ˌɬəŋki] = to swallow (up), devour, cosume, gulp, eat up, drink up, assimilate, engulf, believe unquestioningly llyncu mul = to sulk (“to swallow a mule”) llyncadwy = ravenous, voracious, absorbable llyncedig = swallowed, absorbed llyncedigaeth = fissure, gulf, chasm llyncfa = gullet, oesophagus, throat, pharynx, fauces, swallow, gulp, draught, fissue, gulf, chasm, bog, whirlpool llync(i)ad = a swallowing, a gulp, swallow, draught, devouring, gulping down (of food) llyncwr = one who swallows, swallower, drinker, gulper, devourer, destroyer, gullible person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	lency, lenky = to swallow, to absorb
Cornish (Kernewek)	lenki = to swallow, absorb, take up lonk = gullet, gully lonkwolghi = to gargle
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ro-luncas = to swallow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	loncaff, louncquaff = to swallow, to engulf, to devour
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lonk [ˈlɔ̃ŋk] = (the act of) swallowing lonkad = draught, sip lonkadeg = gluttony, drinking lonkadenn = sip, draught, absorption lonkadur = absorption, (the act of) swallowing lonkañ [ˈlɔ̃ŋ.kã] = to swallow, to absorb, to consume, to let escape lonkek [ˈlɔ̃ŋ.kek] = voracious, greedy lonker [ˈlɔ̃ŋ.kɛr] = glutton, (intemperate) drinker

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *(s)lewg- *(s)lewk-. Words from the same roots include slokken (to swallow gluttonously) in Dutch, schlucken (to swallow, to gulp, to gobble up) in German, and szlug (cigarette) in Polish [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

Rushy Sedges

19th March 202619th March 2026 By Simon

Words for sedge, rushes and related things in Celtic languages.

Sedge can refer to any plant of the family Cyperaceae, particularly plants of the genus Carex (the true sedges) – perennial herbs with triangular jointless stems, a spiked inflorescence, and long grass-like leaves. Or, other plants that resemble true sedges [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	sexskā, sexskis = rushes, sedge
Old Irish (Goídelc)	seisc = sedge, rushes, marsh
Middle Irish	seisc, seisg = sedge, rushes, a sedgy or rushy place sescaid = thatches (with rushes) sescann, seiscenn = unproductive ground, a march, swamp, bog
Irish (Gaeilge)	seisc [ʃɛʃc] = sedge seisceach = sedgy seascann [ˈʃasˠkənʲ] = sedgy bog, marsh, swamp seascannach = boggy, marshy seasclach = sedgy ground, sedge
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seisg [ʃesg] = sedge seisgeann [ʃeʃgʲən̪ˠ] = sedge, boggy land, fen country seisgeach [ʃeʃgʲəx] = sedgey place, reedy place, abounding in sedges, reedy seisgean [ʃeʃgʲan] = marshy / boggy land, unproductie land
Manx (Gaelg)	shiast = sedges, rushes
Proto-Brythonic	*hesk = sedges, rushes (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hesg, hesc, hêsg = sedges, rushes hescen(n) = sedge, rush hescock = sedgy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hesg [heːsk / hɛsk] = sedges, flags, rushes hesgen = sedge, rush hesgog = sedgy
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	hesc(h)en = a bulrush, a sedge, a reed
Cornish (Kernewek)	hesk = sedges, saw-grass hesken = sedge, saw, saw-grass
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hïscen = sedges, rushes
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hesq = sedges, rushes
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hesk [hesk] = sedges, rushes heskenn = sedge, saw

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *sek(H)- (to cut, cut off, sever) [source]. Words from the same roots may include saw, sedge and sickle in English, Segge (sedge) in German, zegge (sedge) in Dutch and saks (a pair of scissors) in Danish [source].

