Hiding & Concealment

28th October 202329th October 2023 By Simon

Words for hide, conceal and related words in Celtic languages.

Words marked * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kelo- = to hide keleti = to hide, conceal
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ceilid = to hide, conceal
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ceilid = to hide, conceal, admit, allow, concede, withhold, hoard, suppress, destroy ceilt = act of hiding, concealing, suppressing cel = concealment, dissolution, extinction, death celt = covering, garment, clothing celtair = concealment, covering, garment, cloak
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceil [kɛlʲ] = to conceal, suppress, withhold ceileantas = concealment, secrecy ceileatram = disguise, veneer ceilt = concealment, withholding, denial ceilteanas = concealment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceil [kʲel] = concealment, death (archaic) ceileadh [kʲeləɣ] =(act of) concealing, hiding ceilear [kʲelər] = concealer, someone who hides, screener ceilt [kʲeldʲ] = concealment ceilte [kʲeldʲə] = concealed, hidden ceilteach [kʲeldʲəx] = concealing, reserved
Manx (Gaelg)	keill = to hide keiltyn = to coneal, cover (up), disguies, hide, shelter; concealment, dissimulation, suppression keiltynys = camouflage, furtiveness, hiding
Proto-Brythonic	*kelɨd =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cêl, cel = hiding, concealment, shelter kelv, kelu, kely = to hide, conceal celadwy, keladwy = hidden, concealed, private, secret keledic = hidden, concealed, secret
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cêl [kɛːl/keːl] = hiding, concealment, shelter, bower, hidden, secret celaf, celu [ˈkɛlɨ̞/ˈkeːli/ˈkɛli] = to hide, conceal, keep secret celadwy = hidden, concealed, private, secret celdy = bower, arbour celedig = hidden, concealed, secret, dissembled celedigaeth = concealment, secrecy celedd = secretiveness, caution datgelaf, datgelu = to reveal, detect, blab, solve
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	celes, celys, kelys = to conceal, hide
Cornish (Kernewek)	kel = hidden, secret keles = to conceal, hide keles ha kavos = hide-and-seek

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱéleti (to be covering, hiding), from *ḱel- (to cover) [source].

Words from the same roots include words for cell and church in Celtic languages, cell, cellar, clandestine, conceal, hall, hell, helmet and occult in English, and the name William [source].

Words such as Celt and Celtic, and their equivalents in other languages possibly come from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via the French celtique (Celtic), Latin Celtae (the Celts) and the Greek Κελτοί (Keltoí) / Κέλται (Kéltai), which is what Herodotus called the Gauls. They might have originally meant something like ‘descendents of the hidden one (the underworld deity)’, and according to Julius Caesar, the Gauls claimed descent from an underworld god [source].

In Breton, kuzh means secret and confidential, and kuzhat means to hide. They are cognate with the Welsh words cudd (concealment, secrecy) and cuddio (to hide, conceal), and the Cornish words kudh (concealed, hidden, secret) and kudha (to conceal, hide). See the Celtiadur post Mysterious Secrets for more details.

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

Rewarding Gifts

6th October 2023 By Simon

Words for prize and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*uɸo-kʷrinati = reward (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fochraic [ˈfoxriɡʲ] = reward, recompense terḟochraic, terfhochraic = buying, payment, reward crenaid = to buy, sell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fochraic, fochricc = reward, recompense, payment, fee, hire, rent, compensation fochrach = a hireling, mercenary fochricnet = a little reward terḟochraic, terochraic, turfhochraic = reward, recompense, price, payment, present or payment made by a bridegroom to a bride or her relations
Irish (Gaeilge)	fochraig = reward, stipend, fee
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwobr, gwobyr = reward, prize gwobr-wŷr = rewarder, giver or taker of bribes, briber gober, gobruy, gobrwy, gobyr = reward, payment, fee,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwobr/gwobrwy [ˈɡwɔbr] =reward, prize, desert, recompense, benefit, gift, tip, fee, hire, bribe gwobrwy = fee, fine gwobraf, gwobri, gwobru, gwobro = to reward, recompense, compensate, bribe, corrupt gwobrwr = rewarder, giver or taker of bribes, briber gwobrwyad = a rewarding, remuneration, bribery gwobrwyaf, gwobrwyo = to award a prize, reward, recompense, acknowledge gobr/gobrwy = reward, payment, fee, wages, recompense, gift, merit, desert, bribe
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gober, gobar, gobyr = recompense, reward, fee, wagews, stipend, hire goberna = to hire
Cornish (Kernewek)	gober = earnings, income, pay, remuneration, reward, salary, wage gober dilavur/diweythieth = unemployment benefit gober ispoyntel = minimum wage gober kleves = sick pay gober omdednans = pension gobra = to remunerate, reward gobrena = to rent gobrener, gorenores = tenant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gopr, gobr = wage, salary gopra = to bet, wager gopraer, gopraër = mercenary, tenant, lodger gopraff, gôbret = to put on payroll, give a salary, remunerate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gopr = salary, wages, pay, fee gopra = to bet, wager, pay, hire goprad = salary gopradenn = recompense goprañ = to put on payroll, give a salary, remunerate

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic from *uɸo (under) and *kʷrināti (to buy) [source]. Some words for to buy in Celtic languages come from the Proto-Celtic root *kʷrināti (to buy)

