Stormy Weather

27th January 2024 By Simon

Words for storm and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīnā = weather
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sín [ˈsʲiːn/ˈsʲiːnʲ] = storm, tempest, (bad) weather
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sín = bad weather, storm, weather, season, circumstances, atmosphere, attitude
Irish (Gaeilge)	síon = weather (usually bad, stormy) síonra = atmospheric agencies, elements
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sian [ʃiən] = violent weather, the elements, whizzing sound, squall, shriek sianach [ʃiənəx] = stormy, squally, shrieking sianail = (act of) shrieking, yelling siantach [ʃiən̪ˠdəx] = pertaining to generally bad weather marcach-siana = spindrift (spray coming off stormy sea), undulating (sheets of) rain uisge nan seachd sian = almighty downpour, cloudburst, deluge, rainstorm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hin = (bad) weather, air hinda, hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hin = (bad) weather, air hindreuliad = a weathering hindreuliaf, hindreulio = to weather hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinddanaf, hinddanu = to become fine, clear up (of weather) hinfynag, = barometer hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinonaf, hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun hinsawdd = climate
Cornish (Kernewek)	hin = climate hinek = climatic
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hynon = serene, clear weather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hin = climate hinon = serene, serenity hinoniñ = to have a peaceful time

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *sīniti (to stretch, extend), from *sīros (long), from PIE *seh₁- (long, lasting), or *temp- (to stretch) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	anfud = tempest, storm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	anbod, anfud = tempest, storm, turbulence, fury, rage anfadach = stormy, perturbed, agitated
Irish (Gaeilge)	anfa [ˈanˠəfˠə] =storm, tempest anfach = stormy, rough, tempestuous anfacht = storminess

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doinenn = stormy weather, tempest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doinenn = foul or stormy weather, tempest doinennta = stormy, tempestuous, inclement
Irish (Gaeilge)	doineann [ˈd̪ˠɪn̠ʲən̪ˠ] = stormy weather, storm. wintriness, cheerlessness doineanta = stormy, wild, inclement (weather), wintry, cheerless (person) doineantach = cheerless, cold-mannered, person; gloomy old man doineantacht = storminess, inclemency (weather), wintriness, cheerlessness (demeanour)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doineann [dɤn̪ʲan̪ˠ] = storm, tempest doineannach [dɔn̪ʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy doireannach [dɔrʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	dorrin = storm, tempest dorrinagh = stormy, tempestuous dorrinys = storminess, tempestuousness, raging

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	stoirm = storm
Irish (Gaeilge)	stoirm [ˈsˠt̪ˠɪɾʲəmʲ] = storm, bluster, rage stoirmeach = stormy, tempestuous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	stoirm [sdɤrʲɤm] = storm stoirmeil [sdɤrʲɤmal] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	sterrym = storm sterrymagh = stormy sterrymid = storminess
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ystorm, ystorym = storm, tempest
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)storm = storm, tempest (y)stormio = to become stormy, bluster, rain heavily, rant, scold (y)stormus = stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, boisterous

Etymology: from Middle English storm (storm, dispute, brawl, fight), from Old English storm (storm), from Proto-West-Germanic *sturm (storm), from Proto-Germanic *sturmaz (storm), from PIE *(s)twerH- (to stir up, agitate, urge on, propel) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyd = weather
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywydd [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ð / ˈtəu̯.ɪð] = weather, bad or stormy weather tywyddiant = meterology tywyddol = pertaining to the weather
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewedh = storm tewedha = to weather

Etymology: unknown

More about words for weather (and time) in Celtic languages.