Rushses can refer to: any of several stiff plants of the genus Juncus, or the family Juncaceae, having hollow or pithy stems and small flowers, and often growing in marshes or near water. Or, the stems of such plants used in making baskets, mats, the seats of chairs, etc. [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	lúachair = rushes
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lúachair, luachair = rushes, rushy place, marsh
Irish (Gaeilge)	luachair [l̪ˠuəxəɾʲ] = rushes, rushy place luachrach = rushes, rushy place, abounding in rushes, rushy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	luchair [l̪ˠuəxɪrʲ] = common / compact rush (juncus conglomeratus) luchair [l̪ˠuəxrəx] = rushy, pertaining to rushes
Manx (Gaelg)	leaghyryn = rushes leaghyragh = rushy

Etymology: perhaps from Proto-Celtic *lowko- (bright, light) from PIE *lewk- (bright, to shine) [source]. Words from the same roots include light, lucid, lustre and lunar in English, lleu (light, brightness, bright), lluched (lightning, thunderbolt, fever) and golau (light, bright) in Welsh, and lagas (eye) in Cornish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brīnika = stick
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bruyn, brwyn = rushes brwynnha = to gather rushes, to brush, to cover with rushes brwynawg, brwynog, brywnoc = abounding with rushes, rush-like, made from rushes
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brwyn = rushes, brush, something of no value or importance, a weak person or thing brwynen = a rush brwyn(i)ach = small or dwarf rushes brwyna(f), brwyno = to gather rushes, to brush, to cover with rushes brwynaidd = rushy, rushlike brwynbapur = papyrus brwyn(i)og = abounding with rushes, rush-like, made from rushes, marshy and rushy land
Old Cornish	brunnen = a rush, a reed
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	brunnen, bronnen, bruinen = a rush, a reed bruin = rushes, reeds bruinic = abounding in rushes
Cornish (Kernewek)	bronnen, brodnen = rush bronn = rushes
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	broin = rushes
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	broüen, brouen, broen = rushes broennenn = rush broennec = rushy (place), rush bed
Breton (Brezhoneg)	broen [bʁoːɛn] = rushes broenenn [bʁoːɛn] = a (piece of) reed broeneg [bro.ˈɛ.nːɛk] = rushy (place), rush bed broenna = to look for rushes, to stuff with rushes broeneg = land covered with rushes, rush bed, rush meadow, rush grove broenek = covered in rushes

Etymology: from PIE *bʰrugh-no- (twig) [source].

Nits

10th March 202610th March 2026 By Simon

Words for nit and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	snidā = nit snidākos = full of nits
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sned = shoulder
Middle Irish	sned, snid = nit snedach, sneadach = nitty, full of nits
Irish (Gaeilge)	sniodh = nit sneách = nitty sneáchán = person with nits in his hair, contemptible person sneáidíos = ants
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sneadh [ʃ̪nʲɤɣ] = nit (egg of a louse) sneadhag [ʃ̪nʲɤɣag] = nit (egg of a louse) snig [ʃ̪nʲigʲ] = nit (egg of a louse) sneadhach [ʃ̪nʲɤɣəx] = pertaining to or abounding in nits, nit-like
Manx (Gaelg)	sneig, sneing = nit, louse egg sniegagh, sniengagh = nitty
Proto-Brythonic	neð = nit (?) neðọg = full of nits (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nedd, ned = nits nedawc = full of nits
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nedd [neːð] = nits nedden [ˈnɛðɛn / ˈneːðɛn] = nit neddog = full of nits
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	nedh, nêdh = nits nedhan = nit
Cornish (Kernewek)	nedh = nits nedhen = nit
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nez = nits nezenn, nezen = nit nezeuc = full of nits
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nez = nits nezenn = nit nezek = full of nits

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *-níd- (nit, louse egg) [source]. Words from the same roots include nit in English, gnīda (nit, maggot) in Latvian, hnida (nit) in Czech, and neet (nit, egg of louse) in Dutch, Nisse (nit) in German and thëri (nit) in Albanian [source].