Proto-Celtic	dānus / dānus = gift
Gaulish	Danomaros = personal name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dán [daːn] = art, gift, poem, skill
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dán = gift, bestowal, endowment, present, skill, poem, song, verse, rhyme
Irish (Gaeilge)	dán [d̪ˠɑ̃ːn̪ˠ/d̪ˠaːn̪ˠ] = gift, offering, craft, calling, art, faculty, art of poetry, poem, lot, fate dánaigh = to give, bestow dánlann = art gallery
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dàn [daːn] = poem, song, work, effort dàn-mòr = epic poem dàn-molaidh = eulogy dàn-liriceach = lyric dàn-fhacal = epigram dànach = poetic, metric dànachd = poetry
Manx (Gaelg)	daan = poem daan mooar = epic daan moyllee = hymn
Proto-Brythonic	*dọn = gift, blessing
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	daun, davn, dawn = gift, talent dawnget, dawnged = gift, benefit, favour dawngoeth, down-goeth = finely gifted or endowed dawnha = to endow with a gift or benefit, to bless donnwy, donyer, donya = to endow, bless, give, present donyauc, donyawc, doniog = gifted, endowed, talented
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dawn [dau̯n] = faculty, intellectual gift, talent, genius, humour, wit, grace, benefit, blessing, favour, reward, present, donation dawnaf, dawno = to fare, get on dawnaidd = gifted, endowed with or showing ability dawnedigaeth = gift, a giving or conferring, endowment, grace dawnged = gift, benefit, favour dawngoeth = finely gifted or endowed dawnhaf, dawnhau = to endow with a gift or benefit, to bless doniaf, donio = to endow, bless, give, present doniog = gifted, endowed, talented, bountiful, liberal, fortunate, advantageous doniol = gifted, talented, endowed, eloquent
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	donaison, donaeson, donaezon = gift, talent, donation donaesonaff = to donate donaesonner, donaesoner = donor
Breton (Brezhoneg)	donezon = gift, talent, donation donezoner = donor donezoniñ = to donate, present, reward, gratify

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *déh₃nom (gift), from *deh₃- (to give) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include date, donate, dose and vend in English, don (gift, talent, knack) in French, dom (talent) in Portuguese, and don (gift, present, talent, knack) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dúas = reward, gift
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	dúas, dúáis, duais = gift, reward (esp. a recompense give to poets) dúasach = reward- or gift-bestowing, munificent, gift-bestower, rewarder dúasad = act of benefiting, rewarding frithdúas = a counter-reward, the payment made to the receiter
Irish (Gaeilge)	duais = gift, reward, prize, stake, prize, prize-winning duaisbhanna = prize-bond duaiseach = bountiful, generous duaiseoir = prizewinner
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	duais [duəʃ] = prize, bonus, reward, purse (in sports) duais-bhrathaidh = bribe (reward for betrayal) duais-roinn = dividend duais-earrainn = dividend duais-airgid = (monetary) prize duais-barrachd = premium duaiseachadh [duəʃəxəɣ] = awarding, gratifying, gratification duaismhor duəʃ(v)ər] = liberal, bountiful

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *deh₃- (to give) [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Impeccable Peccadillos

29th September 2023 By Simon

Words for sin, fault, crime and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kariyā = mistake, sin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	caire [ˈkarʲe] = crime, fault, sin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	caire, cair, coire = crime, fault, sin cairech = criminal, guilty, sinful cairigid = rebukes, accuses, blames cairthech = criminal, guilty
Irish (Gaeilge)	coir [kɛɾʲ/kɪɾʲ] = crime, offence; fault, transgression coireach = offender, transgressor; wicked, sinful, guilty coireacht = wickedness, guiltiness coiriú = censure coireolaí = criminologist coiritheoir = accuser, incriminator
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coire [kɔrʲə] = blame, fault, offence, wrong coireach [kɤrʲəx] = culprit; guilty, to blame, faulty, responsible coireachd [kɔrʲəxg] = culpability
Proto-Brythonic	*kareð [kaˈrɛːð] = mistake, sin
Old Welsh	cared = transgression, sin, crime
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cared, karet = transgression, sin, crime karedus = sinful, evil
Welsh (Cymraeg)	caredd [ˈkarɛð] = transgression, sin, crime, lust, love careddus = sinful, evil careddwr = accuser, evil-doer
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cara = to correct, chastise
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	carez, garé = blame, reprimand carez = to blame, accuse
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karez = blame, incrimination kareziñ = to blame, accuse

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kh₂er- (blame, abuse). Words from the same PIE root include cārinō (I revile, blame, insult) in Latin, корить [kɐˈrʲitʲ] (to reproach, upbraid) in Russian, and коря [koˈrʲɤ̟] (to accuse, blame) in Bulgarian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	peccad = sin pecthaigid = to sin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	pec(c)ad = sin pecthach = sinful, committing sin, sinner pecthaigid, pec(c)aigid = sins. commits sin
Irish (Gaeilge)	peaca [ˈpʲakə/ˈpʲaku] = sin peacadh = offender, transgressor; wicked, sinful, guilty peacach = sinner, sinful peacaigh = to sin peacúil = sinful peacúlacht = sinfulness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	peaca [pɛxgə] = sin peacadh, peacachadh [pɛxgəxəɣ] = sinning, sin, transgressing peacail [pɛxgal] = sinful peacach [pɛxgəx] = sinner
Manx (Gaelg)	peccah = human being, sinner, sin, wickedness peccagh = human, person, transgressor, sinner peccoil = erring, sinful, unregenerate
Proto-Brythonic	pexọd [peˈxɔːd] = sin pexadʉr = sinner *pexad [peˈxɔːd] = to sin, offend
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pechawt = sin pechadur = sinner pechu =to sin, offend
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pechod [ˈpɛχɔd/ˈpeːχɔd] = sin pechadur [pɛˈχadɨ̞r/pɛˈχaːdɪr] = sinner, offender pechu [ˈpɛχɨ/ˈpeːχi] =to sin, offend
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pech, pêch, pechad, pechas = sin, offence, transgression pecha, peché = to sin, transgress, offend pechadur, pechadures = sinner, transgressor
Cornish (Kernewek)	pegh = guilt, sin pegha = to sin, offend peghador, peghadores = sinner peghes = sin peghus = sinful
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pechet = blame pechiff =to sin, offend pechezr = sinner
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pec’hed = sin pec’hiñ = to sin, offend pec’her = sinner

Etymology: from Latin peccātum (sin), from peccō (I sin, offend), from Proto-Italic *petkāō (I sin), from Proto-Indo-European verbal root *ped- (“to walk, fall, stumble”) [source].