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

Bees

17th January 2024 By Simon

Words for bee, sting and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bekos/bikos = bee
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bech [bʲex] = bee
Middle Irish	bech [bʲex] = bee bechlann [bʲex] = beehive bechatoir, beachadoir = (hereditary) beekeeper bechda = full of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	beach [bʲax] = bee beachaire = beekeeper, beehive beachaireacht = beekeeping beachlann = apiary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beach [bɛx] = bee, wasp beachach [bɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in bees or wasps beachair [bɛxɪrʲ] = beehive beachan [bjaxər̪ˠn̪ˠ] = small bees or wasps
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨg = bee
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	byg = bee bedaf, bydaf = bees’ nest, beehive bygegyr = drone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bygegyr, begegyr = drone bydaf = swarm or nest of (wild) bees, bees’ nest and honey therein, beehive

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰik-/bʰoyk- (bee), from*bʰey- (bee) [source]. Words from the same roots include bee in English, and fuco (drone – male bee) in Italian [source].

Middle Irish	teillenn = swarm of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	seileán = (wild) honey bee
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seillean [ʃel̪ʲan] = bee
Manx (Gaelg)	shellan [ˈʃɛlʲan] = bee shelleig, shellaig = beehive, hive

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wan-inyo- = bee (?)
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee gwenynllestyr = beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenyn = bees gwenynen = bee gwenynaf, gwenynu = to keep bees gwenynllais = a humming (of bees) gwenynlle = beehive gwenynog = apiary, bee-garden, pertaining to bees, abounding in bees gwenynydd = beekeeper, apiarist gwenynyddiaeth = beekeeping
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwenen = bees gwenenen = bee gwenen sia = bumble bee
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guenan, guënan = bees guenanenn, guennanen = bee
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwenan, gwenen, gweren = bees gwenanenn = bee gwenaneg = apiary gwenaner = beekeeper gwenanerezh = beekeeping, apiculture

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *wano- (tip, sting) [source], from PIE *gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill). Words from the same root include bane, defend, fence and gun , and words for to stab, sting, wound, etc. in Celtic languages (see below) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gʷaneti = to strike, wound, kill, slay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gonaid [ˈɡonɨðʲ] = to pierce, wound con·goin = to pierce, wound
Middle Irish	gonaid = to pierce, wound
Irish (Gaeilge)	goin = to wound, stab, sting, hurt goinbhlasta = piquant goineach = wounding, piercing, hurtful goineadóir = wounder, sharp-tongued person goineog = stab, sting, prick, cutting remark, thrust, gibe goineogacht = cutting remarks, gibing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goin [gɔn̪ʲ] = wound, stab, sting, stabbing, stinging goineag [gɔnag] = nip, pinch, twitch, canine (tooth) goineanta [gɔn̪ʲən̪ˠdə] = keen, piercing gointe [gɔn̪ʲdʲə] = sorely wounded, bewitched gointeach [gɔn̪ʲdʲəx] = wounding, stabbing, stinging, agonizing
Manx (Gaelg)	guin = pain, stitch, pang guinn = insect bite, pain, smart guinney = needle, pain, sting, wound, wounding gonnid = pain, peevishness, smarting, soreness
Proto-Brythonic	gwėnɨd [ɡwe̝ˈnɨːð] = to strike, kill ėdwėnɨd = to strike again
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gvant, guant, gwanu = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanu [ˈɡwanɨ̞ / ˈɡwa(ː)ni] = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce, perforate, penetrate, kill, strike, thrust (also written gwanaf or gwân)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwane = to thrust, penetrate, pierce, stab, stick gwenys, gwynys = pierced, stabbed, stung
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwana = to pierce, stab, sting gwan = jab, prick, sting omwana = to stab oneself
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goano, goanaff, goan = to prick, grip, squeeze, annoy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwanañ = to sting, punish, macerate gwanerezh = maceration gwanikennan = to prick

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰénti (to be striking down, killing, slaying), from*gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill) [source].

Modestly Humble

10th January 202410th January 2024 By Simon

Words for modest and related things in Celtic languages.