Melting 🫠

6th March 20266th March 2026 By Simon

Words for to melt and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	tāyo = to melt tādeti = to melt (away) *tāmus = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tám = plague, pestilence, stupor, swoon tinaid = to melt
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tám, támh, tamh = plague, pestilence, swoon, stupor, unconsciousness, death tinaid = to melt, to vanish
Irish (Gaeilge)	támh = plague, pestilence, (aiterary), swoon, trance, stupor, rest, silence, lethargy, apathy, idleness támhach = comatose, torpid, lethagic, sluggish, inert, feeble támhán = sleepy person, sluggard támhnéal = swoon, trance
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàmh = dwelling, residing, inhabiting, ease, rest, repose, quieting tàmh-neul = slumber, swoon, trance, ecstasy
Manx (Gaelg)	taaue = idle, inert, passive, leisured taaue-neeal = coma, trance
Proto-Brythonic	*tọðɨd = to thaw
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	taỽd, tawd, tawdd = molten, melted, liquid todi, toddi = to melt, to liquefy, to thaw, to dissolve, to fuse, to blend todedyc, toddedig = melted, melting, molten, dissolved toddiant = solution, molten substance, a melting toddudd, todhwr = melter (of metal), founder, caster, smelter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tawdd [tau̯ð] = molten, melted, liquid toddi [ˈtɔðɪ / ˈtoːði] = to melt, to liquefy, to thaw, to dissolve, to fuse, to blend toddaid = melted, molten, liquid toddbot, tawddbot = melting-pot, crucible todd-dy, tawdd-dy = foundry, melting-house toddedig = melted, melting, molten, dissolved toddiant = solution, molten substance, a melting toddwr, toddydd = melter (of metal), founder, caster, smelter
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	tedha = to melt, to thaw, to dissolve, to liquefy, to become melted
Cornish (Kernewek)	teudh = molten teudha, teudhi = to dissolve, to melt, to thaw teudhans = solution teudherigva = fuse box teudherik = fuse teudhji = smelting house teudhla = foundry
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	todint = to melt
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teuz = melting, smelting teuzer = founder, foundry, smelter teuzyff, teuzi = to melt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teuz [ˈtøːs] = melting, smelting teuzadenn = fussion, fondant (pastry) teuzenn = fusible, fusion, molten, melting teuzer = founder, foundry, smelter, melter, foundryman teuzerc’h = melted snow teuzerezh = foundry teuziñ [ˈtøː.(z)ĩ] = to dissolve, to melt (away), to dissipate teuzus [ˈtøː.zys] = melting, fuse

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *teh₂- (to melt, to flow, to stream) [source]. Words from the same roots include to thaw in English, dooien (to thaw, melt) in Dutch, tauen (to digest, process) in German, töa (to thaw) in Swedish [source].

The Goidelic words may or may not be related to the Brythonic languages, but they probably all come from the same PIE root.

Proto-Celtic	*legeti = to melt, dissolve
Old Irish (Goídelc)	legaid [ˈl̠ʲe.ɣəðʲ] = to melt, dissolve
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	legaid, legad, legtha = to melt (away), dissolve, wear away, perish, crumble, smelt, distroy, wipe out legtha, leaghtha = molten, melted coimlega(i)d = to melt together fo-lega = to spread, blot
Irish (Gaeilge)	leáigh [lʲɑːɟ / l̠ʲɑː / l̠ʲeːj] = to melt, fade away leádóir = melter leádóireacht = (act of) melting leáiteach = melting, dwindling, pale, wan
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leagh [l̪ʲɤɣ] = melt, defrost, dissolve, become liquid, liquidate leaghach [l̪ʲɤɣəx] = soluble, meltable leaghadair [l̪ʲɤɣədɪrʲ] = melter, smelter leaghagh [l̪ʲɤ.əɣ] = (act of) melting, defrosting, dissolving, liquidating leaghta [l̪ʲɤɣdə] = melted, molten, defrosted, dissolved, liquidated
Manx (Gaelg)	lheie = melt, smelt, fuse, dissolve, digest, liquefy lheieagh = melting, soluble, digestive lheieder = melter, smelter lheiht = melted, molten, smelted, digested

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *leg- (to leak) [source]. Words from the same roots include lake, leach and leak in English, lekken (to leak, be leaky) in Dutch, leka (to drip, dribble, leak) in Norwegian, lecken (to lick) in German, lækur (brook, stream) in Icelandic, llaith (damp, moist, humid) in Welsh, leyth (humid, moist) in Cornish, and leizh (humid) in Breton [source].