Words from the same roots include peccadillo, impeccable, foot, pedal, pedestrian, and pew in English, pécher (to sin) in French, pecar (to sin) in Spanish [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Down Under

14th September 202314th September 2023 By Simon

Words for down, below, under and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸīssu = under
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ís = below sís = down, downwards, northwards anís = below, from below tís = below
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ís = below, under sís, sis = down, downwards, northwards, below, onwards, throughout, onwards sísana, siosina, sisana = here below, below anís, = (from) below, beneath tís = below, in the north
Irish (Gaeilge)	síos [ʃiːsˠ] = down (away from the speaker), to lower place or station, hanging down, drooping, trailing, to the north, to a lesser centre or remote district, following síos suas = upside down, topsyturvy aníos = up (from below), from the north thíos = down, in a lower place, in the north, below, farther on in a book, written down, entered (in a ledger, etc), on the fire thíosluaite = undermentioned thíos-sínithe = undersigned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìos [ʃiəs] = down (away from the speaker), downwards, below shìos [hiəs] = down, below a-nìos [əˈn̪ʲiəs] = up, upwards (towards from the speaker) a-sìos [əˈʃiəs] = down, downwards sìos ‘nad inntinn = depressed a’ dol sìos = going down, experiencing a downturn, charging (in battle) cuir sìos = to put/lay/set down is mar sin sìos = and so on
Manx (Gaelg)	sheese = below, down, downward(s) brishey sheese = to analyse, analysis, break down, rend sheese lesh = down the hatch, down with soie sheese = to settle, sit down heese = beneath, down, downhill, hereafter, lower end, under, knock-down (prices) neese = from below up, upwards
Old Welsh	is = under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	is, iss = under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than iss-hau, isheir = to sink, sink down or lower issot, isod = under, underneath, below, beneath
Welsh (Cymraeg)	is = under, underneath, beneath, below, lower than; before; lower, inferior, poorer isâf, isáu = to come/go lower, to reduce in rank, lower the pride of, debase, degrade, humble, humiliate isafaf, isafu = to minimize, reduce, lower isafiad = (one’s) inferior isod = under, underneath, below, beneath, on earth, lower down, later, further
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	isa = lowest isot = downwards
Cornish (Kernewek)	a-is = below, lower
Old Breton	isel = low
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	is = lower, below
Breton (Brezhoneg)	is = lower, below isdouarel = underground

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European pedsú, from *pṓds (foot), from *ped- (to walk, step) [source]. Words from the same roots include íseal (low) in Irish, ìosal (low, humble) in Scottish Gaelic, isel (low) in Welsh and related words for low in other Celtic languages, Fuß (foot) in German and pie (foot) in Spanish [more details].

Proto-Celtic	uɸo/ufo- = under
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fo = beneath, through, throughout, towards, under fo bésad = after the manner of, like fo bíthin = because (of) fo chétóir = at once, immediately
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fo, fa, fá = under, underneath, into, through, about, around
Irish (Gaeilge)	faoi [fˠiː] = beneath, below, bearing, supporting, about, round, against faoi cheann = by, at, the end of faoi adhall = in heat faoi bhaile = at home, around faoi bhun = beneath
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fo [fɔ] = under, underneath, below, beneath, subordinate fo-dhearg = infrared fo-inntinn = subconscious fo-ros = undergrowth fo chleòca = under cover, in secret
Manx (Gaelg)	fo = below, beneath, under, sunken, dependent, underlaying, subsidiary, junior, assistant fo aggle = aghast, alarmed, awestricken fo arrey = under surveillance fo chiuney = beclamed fo druaight = charmed fo-heer-vooar = subcontinent
Old Welsh	guo, gu =under, rather, somewhat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwo, gwa, go = under, rather, somewhat goaruoel = rather bald, baldish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	go = under, rather, somewhat, slightly, partly, small, exceeding go agos = near, almost go dde = right, dexterous go lew = pretty fair, middling go is = beneath goarfoel = rather bald, baldish
Middle Cornish (CerneweC)	go = rather
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gou, gu, go, fo, uo = under
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwa-, gou- = under, sub-

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *upo (under, below). Words for high in Celtic languages come from the same root, as does sub(marine) in English, sumo (highest, greatest) in Spanish and summo (hightest, greatest, great) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tanā = (point in) time
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tan = when, time
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tan, tain = time, while, point of time, when, whenever, until, before
Irish (Gaeilge)	tan [tan] = time, occasion, once upon a time, once (an) tan = at the time that, when, whenever, since
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàn [taːn] =time, season an tàn = when, at the time
Proto-Brythonic	*tan =under
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dan, tan = under, below, beneath
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tan [tan] = until, under, while dan = under, below, beneath, underneath, on the inside, less than, until, while, because, since o dan = under tan lw = under oath dan yr awyr, tan awyr = under the sky, in the open air dan ddaear = underground dan din = sneaky, deceitful, stealthy, secret, illicit dan y don = under water dan draed = underfoot, in the way
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tan = under, beneath, below (yn) dan = under, beneath danva = a hiding place, concealment
Cornish (Kernewek)	yn-dann = below, beneath, under, underneath yn-dann alhwedh = under lockdown yn-dann dava = in touch yn-dann dhor = underground yn-dann dhowr = underwater yn-dann gel = in secret, secretly yn-dann hatt = confidential yn-dann with = care of (c/o)
Old Breton	tan, dan = under
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dan = bottom, back, under, underneath
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dan = basement, subsoil dindan = under, on, sub- dindan-douar = underground, secret dindan-vor = underwater

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tn̥néh₂ (a stretch), from *ten- (to stretch). Words from the same root include contain, tenant, tone and tune in English [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Take Note!