Modestly Humble

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*wēlos = modest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíal [fʲiːa̯l] = becoming, generous, genteel, seemly, well-bred
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fíal = decorous becoming, seemly (of conduct or behavious), modest, chaste, well-bred, honourable, noble fíalmar = noble-natured, generous
Irish (Gaeilge)	fial [fʲiəlˠ] = seemly, proper, noble, generous, hospitable fialmhaireacht = open-handedness, generosity fialmhaitheas = goodness of heart, generosity fialmhar = open-handed, generous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fial [fiəl̪ˠ] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fial-chridheachd = altruism fial-inntinneach = open-minded, liberal-minded fialach [fiəl̪ˠəx] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fialachd [fiəl̪ˠəxg] = generosity, liberality fialaiche = provider of hospitality
Manx (Gaelg)	feoilt = benevolent, bountiful, generous, munificent feoiltagh = benevolent, bounteous, free, lavish, liberal, unselfish
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guiled = shame
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyl, gwyl, gŵyl = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive guilat, gwylat = merry, glad, lively gwylder = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gvilet, gwylet, gwyled = modesty, humility, gentleness, shame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyl = [ɡuːɨ̯l/ɡʊi̯l] = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive, mild, tender, gentle, gracious, joyous, glad, generous, kind gwylad = merry, glad, lively gwyldeb = modesty, bashfulness gwylader, gwyldra = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gwyledd = modesty, humility, gentleness, meekness, courtesy, graciousness, joy, shame

Etymology: possibly from the PIE *wey- (turn) or *wāg- (to be bent), which is related to vagus (wandering, roaming) in Latin, from which we get the English words vague and vagabond [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	umal [ˈuṽal] = humble, obedient umaldóit = humility umlaigid = to humble
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	umal = humble, obedient, submissive umaldóit, omaldóit, umallóit = humility uimligid, huimligte, umlaigid = to humble
Irish (Gaeilge)	umhal [uəl̪ˠ/uːlˠ] = humble, submissive, lithe, supple, plant umhlaigh = to humble, bow, submit, obey, stoop umhlaíocht = humility, submission, obedience, dutifulness, respect umhlóid = humility, submission, lowly service, attendence, ministration, suppleness, pliancy umhlú = genuflection, curtsey, obesiance, submission
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	umhal [ũ.əl̪ˠ] = submissive, obedient, humble, lowly, meek
Manx (Gaelg)	imlee = humble, lowly, menial, simple imlagh = humble, humbling imlaghey = humble, stoop
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	humil = humble
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	huvyll, uvell = merry, glad, lively uỽyl, vffil = humble, meek, submissive ufullder, uvyllder = humility uỽyltaỽd, uvylldaỽt, vuildaud, vffyldaud = humility
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ufyl = humble, meek, submissive ufyllter, ufullter = humility ufylltod, ufulltod, ufelltod, hufylltod = humility hyful = humble
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Cornish (Kernewek)	uvel = humble, lowly, modest uvelder = humility
Middle Breton	vuel, uuel = humble, meek, lowly uffuelhat = to humiliate (oneself) vuelaff, uvelañ = to humble oneself vueldet, vuheltet = humility, humbleness, meekness vulder, vuelder, uffuelter = humility, humbleness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	uvel [ˈyː.vɛl] = humble, meek, lowly uvelded, uvelder = humility, humbleness, meekness uvelaat = to humiliate

Etymology: from the Latin humilis (low, lowly, small, slight, shallow), which is also the root of the English word humility, the French humilité (humility), and the humildad (humility, humbleness) [source].

The Cornish word klor means meek, mild, moderate, modest and klorder means modesty. Their origins are not known

Barnacles & Limpets

6th January 20246th January 2024 By Simon

Words for barnacle, limpet and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*barinākos = barnacle, limpet
Gaulish	*barinākā = barnacle, limpet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	*bairnech = limpet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	bairnech, báirnech = limpet(s)
Irish (Gaeilge)	bairneach [ˈbˠɑːɾˠn̠ʲəx] = limpet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàirneach [baːr̪ˠn̪ʲəx] = barnacle, limpet
Manx (Gaelg)	baarnagh, barnagh, bayrnagh = barnacle guiy bayrnag = barnacle goose
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brennik = limpets
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brennig = limpets brenigen = limpet
Middle Cornish	brennic = limpets brennigen = limpet
Cornish (Kernewek)	brennik = limpets brenigen, bernigen = limpet
Middle Breton	brennik = limpet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	brennig [ˈbrɛ.nːik] = barnacles, limpets brennigenn = barnacle, limpet brennika = to fish for limpets brennikaer = limpet fisherman