Childish Infants

25th February 2026 By Simon

Words for baby, infant and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	lenab = baby, child, infant lenbaide = childish, puerile lenbaidecht = childishness, childish pursuits, childish play
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lenap, lenab, lenam, lenb, lenbh, lenabh = baby, child, infant; young man, youth, boy lenbán, lelbán = infant, young child lenbdacht = infancy, childhood, childish pursuits lenbaide, lenbhaidhe = childish, puerile lenbaidecht, lenmaidecht = childishness, childish pursuits, childish play
Irish (Gaeilge)	leanbh [ˈlʲan̪ˠəvˠ / ˈl̠ʲanˠu(ː)] = child leanbaí = child-like, innocent, childish, puerile leanbaí = childhood, childishness, puerility leanb(h)án = little child, baby, darling leanbhaois = (age of) childhood, dotage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leanabh [l̪ʲɛnəv] = baby, (young) child, babe leanabhachd [l̪ʲɛnəbəxg] = infancy, childhood, childishness leanabhaidh [l̪ʲɛnəbɪ] = childish, infantile leanabhan [l̪ʲɛnəvan] = infant
Manx (Gaelg)	lhiannoo = baby, child, infant, family lhiannooagh = infantile, babyish, babylike, puerile, boyish; girlish, infantile

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	páitse, pāitside, pāitsidhe = a page, attendant, child
Irish (Gaeilge)	páiste [ˈpˠɑːʃtʲə / ˈpˠaːʃtʲə] = child páistiúil = child-like, childish páistiúilacht = childishness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pàiste [paːʃdʲə] = child, infant pàistean [paːʃdʲan] = small infant pàisteanach [paːʃdʲanəx] = childish, infantile pàisteil [paːʃdʲal] = babyish
Manx (Gaelg)	paitçhey [ˈpɛːtʃə] = child, brat, kid, (boy) page

Etymology: from Old French page (page – youth attending a person of high degree), from Late Latin pagius (a servant), possibly from Latin pāgus (district, region, countryside, countryfolk), or from Ancient Greek παιδίον (paidíon – young child) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	báb = baby, maiden (maiden) bábán = small baby bábánta = babyish, innocent bábóg [ˈbˠabˠɔɡ] = doll
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàban† = baby
Manx (Gaelg)	babban = baby, babe, doll
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	baban = baby, infant, doll, puppet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	baban [ˈba(ː)ban] = baby, infant, doll, puppet babanaidd = infant(ile), babyish, childish, childlike babandod [baˈbandɔd] = babyhood, infancy, childhood, babyishness, childishness babanu = to baby, coddle, pamper, spoil, cherish
Middle Cornish (Cernewec . Kernuak)	baban = babe, child
Cornish (Kernewek)	baban [ˈba.ban] = baby, baby doll babi = baby
Breton (Brezhoneg)	babig(ed), baba = baby babigour = childcare worker babik = childish, babyish, puerile

Etymology: from Middle English babe, baban (baby, infant), and/or Old English *baba (a male child), from Proto-West Germanic *babō, from Proto-Germanic *babô. Words from the same roots include baby and babe in English baby (baby) in Dutch, baby (table football, baby, darling, sweetheart) in French, and baby (child, baby, small shot of whisky, tripod) in Italian [source].

For other words for child(ren) see the Cowherd, boy, child post.

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].

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].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Dutch (Nederlands)

Swallowing

Rushy Sedges

Nits

Melting 🫠

Childish Infants

Shady Shadows

Nettles

What?

Tenacious Toughness

Pithy Marrow