7th September 2023 By Simon

Words for note, mark and related things in Celtic languages.

note, mark, sign

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	not = contraction, mark, sign
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	not, nod = mark, sign, sign of contraction in writing, note, bear in mind nodmar = significant
Irish (Gaeilge)	nod [n̪ˠɔd̪ˠ/n̪ˠʌd̪ˠ] = scribal contraction, abbreviation, hint nodaire = professional scribe nodaireacht = notation, profession of scribe nóta = (musical) note, brief record, annotation, short letter nótáil = to note (down) nótáilte = notable nótaire = notary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nòd(h) = note nòta = (written) note nòtachadh = annotation nòtaire = notary dubh-not = crotchet, quarter note geal-not = minim, half note cruinn-not = semibreve, whole note bun-nòta = footnote nòta-deiridh = endnote
Manx (Gaelg)	notey = note noatey = banknote
Proto-Brythonic	*nod = mark, brand
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nod, not, nôd = target, goal, aim, etc nottwy, nodi, notto = to mark, brand, seal, note, record nodidog = excellent, splendid, notable
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nod [noːd] = target, goal, aim, fame, renown, notoriety, mark sign, symbol, note, banknote, verse (in Bible) nodach = short notes, jottings, odds and ends, trifles nodadwy = noteworthy, notable, remarkable nod(i)af, nodi(o) = to mark, brand, seal, note, record nod(i)edig = noted, marked, appointed, set, specified nodidog = excellent, splendid, notable nodyn [ˈnɔdɨ̞n/ˈnoːdɪn] = target, aim, mark, token, note atalnod = punctuation mark, comma collnod = apostrophe ’ cysylltnod = hyphen – dyfynnod = ‘quotation mark’ ebychnod = exclamation mark!, sign of aspiration (h) hirnod = cîrcûmflêx hynod = remarkable, notable
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nôd, nos = mark, token notye = to note, observe, denote
Cornish (Kernewek)	nos = mark, token nos devyn = quotation mark nos -junya = hyphen nosedhek = notable nosya = to notate nosyans = notation noten = note notenna = to notate (music) notennans = notation notennyans = annotation noter, notores = notary, solicitor notya = to note notyans = memo notyes, notys = notable
Old Breton	not = note
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	not = note, mention notabl, notapl = notable notadur = notation, (religious) censure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	notenn = note not = note notañ, notiñ = to note notapl = notable notadur = notation

Etymology: from Latin nota (mark, sign, note), which is of unknown origin. Words from the same Latin root include note in English, note (note, mark, grade, bill) in French, Note (note, grade, mark) in German, and nota (note, memo, mark) in Spanish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Ceilidh Companions

17th August 202310th May 2025 By Simon

Words for companion, friend, ceilidh and related things in Celtic languages.

Ceilidh at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in the Isle of Skye / Cèilidh aig Sabhal Mòr Ostaig san Eilean Sgitheanach

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kēlyos = companion, servant
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚓᚂᚔ (celi) = follower, devotee (genitive)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	céile [ˈkʲeːlʲe] = client, companion, husband, liege, servant, spouse, subject, vassal céilide [ˈkʲeːlʲiðʲe] = visit, visiting coicéile = companion, comrade, friend, friendship
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	céile, ceile, céli = servant, bondsman, vassal, subject, fellow, companion, husband céileachas = adultery céilide = visit, act of visiting coicéile, cocéle, coceli = vassal, bondsman, companion, fellow, friend coicéilsine, cocéilsine, cocélsine = fellowship, clientship
Irish (Gaeilge)	céile [ˈceːlʲə] = companion, spouse céileachas = companionship, cohabitation, copulation céilí = friend call, visit, social evening, Irish dancing session céilíoch = person fond of social visits, sociable person céilíocht = sociableness, companionableness céiliúil = companionable coigéile = mate, companion coigéilsine = fellowship, companionship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cèile [kʲeːlə] = fellow, partner, significant other, spouse, counterpart cèile-còmhraige = opponent, antagonist cèile-pòsta = married partner (husband or wife) cèileach [kʲeːləx] = entertaining cèileachadh [kʲeːləxəɣ] = participating/sharing in, twinning, partnering (of a city) cèiliche [kʲeːlɪçə] = visitor cèilidh [kʲeːlɪ] = ceilidh, visit, (act of) visiting cèilidheach [kʲeːlɪjəx] = companionable, fond of company, sociable
Manx (Gaelg)	keilley = match dy cheilley = joined, together e cheilley = fellow ry-cheilley = en masse, together, with each other kaylee = ceilidh
Proto-Brythonic	*kuɨlð = servant, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cilit, cilid, kilid, kilyd = servant, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cilydd [ˈkɪlɨ̞ð/ˈkiːlɪð] = fellow, companion, neighbour, enemy, other cilyddol = reciprocal, mutual at ei gilydd = together gyda’i gilydd = together ei gilydd = each other o bryd i’w gilydd = from time to time
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cele = companion, fellow, one of two
Cornish (Kernewek)	kila = companion
Old Breton	kiled = friend
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	kile = the other (one), friend
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kile = associate, stooge, colleague, sidekick

Etymology: possibly the Proto-Celtic word originally meant ‘wayfarer’, from Proto-Indo-European *ḱey- (to settle, to be lying down) [source].