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *barinā (rocky ground), and *-ākos (involved with, belonging to) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via the Gaulish *barinākā and the Latin barnēca (barnacle goose, barnacle, limpet), include bernache (barnacle) in French, barnacle in English, barnacla (brent/brant goose – Branta bernicla) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gigrann = barnacle goose
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	gigrann, giugrann = wild goose, barnacle goose
Irish (Gaeilge)	giúrann = barnacle, shipworm, barnacle (goose) giúrannach = encrusted with barnacles
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	giùran [gʲuːran] = barnacle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwyran = barnacle goose, barnacles
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyran = barnacle goose, barnacles
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	goirann = barnacle goose, barnacles

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Celtic *gezdā (goose) – probably of imitative origin [source]. For more details of words for goose in Celtic languages, this post.

Dinner

5th January 20245th January 2024 By Simon

Words for dinner and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	din(n)ér = repast, meal
Irish (Gaeilge)	dinnéar [dʲɪˈnʲeːɾˠ] = dinner am dinnéir = dinner-time foreann dinnéir = dinner-service
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dinnear [dʲiːn̪ʲər] = dinner àm dìnnearach = dinner-time bòrd-dìnnearach = dinner table seacaid-dìnnearach = dinner-jacket/suit, tuxedo seòmar-dìnnearach = dining room
Manx (Gaelg)	jinnair = dinner co’heshaght yinnairagh = dinner party forran buird = dinner service jaggad yinnairagh = dinner jacket

Etymology: from Old French disner (to dine, eat the main meal of the day), from Vulgar Latin *disiūnāre, from Late Latin disieiūnō (to break the fast), from dis- (apart, reversal, utterly) and ieiūnō (to fast) [source].

Words from the same roots include dine and diner and dinner in English, and dîner (to dine, dinner) in French [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*kinjọ = dinner (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	kinyaỽ, kinyaw, kinio, kinnaw = dinner kino echwydd, ciniaw echwydd, kinnechwydd = midday-dinner kinnawha, kinawu, kinyawa = to dine, eat a meal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cinio [ˈkɪnjɔ] = dinner, breakfast cinio echwydd, cinechwydd = midday-dinner cin(i)awaf, cin(i)awu = to dine, eat a meal ciniawdy = restaurant, café ciniawfwyd = dinner, meal
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	cynyow, cidnio = dinner
Cornish (Kernwek)	kinnyow, kidnyow = dinner kinyewel = to dine

Etymology: cognate with or from Latin cēna (dinner), from Old Latin cesna, from Proto-Italic *kertsnā, from Proto-Indo-European *kért-sneh₂ (portion), from *(s)kert- (to cut), from *(s)ker- (to cut off, separate) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	cvin, kwyn = dinner, supper, feast, banquet kvynnos, cwynos = supper, evening, meal, feast kuynossa, cwynosa = to sup, take supper cwynossauc, cwynossawc = giving (or one who gives) supper or a meal to a king or lord and his retinue on circuit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cwyn = dinner, supper, feast, banquet cwynos = supper, evening, meal, feast cwynosa(f) = to sup, take supper cwynosfwyd = supper, tea, a light meal or lunch taken in the afternoon in the fields. cwynosog = giving (or one who gives) supper or a meal to a king or lord and his retinue on circuit
Middle Cornish (Cernwec)	coyn, cón = supper
Cornish (Kernwek)	kon = dinner, supper
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coan = dinner, supper, to have supper coan(i)aff, coanyaff, coania = to dine, to have supper coanlech = place where one has supper
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koan [ˈkwãːn] = supper, dinner, to have supper koanan, koaniañ = to have dinner, to dine koanier = dinner