The English word ceilidh [ˈkeɪli] (an informal social gathering where traditional Irish or Scottish folk music is played, with dancing and storytelling; a ceilidh dance; to dance a ceilidh) was borrowed from Scottish Gaelic and/or from Irish [source]. Someone who attends a ceilidh is apparently a ceilidher [source].

The Welsh equivalent of a ceilidh is a twmpath, which also meanings hillock, knoll, mound, pile, gathering or assembly. It’s also a known as a twmpath dawns (folk-dance, barn dance, public dance) or noson lawen (“merry/joyful evening”). In Cornish a ceilidh is a troyll, which also means spiral or swirl, and in Breton they are known as fest-noz (“night party / ”) [source].

Proto-Celtic	karants = friend karantodyos = friendly
Gaulish	Caranto-, Carantōna = personal names Carantodios = personal name*
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cara [ˈkarɘ] = friend, relation, relative, kinsman cairdes = friendship, alliance, pact cairdine = friendship, alliance caratad = friendship, alliance caraid = to love
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cara, carae [ˈkarə] = friend cairdide = friendly caratrad = friendship, alliance cairdech, cairdeac, cairdeach = friendly, having many friends cairdes, cardes, cairdius = friendship, alliance, covenant, pact, relationship, kinship cairdemail [ˈkɑːɾˠdʲuːlʲ] = friendly caraid, carad = to love caratrad, caratrid = friendship, alliane
Irish (Gaeilge)	cara [ˈkɑɾˠə / ˈkaɾˠə] = friend, relative anamchara = spiritual adviser, confidant, kindred spirit, soulmate cairdeach [ˈkɑːrdʲəx] = generous, friendly cairdeas = friendship cairdine = friendship, pact, truce cairdiúil [ˈkɑːɾˠdʲuːlʲ] = friendly cairdiúlacht = friendliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caraid [karɪdʲ] = friend, relation, kinsman, Quaker càirde [kaːr̪dʲə] = friendship, entente càirdeas [kaːr̪dʲəs] = kinship, friendship, friendliness càirdeach [kaːr̪dʲəx] = kin, related, friendly
Manx (Gaelg)	carrey = friend, well-wisher caardys, caarjys = friendship, kin(ship), pedigree, blood relationship, allied to caarjoil = amiable, friendly, friendliness caarjysagh = friendly caarjysaght = friendliness
Proto-Brythonic	*kar [kar] = friend, relative
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kar, kereint, kerenhit, car, karant = kinsman, relative, cousin, friend, companion, dear one keredic, keradwy, karatwy = loveable, amiable, dear, beloved caru, karu, kary = to love, woo, court carannawc = dear, beloved kerenhit, kerennyd, carennydd = kindred, kinship, relationship, descent, affinity, friendship, love
Welsh (Cymraeg)	câr [kaːr] = kinsman, relative, cousin, friend, companion, dear one carad = loved caradwy, ceradwy = loveable, amiable, dear, beloved caru = to love, woo, court carennydd = kindred, kinship, relationship, descent, affinity, friendship, love
Old Cornish	car = friend, ally, a dear neighbour, kinsman, cousin
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	car, câr, = friend, ally, a dear neighbour, kinsman, cousin, father caradow = beloved, loving, dear care = to love carense, cerense = love, friendship
Cornish (Kernewek)	kar = parent, relation, relative kara = to care for, like, love kardewder = loving-kindness karadow = beloved, fond, loveable, loving karder = loveliness, splender karer = boyfriend, lover kares = girlfriend, relation, relative, mistress (lover)
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	car = agreeable, dear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	car = friend, relative carantez = love caret = to love, cherish, desire
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kar [ˈkɑːr] = relative, friend karadegezh = kindness karadek [kaˈrɑːdek] = kind, nice, amiable karantegezh = affection, love karantek [kaˈrãntek] = affectionate, pleasant karantez [kaˈrãn.tɛs] = love karedig [kaˈreːdik] = lover, loving karout [ ˈkɑː.rut] = to love, cherish, desire karet [ˈkɑː.ret] = favourite, beloved

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *karāti (to love, desire), from *karos (dear, beloved), from Proto-Indo-European *kh₂-ró-s, from *keh₂- (to desire) &‎ *-rós (adjectival suffix) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include charity, cheer, and cherish in English, caro (dear, precious, expensive) in Italian, cher (dear(ly), expensive) in French, caro (dear, expensive) in Spanish, kär (in love, enamored, dear, beloved) in Swedish, and kær (dear, adorable, cute) in Danish [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	comhar [kõːɾˠ] = combined work, mutual assistance, co-operation, partnership
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coimheart [kɔ̃jəRʃd] = companion
Manx (Gaelg)	commeeys = communion, connection, league, mess, participation, partnership, relations (between people)
Proto-Brythonic	*kumpar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kymar = peer, fellow, spouse, partner, companion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cymar [ˈkəmar] = equal, peer, companion, mate, fellow, spouse, consort cymar bywyd = life partner cymhares = female partner, wife, mate, companion, equal cymharus = well matched, well paired, corresponding, matching, appropriate, fitting cymheiriaeth = a coupling together, partnership
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cespar = spouse, married person, mate
Cornish (Kernewek)	kespar / kespares = partner kesplegadow = compatible

Etymology (Brythonic words): from Latin compār (fellow, partner, equal [person], spouse), from con- (used to indicate being or bringing together), from cum (with), and pār (even, equal, like; companion, comrade, mate, spouse) [source]. The Goidelic words may come from different roots.

Words from the same roots include compare, pair, par (equal value) and peer in English, paar (pair, couple, some) in Dutch, and péire (pair) in Irish [source].

Proto-Brythonic	ko-u̯ekt- = companion, comrade, friend (?) ko-u̯ektii̯ŏ- = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	coueidid = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kyueith, kyweith = companion, comrade, friend kiueithad = society, company, partnership kyweithaed = gathering, company kyweythas, kyweithas, keuey[th]as = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship kweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious kyweithit, ky()eithyd, kyweithyd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cywaith = companion, comrade, friend; association, harmony cyweithad = society, company, partnership cyweithäed = gathering, company cyweithas = soceity, company, fellowship, companionship, alliance, commerce; sociable, gentle, kindly cyweithasu = to associate, civilze, treat with courtesy cyweithasgar = sociable, gentle, kind(ly), gracious cyweith(i)asol = social, kind, gentle courteous cyweithydd = company, band or gathering of companions, troop, host, retinue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	coweth, cowyth = companion, fellow, mate, comrade cowethas = company, society cowethe = company, sociery cowethes = female companion, help-mate cowetheyans = communion, fellowship cowethys = acquainted
Cornish (Kernewek)	koweth / kowethes = companion, comrade, friend, mate, peer kowethas = association, society kowethasek = social kowethegeth = friendship kowethek = friendly kowethus = gregarious kowethyades, kowethyas = colleague kowethyadow = socialable kowethyans = company, organisation

Etymology: from Proto-Brythonic *ko- (together, equal, similar) u̯ekt- (to move, go) [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

Blindness

3rd August 20233rd August 2023 By Simon

Words for blind, one-eyed and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*dallos = blind
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dall = blind
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dall, dáll, = blind, dark, gloomy, daillín = blind man dalla(id) = to blind, deprive of sight, darken, obscure dallóc = a little blind animal, mole, leech
Irish (Gaeilge)	dall [d̪ˠaul̪ˠ/d̪ˠɑːl̪ˠ/d̪ˠɑl̪ˠ] = blind person, dull, uninformed person, dimness, gloom, obscurity, to blind, dazzle, daze, stupefy dallacán = purblind person, dim-witted person, fool, mask dallacántacht = purblindness, dim-wittedness dallachar = dazzle dalladh = blinding, dazzlement, plenty, lashings dallaigeanta = dull-witted dallamlán = stupid fool, dolt
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dall [daul̪ˠ] = blind, obscure, blind person dallaran = blind person dalladh [dal̪ˠəɣ] = blinding, misleading dall-bhrat = blindfold dallanach = dark, gloomy, inebriated dallta = blinded, deceived, mislead
Manx (Gaelg)	doal = blind, sightless, unseeing dallaghey = to befog, blind, daze, dazzle, glare doallaghey, doalley, doallee = blind, blinding
Proto-Brythonic	*dall [ˈdal͈] = blind
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dall, dâll = blind, unseeing, dark, random dallaf = to blind, dazzle, deceive, darken dallineb, dallinep = blindness, folly, recklessness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dall [da(ː)ɬ] = blind, unseeing, dark, random, purblind, ignorant, rash, thoughtless, mistaken, blind person dallaf, dallu = to blind, dazzle, deceive, darken dallaidd = blindness, purblind dallan = blind person dalledig = blinded, darkened dallineb = blindness, folly, recklessness
Old Cornish	dal = blind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dall = blind dalla = to (make) blind
Cornish (Kernewek)	dall = blind dalla = to blind dallhe = to blind, dazzle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dall, dal = blind, blunt, blinkered dallaff, dallañ, dalliñ = to gouge out sb’s eyes, to blind, to fill a hole, to blunt, crumble dallente, dallentez, dallezh = blindness dallet = blinded
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dall [ˈdalː] = blind, blunt, blinkered, dead end dallentez, dallezh = blindness

Etymology: from PIE *dʰwl̥no-, from *dʰwolno (to dim, make obscure) [source].

Words from the same roots include dull and dwell in English, toll (great, nice, wonderful) in German, dol (crazy, silly, mad, mindless, irate) in Dutch, and dulls (crazy, mad) in Latvian.

Proto-Celtic	kaikos/kayko- = one-eyed, blind
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cáech [kaːi̯x] = blind in one eye, empty cáechaid = to blind cáechán = one-eyed person, blind creature
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cáech = blind in one eye, empty cáechaid = to blind cáechán = one-eyed person, dimsighted creature cáiche = state of being one-eyed, blind in one eye cáichén = an ignorant person
Irish (Gaeilge)	caoch [keːx/kiːx] = blind, purblind person / creature, empty, closed up; to blind, daze, dazzle, close, become blocked, wink caochadh = to wink, close caochadóir = purblind creature caochaíl = purblindness, blockage caochán = purblind creature, mole caochóg = purblind person, cubby-hole
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	caoch [kɯːx] = empty, hollow, blind (creature) caochag = empty / hollow object, dummy caochadh [kɯːxəɣ] = blinking, shutting one eye, winking, peeping, ogling bealach-caoch = cul-de-sac
Manx (Gaelg)	kyagh = weak-eyed kyaght = blindness kyragh = blind bollagh kyagh = cul-de-sac
Proto-Brythonic	*koɨg = vain, empty, one-eyed, blind (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coeg, coec, koeg = vain, empty, false, deceitful; blind, one-eyed koegi to deride, mock, deteriorate; become blind koec ddall, koegddall = purblind, half-blind, shortsighted, one-eyed, squinting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coeg [koːɨ̯ɡ/kɔi̯ɡ] = vain, empty, false, deceitful, mean, evil, good-for-nothing, arrogant, scornful, sarcastic; blind, one-eyed, squinting coegaf, coegi = to deride, mock, lampoon, use sarcasm; to be(come) worthless, deteriorate; to become blind, have defective eyesight, darken coegaidd = vain, empty, haughty, conceited, saucy coegathrawgar = pedantic coegathro = pedant coegbeth = worthless thing, triviality, trifle, bauble coegddall = purblind, half-blind, shortsighted, one-eyed, squinting
Old Cornish	cuic = one-eyed, blind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cuic = blind in one eye
Cornish (Kernewek)	koog = vain, worthless, barren, infertile

Etymology: from PIE *kéh₂ikos (one-eyed, blind) [source].