Etymology: from Latin cēna (dinner), from Old Latin cesna, from Proto-Italic *kertsnā, from Proto-Indo-European *kért-sneh₂ (portion), from *(s)kert- (to cut), from *(s)ker- (to cut off, separate) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	béile = meal
Irish (Gaeilge)	béile [ˈbʲeːlʲə] = meal béile maidine = breakfast béile meán lae = lunch béile oíche = supper, dinner ní fiú a bhéilí é = he is not worth his keep
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beil = diet, meal of meat (archaic)

Etymology: from Middle English mel (a time, occasion, meal, feast), from Old English mǣl (measure, mark, sign, time, occasion), from Proto-Germanic *mēlą (measure, time, occasion, meal), from PIE *meh₁- (to measure) [source].

Words from the same roots include meal in English, maal (meal, time) in Dutch, Mahl (meal) in German, and mål (target, goal, meal) in Swedish [source].

Justly Right

29th December 2023 By Simon

Words meaning just, right and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kowwaris, komwīros = just, rightful, proper, fitting
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cóir = even, fitting, just, proper córae = justice córus = justice
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cóir, coair, coir = even, well-proportioned, straight, proper, correct, right, suitable, fitting, just córae, corae = correctness, propriety, justice, lawsuit, claim, right, proper, peace, amity, concord córus, corus = justness, rightness, proper arrangement, propriety, peace, agreement
Irish (Gaeilge)	cóir [koːɾʲ/kɔːɾʲ] = justice, equity, proper share, due, proper provision, accommodation, proper condition, proper equipment cóireáil = treatment, treat cóireanta = neat, tidy cóirigh = to arrange, dress, mend, repair cóiríocht = fitness, suitability, accommodation, equipment, fittings, furniture cóiriú = arrangement, dressing, repair cóiriúchán = arrangement, dressing éagóir = injustice, wrong, unfairness, inequity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	còir [kɔːrʲ] = right, justice, duty, obligation còireachadh [kɔːrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) arranging, arrangement còiread [kɔːrʲəd] = probity, goodness, kindness còrachadh [kɔːrəxəɣ] = arranging, arrangement
Manx (Gaelg)	cair = privilege, property, rights, duty, righteousness, due, right, just, good cair aascreeuee = copyright cair vie = bon voyage, favourable wind, god speed, pleasant journey cairagh = fair, impartial, just, proper, justifiable, justly cairal = right, righteous, upright, upstanding cairys = applicability, fairness, justice, right, uprightness cairysagh = right
Proto-Brythonic	*küwėr = complete
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	couer = fully-equipped, arrayed, furnished, complete, orderly, prepared, ready, correct
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyveir, kyweir, cyweir = proper order, fit state, repair, provision kyweyryau, kyỽeirir, kyweirio = to put in order, arrange, prepare, set to rights, repair, restore, equip kyweiriawdr = one who sets in order, one who promotes unity or harmony; repairer kyweirwr = repairer, restorer, amender
Welsh (Cymraeg	cywair [ˈkəwai̯r] = proper order, fit state, repair, provision, seasoning, state of mind, mood, humour, temper, condition, state, plight, key (in music), song, harmony, fully-equipped, arrayed, furnished, complete, orderly, prepared, ready, correct cyweiriaf, cyweirio = to put in order, arrange, prepare, set to rights, repair, restore, equip cyweiriawdr = one who sets in order, one who promotes unity or harmony; repairer cyweiriedig = arranged, set in order, preserved cyweir(i)wr = repairer, restorer, amender

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *kom- (with, together), from PIE *ḱóm (beside, near, by with), and PIE *wīros (true) [source]. Words from the same roots include word for true and related things in Celtic languages, and beware, guard, reward, ward and weir in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cert [kʲer͈t] = fitting, proper, right
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cert = correct, right, proper, fitting, fair, just, straight, even, exact, precise
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceart [caɾˠt̪ˠ/cæɾˠt̪ˠ] = right, just, proper, true, correct, true, real, good, excellent ceartaigh = to correct, rectify, amend, expound, mend ceartaiseach = insistent on one’s rights, self-righteous, dogmatic, conceited, priggish ceartaiseacht = self-righteousness, conceit, priggishness ceartaitheach = corrective, amending ceartaitheoir = corrector, rectifier, reformer, chastiser ceartas = justice, rights
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceart [kʲar̪ˠʃd = right, justice, propriety, righteousness, accurate, correct, proper, right ceartachadh [kʲar̪ˠʃdəxəɣ] = correcting, putting right, rectifying, correction ceartachair = corrector, rectifier, regulator ceartachd [kʲar̪ˠʃdəxg] = correctness ceartas = [kʲar̪ˠʃdəs] = justice, right, equity
Manx (Gaelg)	kiart = accurate, concession, correct, due, equity, even, exact, just, orthodox, precise, right kiartaghey = to accommodate, adjust, amend kiartys = accuracy, correctness, exactness kiartyn = rights
Proto-Brythonic	*kerθ = right, true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kerth = right(s), true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful kerthrwydd = integrity, justice, awfulness
Welsh (Cymraeg	certh [kɛrθ] = right(s), true, certain, vehement, terrible, awful, fine, wonderful, truth certhrwydd = integrity, justice, awfulness

Etymology: from Latin certus (certain, fixed), from Proto-Italic *kritos, from *krinō (to sift, separate, distinguish, discern), from PIE *krey- (to sift, separate, divide) [source]. Words from the same roots include certo (certain, sure, reliable) in Italian, cierto (true, certain, specific) in Spanish, and certain, crime, crisis, discreet and secret in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Pickaxe

11th December 202311th December 2023 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	píce = pole, pike pícóid = mattock, pickaxe
Irish (Gaeilge)	píce [ˈpʲiːcɪ] = pike, fork, peak píceáil = pike, fork, pitchfork, peak píceálaí = forker, pitcher píceán = peak, tip
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pic, pìc [piːçgʲ] = pike pìceach [piːçgʲəx] = armed with pikes, abounding in pikes pìcear = pikeman
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pig = point, spike, pike pigo = to prick, pierce, goad, peck, sting, bite pigawd = a thrusting or stabbing with a spear, a pricking
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pig [piːɡ] = point, spike, pike, lance, pick(axe), prong, beak pigach = darts pigadail = obelisk, spire, pyramid, cone pigaf, pigo = to prick, pierce, goad, peck, sting, bite pig(i)aid = as much as can be picked up or carried on a pitchfork, beakful pigau = pitchfork, hay-fork pigawd = a thrusting or stabbing with a spear, a pricking pigell = goad, prick, prickle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	piga = to prick, prickle, sting pigol = mattock, pick, pickaxe
Cornish (Kernewek)	pig = grub axe, grubber, pick, pickaxe, pickle piga = to goad, incite, sting pigell = hoe, pick(axe), pickle pigallas = to hoe pigellik = picker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pig = pickaxe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pik = piquant, point, pique pikañ = to sting, bite, pinch pikezenn = pike, spade (in cards) pigell = pickaxe

Etymology (Irish): from Old French pik(k)e, from Latin pīcca (pickace, pike), possibly from Frankish *pikkōn (to peck, strike), or from Frankish *pīk (sharp point, pike), from Proto-Germanic *pīkaz (sharp point, pike, pickaxe, peak) probably of imitative origin [source].

Etymology (Scottish Gaelic, Welsh & Cornish): probably from English pike or the Middle English pyke (pike, sharp point), which ultimately come from the same Proto-Germanic roots as pik(k)e in Old French.

Words from the same roots include peck, pick, pike, pique, pitch in English [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	caib [kɑbʲ/kabʲ] = dibble caibeáil = to plant with an implement, dibble caibeáilaí = planter (of seed), dibbler
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caibe [kɛbə] = space, mattock, iron part of tools caibe-sìthe = fairy spade (amulet given to sick people & cattle)
Manx (Gaelg)	kiebbey = spade, mattock
Old Welsh	cep = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	keyp, keib, caib = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caib = pickaxe, mattock, hoe, ploughshare caib garddwr = hoe caib big, caib bicys = pickaxe

Etymology: unknown

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].