Words from the same roots include caecus (blind) and caecum (uncertainity, obscurity) in Latin, cécité (blindness) in French, ciego (blind, blind person, very drunk, caecum) in Spanish, and caecum (a part of the intestine) in English [source].

Incidentally, purblind means partially blind, dim-sighted, dim-witted, unintelligent, and used to mean blind or having one eye [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Beaks and Snouts

22nd July 202325th May 2024 By Simon

Words for beak, snout and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*gobbos = muzzle, snout, beak
Gaulish	*gobbos [ˈɡob.bos] = mouth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gop = beak, snout, muzzle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gop, guib, guip = muzzle, snout, beak, point/head of a spear, thin-mouthed, sharp-pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	gob [ɡɔbˠ/ɡɞbˠ/ɡʌbˠ] = beak, bill, tip, point, projection gobach = beaked, long-billed, sharp (expression), pointed, lipped (jug) gobachán = sharp-featured person, beak-nosed person, sharp-tongued person, inquisitive/interfering person, chatterer, gossip gobadh = protrusion, shooting, springing, sprouting gobaí = bird with a long beak, person with pointed features gobaireacht = picking, pecking, chattering, chatter, gossip gobán = (small) tip, point, gag, dummy goblach = beakful, mouthful, morsel, lump, chunk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gob [gob] = beak, bill, gob, pointed/sharp end, corner, spit (of land), point (of a fishing hook) gobachadh = pecking, rising (wind), poking through gobad [gobag] = talkative female, little bill, cabin hook goban = small mouth, small beak gobaire = chatterbox, chattterer, tell-tale gobach [gobəx] = beaked, snouty, cheeky, chatty
Manx (Gaelg)	gob = apex, headland, hook, jet, jut, nose(piece), point, prominence, promontory, beak, nib, spout, mouth, muzzle, bow (of ship) gobbagh = beaked, billed, nibbed, prominent, salient gob-rollian = talkative person

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵebʰ- (jaw, mouth). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include gober (to swallow hole) and gobelet (goblet, cup, beaker) in French, and gob (a slang word for mouth) and goblet in English, [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bekkos = beak, snout
Gaulish	*bekkos = beak, snout
Proto-Brythonic	*bek = beak, snout
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	becq, beeg, bêg, beg = mouth, beak, snout, point, cape, summit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	beg = beak, mouth, point, mouthpiece, embouchure beg-douar = point beg-hir = dolphin

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

Words from the same roots, via the Gaulish *bekkos and the Latin beccus (beak, bill), include bec (beak, bill, mouth) in French, beco (beak, mouthpiece, burner) in Italian, bico (beak, bill, snout, rostrum) in Portuguese, pico (beak, sharp point, pickaxe, peak, spout) in Portuguese, bek (beak, snout, mouth) in Dutch, and beak in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	gulbā, gulbīnos = beak, bill
Gaulish	*gulbiā = beak, bill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gulban, gulpan = bird’s beak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gulba = beak, mouth, jaw gulban = beak, sting gulbanda = beaked, piercing gulbnech = beaked, sharp-beaked gulbnén = small beak gulbnide = biting gulbniugad nibbing, biting
Irish (Gaeilge)	gulba = beak, bill, tip, point, projection guilbneach = (sharp-)beaked, curlew guilbnéan = little beak guilbnigh = to peck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gulb [gul̪ˠub] = beak, nose gulban [gul̪ˠuban] = beak, nose guilbneach [gulubnəx] = curlew
Proto-Brythonic	*gulbino- = beak, snout
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gilb = sharp point, beak, bill, snout
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gelef, gylyf = sharp point, beak, bill, snout gilbin, gyluin, gylfin = bird’s beak, snout gylfinir, gelvinir, gylfinhir = curlew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gylf, glyfyf = sharp point, sharp-pointed instrument, knife, bird’s beak, bird’s bill, snout, nose, grimace gylfin = bird’s beak, bill, snout, sharp-pointed nose, mouth, lip gylfinaid = beakful, mouthful gylfinir = curlew gylfinog = beaked, rostrated, wild daffodil, narcissus
Old Cornish	geluin = beak, bill
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinac, gylvinac = curlew
Cornish (Kernewek)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinek = curlew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwlib, glawlib = curlew, whimbrel (?)

Etymology: probably of non-Proto-Indo-European origin. Words from the same root, via Gaulish *gulbiā and the Latin gulbia (piercer, chisel), gulbia (gouge) in Galician, gubia (gouge) in Spanish, gorbia (ferrule) in Italian, and gouge in English and French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Thirty

13th July 2023 By Simon

Words for thirty and related things in Celtic languages.

thirty

Proto-Celtic	*trīkontes = thirty
Gaulish	tricontis = thirty
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trícha [ˈtʲrʲiːxo] = thirty tríchatmad = thirtieth tríchtaige = thirty day period
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trícha, triúcha, tricha, triocha, tricho = thirty tríchatmad, trichatmad, trichadmadh = thirtieth tríchtaige, trichtaigi = period of 30 days/years, etc tríchtach, tríteach = thirty-fold, consisting of 30 trícha cét = a military force, political or terrirtorial unit; of force of fighting men, cantred, barony (lit. ‘300’)
Irish (Gaeilge)	tríocha = thirty tríochadú = thirtieth na tríochaidí = the thirties tríocha céad = large territorial division, barony
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trichead [triçəd] = thirty tritheadamh (30ᵐʰ) = thirtieth (30ᵗʰ) na tritheadan = the thirties
Manx (Gaelg)	treead = thirty
Proto-Brythonic	*trigont = thirty
Old Breton	tricont, trigont = thirty
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tregont = thirty tregontad = about thirty tregontet, tregontvedenn, tregontvet = thirtieth tregontkementiñ, tregontvedenniñ = to multiply by thirty tregontvloaziad = a period of 30 years
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tregont [ˈtreːɡɔ̃n(t)] = thirty tregontved = thirtieth tregontvedenn = thirtieth part tragontad = around thirty

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tridḱómt (thirty) from *tri- (three) and *déḱm̥ (ten) [source].

Words from the same roots include thirty in English, tridhjetë (thirty) in Albanian, երեսուն [jɛɾɛˈsun] (thirty) in Armenian, trenta (thirty) in Italian and trente (thirty) in French, and words for thirty in other Indo-European languages [source].

Thirty is also trideg (three-ten) in Welsh in the decimal version of the numbers. For other words for thirty, see the post about words for ten, as thirty is 10 on 20 in the vigesimal system.

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

Short Cuts

26th May 202326th May 2023 By Simon

Words for short, cut and related things in Celtic languages:

Proto-Celtic	*birros = short
Old Irish (Goídelc)	berr [bʲer͈] = short berraid = to shear, clip, shave, cut, shear, tonsure
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	berr, bearr = short berrad = to cut, clip, shave, cut, tonsure
Irish (Gaeilge)	bearr [bʲɑːɾˠ/bʲaːɾˠ] = to clip, cut, trim, cut (hair), shave, fleece (sb) bearradh = cutting bearrthóir = trimmer, shearer bearrthóireacht = trimming, cutting speech
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beàrr = short, brief (archaic) beàrr [bjaːr̪ˠ] = to cut, shave, crop, shear, pare, prune, clip, poll, dehorn
Manx (Gaelg)	baarey = to bare, clip, cut, dress, poll, prune, shave, trimmed baareyder = barber, cutter, shaver, clipper baarys = tonsure
Gaulish	*birros = a coarse kind of thick woollen cloth; a woollen cap or hood worn over the shoulders or head<
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨrr [ˈbɨr͈] = short
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	birr, byrr = short, small, brief bŷr-brŷd = a short meal of meat uyrder, byrder = shortness, brevity
Welsh (Cymraeg)	byr [bɨ̞r/bɪr] = short, small, brief, concise, condensed, abrupt, curt, stingy, sparing, deficient, faulty byrbryd = light meal, lunch, snack byrbwyll = rash, reckless, thoughtless byrder = shortness, brevity, smallness, conciseness, scarity, deficiency byrdra = shortness, brevity, smallness, curtness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ber = short, diminutive, brief beranal = asthma, shortness of breath
Cornish (Kernewek)	berr [bɛɹ] = short, brief berrhe = to abbreviate, shorten berrheans = abrreviation berrskrifa = to summarise berrwelyek = short-sighted
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	berr, ber, bèr = short, brief berr-ha-berr = very short, shortly briefly berraat = to shorten, abbreivate, reduce berradenn = shortening berradur = abbreviation
Breton (Brezhoneg)	berr = short, brief berr-ha-berr = very short, shortly briefly berradenn = shortening berradur = abbreviation

Etymology: unknown

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Latin and Gaulish, include beret in English, béret (beret) in French, berret (cap) in Gascon, biretta (a square cap worm by Roman Catholic priests) in English and Italian, berretto (beanie, cap) in Italian, barrete (biretta, cap) in Portuguese, birrete (biretta) in French, and βίρρος [ˈβir.ros] (a type of cloak or mantle) in Ancient Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	gerros = short gari- = short
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gerr, gearr = short, a short time, castrated gerraid = to cut, mutilate, shorten, carve garait [ˈɡarədʲ] = short
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gerr [ɡʲer͈] = short gairaid = to cut short, cut off, mutilate garit, garait, gairit = short (time/distance/length)
Irish (Gaeilge)	gearr [ɟɑːɾˠ/ɟaːɾˠ] = short; to cut, shorten, reduce gearrachán = cutting remark gearradh = cutting, cut, levy, rate, speed gearrán = gelding, pack-horse, small horse, nag, strong-boned woman gearróg = short bit, scrap, short drill or furrow, short stocky girl, short answer gearrthóg = cutting, snippet, trimmings, cutlet gearrthóir = cutter, chisel gairid [ˈɡaɾʲədʲ] = short, near, close
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geàrr [gʲaːr̪ˠ] = short, thick-set, squat, dumpy, brief, concise, succinct, scanty; to cut, carve, sever, dock goirid [gɤrʲɪdʲ] = short, brief, brusque giorraich [gʲir̪ɪç] = abbreviate, abrige, shorten, curtail giorrachadh [gʲir̪ˠəxəɣ] = abbreviation, abridgement, summary
Manx (Gaelg)	giare = abbreviated, abridged, abrupt, brief, brusque, compact, concise, curt, short, summary giarey = to abbreviate, abridge, axe, carve castrate, clip, cut girraghey = to abbreviate, abridge, contract, shorten

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰer- (short). Words from the same PIE root include ह्रस्व [ˈɦɾɐs̪.ʋɐ] (short, small, dwarfish, little, low; a dwarf) in Sanskrit, and ह्रस्व [ɦɾəs̪.ʋᵊ] (a short vowel) in Hindi, and possibly girl in English [source].

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

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