Weak and Feeble

2nd December 2023 By Simon

Words for weak, feeble and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*lubros = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lobur = weak, sick, infirm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lobar, lobur, lobor = weak, infirm, sick, afflicted lobrae = weakness, infirmity, sickness lobrán = weakling, weak person, afflicted person loburda = sickly, ailing loibríne = weak little one
Irish (Gaeilge)	lobhar [tʲasˠ/tʲæsˠ] = leper, (literary) weak, ailing person, afflicted person lobhra = leprosy, (literary) weakness, infirmity, affliction lobhrach = leprous, (literary) weak, ailing, afflicted lobhrán = leper, (literary) weakling, afflicted person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lobhar [l̪ˠo.ər] = leper, disgusting wretch lobhar-leigheas = antiseptic
Manx (Gaelg)	lourane = heat, warmth louraanagh, louranagh, louraneagh = leprous loihrey, lourey; louraanys, louraneys = leprosy
Proto-Brythonic	*lluβr = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llwfyr, llwrf, llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwfr = cowardly, craven, timid, faint-hearted, unadventurous, apathetic, shy, mean, idle, lazy, improvident; damp; coward llwfrgalon, llyfrgalon = timid, faint-hearted
Middle Breton (Brrezhonec)	loffr, lofr = leper, leprous, oaf lovradur = leprosy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lovr = leper, oaf lovrezh = leprosy lovrañ = to contract/give leprosy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *luprós and *lewp- (to peel, strip) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wannos = weak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fann = helpless, weak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fann = weak, helpless, soft, pliant fannach = weak, weakling fannaid = weakens, grows weak fanntaise = a swoon, faintness
Irish (Gaeilge)	fann [fanˠ] = faint, weak, languid fannaigh = to weaken, enfeeble, grow weak fannán = gentle breeze fanntais = faaint, swoon, fainting-fit
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fann [fãũn̪ˠ] = weak, feeble, faint, helpless, delicate fannachadh [fan̪ˠəxəɣ] = becoming/making weak, fainting fannachd [fan̪ˠəxg] = weakness, state of being off/spoilt (food) fanntas [fãũn̪ˠdəs] = weakness, faintness
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guan, gvann, gwan(n) = weak, feeble guander, gvander, gwan(n)der = weakness, feebleness, debility guanhau, gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwan [ɡwan] =weak, feeble, languid, faint, mild, gentle, lenient, sad, depressing, gloomy, unlucky, foolish, simple, credulous, timid gwander = weakness, feebleness, debility gwanedu = to dilute gwanedig = enfeebled, enervated, faint gwanhad = weakening, enfeeblement, enervation gwanhau = to grow weak, weaken, languish
Old Cornish	guan = weak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guan, gwan = weak, feeble, infirm, poor gwander = weakness, infirmity, debility
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwann, gwadn = faint, frail, weak gwanna, gwadna = to weaken gwannhe, gwadnhe = to weaken gwannliwek, gwadnliwek = pale
Old Breton	guoaean = weak
Middle Breton (Brezhonec)	guan, goan, goann = weak goanaff, goano = to weaken
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwan [ˈɡwãːn] = weak, intransitive gwanaat [ɡwãˈnɑːt] = to weaken gwanadenn, gwanded, gwander = weakness gwanadur = weakening, dimming gwanaj = weak gwanded [ˈɡwãn.det] = weakness

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁weh₂-sn (to disappear, vanish), *h₁weh₂- (to leave, abandon, give out). English words from the same PIE root include vacant, vacuum, vain, void, wane, want and waste [source]

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Etymology

Stormy Weather

Bees

Modestly Humble

Barnacles & Limpets

Dinner

Justly Right

Worms & Maggots

Pickaxe

Axes and Hatchets

Weak and Feeble