Bones

22nd November 20188th September 2022 By Simon

Words for bones and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*knāmis = bone
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cnáim [knaːṽʲ] = bone
Irish (Gaeilge)	cnámh [knɑːvʲ / knaːvʲ] = bone; strip (in ploughing); submerged reef
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cnàimh [krɛ̃ːv] = bone; unploughed area
Manx (Gaelg)	craue [kreːw] = bone, whine, wild garlic, crow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	knaw [knau̯] = bone, skull
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cnaw [knau̯] = bone, skull

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kónh₂m (leg) [source]. Words from the same root include ham in English and κνήμη [ˈknimi] (shin, tibia) in Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	astū = bone astn(iy)o- = rib *astkornu = bone
Old Irish (Goídelc)	asna, esna = rib
Irish (Gaeilge)	easna [ˈɑsˠn̪ˠə] = rib, strake, timber easnach = costal, ribbed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	asna [asn̪ˠə] = rib aisean [aʃən] = rib
Manx (Gaelg)	asney [kreːw] = fin, nerve, rib, timber
Proto-Brythonic	*assī = rib
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eis / asseu / assen = rib
Welsh (Cymraeg)	asen = rib, breast, bosom; bar, spar, lath ais [ai̯s] = ribs, laths asennog = ribbed asgwrn = bone; mortal remains, corpse, skeleton; stone (of fruit)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	asow, asen = rib ascorn = bone asgornec = bony
Cornish (Kernewek)	asowen = rib askorn [‘askɔrn / ‘æskɐrn] = bone askornek = skinny
Breton (Brezhoneg)	askorn [ˈla.ɡat] = bone askornek = bony

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₃ésth₁ (bone) [source]. Words from the same root include ossify (to transform into bone) and ossuary (a container/building for holding bones) in English, asht (bone) in Albanian, os (bone) in Latin and its descendents in Romance languages, such as os (bone) in Catalan, French and Romanian, and hueso (bone) 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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Hearing, fame & renown

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for hearing, fame renown and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*klowos = hearing, fame, renown
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clú [kluː] = fame
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clú, clúu, clū = good repute, reputation, fame, good name, rumour, sound clúach = famous, famed, renowned, celebrated clúitech = famous, renowned clúmar = famous, renowned clúugud = act of singing the praises of, glorifying
Irish (Gaeilge)	clú [klˠuː] = reputation, honour, renown clúiteach = of good repute, honoured, renowned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cliù [kluː] = reputation, repute, fame, renown, prestige; credit; glory, praise cliùteach [kluːhdʲəx] = celebrated, famous, renowned, commendable, laudable cliùteachadh [kluːdʲəxəɣ] = celebrating, praising, lauding cliùteachd [kluːhdʲəxg] = celebrity, fame, renown cliùtich [kluːhdʲɪç] = celebrate, praise, laud cliùmhor [kluː(v)ər] = famous, renowned, prestigious
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clywet, clywit, keleuuet = to hear, listen, feel, smell, taste, hearing, earshot, report
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clyw [ˈklɨu̯ / ˈklɪu̯] = hearing, earshot clywaf, clywed = to hear, listen, feel, smell, taste, hearing, earshot, report
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	clevet = the hearing clewas, clowas = to hear, perceive, feel, smell clowans = the hearing, an echo
Cornish (Kernewek)	klew [klɛˑʊ] = hearing klewansek = aesthetic klewell = hearing aid klewes = to feel, hear, perceive, sense, smell klewwelyek = audio-visual
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cleuet, claeuet, cleufuet = hearing
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klev [klew/klef] = hearing klevedenn = hearsay kleved = hearing, hearsay klevigezh = to hear, feel klevijer = acoustic klevout = to hear

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱléwos (fame), from *ḱlew- (to hear) [source]. Words from the same roots include clement, client, listen and loud in English,
luid (loud, sound, assertion) in Dutch, sláva (fame, glory) in Czech, and hljóður (quiet, silent) in Icelandic [source].

Some words for Ears in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Proto-Celtic	*klutom = rumour, fame, reputation
Celtiberian	*kolouton = fame (?)
Gaulish	*kl(o)uton = fame (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cloth [kluː] = fame, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cloth, clóth = report, rumour, tidings, fame, reputation, generosity
Irish (Gaeilge)	cloth [klˠuː] = report, rumour, fame, renown clothach = renowned clothaigh = to praise extol (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	clòth† [klˠɔː] = victory, fame, praise, wind
Proto-Brythonic	*klod = praise, fame (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clod, clot, klod = praise, fame, renown, reputation, honour, credit, famous, renowned clod ueith, clotueith = renowned, celebrated, famed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clod [ˈklɨu̯ / ˈklɪu̯] = hearing, earshot clodach = vain praise, flattery clodadwy = laudable, commendable, praiseworthy clodaf, clodi = to fill with praise, to praise clodebus = eulogistic, commendatory clodfolaf, clodfoli = to praise, eulogize, laud, extol
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	clos = glory, happiness, praise
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	clot = fame, glory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	clot = fame, glory
Breton (Brezhoneg)	klod [kloːt] = fame, glory diglod = without glory

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlutós (famous) *ḱlew- (to hear) [source] – see above.

Manx words for fame include ard-ennym (eminence, fame, renown, title), ard-ghoo (fame, illustriousness, renown), and goo (voice, word, utterance, reputation, fame). Goo is cognate with guth (voice) in Irish and Scottish Gaelic.

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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Ears

20th November 201823rd September 2024 By Simon

Words for ears, hares and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kloustā = ear, hearing
Old Irish (Goídelc)	clúas [kluːa̯s] = ear, hearing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	clúas, cluas = (sense of) hearing, ear clúasach, clūasach = pleasing to the ear, having (big) ears or handles, big-eared
Irish (Gaeilge)	cluas [klˠuəsˠ] = ear; ear-shaped object; lug, handle; cleat; tab; corner, margin cluasach = having ears, long-eared cluasachán = long-eared person or animal cluasaí = listener, eavesdropper cluasaíocht = eavesdropping, whispering, listening, talking in a furtive manner cluasán = earphone, headphone cluasánach = listless, inattentive person cluasántacht = listlessness, inattention
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cluas [kl̪ˠuəs] = ear, lug, handle cluasach [kl̪ˠuəsəx] = pertaining to ears, aural, having (a) handle(s) cluasachan [kl̪ˠuəsəxan] = pillow cluasag [kl̪ˠuəsag] = pillow, bolster cluasagach [kl̪ˠuəsagəx] = pertaining to or abounding in pillows cluasaire [kl̪ˠuəsɪrʲə] = (person with) bigs ears cluasan [kl̪ˠuəsan] = earphone, headset
Manx (Gaelg)	cleaysh [kleːʃ] = ear, cleat, handle, lug, top corner of net, corner of sail cleayshagh = aural, (large-)eared, lugged cleayshtynagh = audible, listener
Proto-Brythonic	*klʉst = ear
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	clust = ear, hearing, handle clustueinyd, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustiog, klustioc = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustot, clustog, clustoc = cushion, pillow, bolster
Welsh (Cymraeg)	clust [klɨːst / klɪst] = ear, sense of hearing, attention, willingness to listen; handle of a vessel, tag of a boot, top part of a bell; creek or inlet; auricle (of the heart) clustfeinio = to listen closely or attentively, prick up the ears, eavesdrop clustfeiniol = listening attentively or intently clustfeiniwr, clustfeinydd = attentive or eager listener, eavesdropper clustffon, clustffôn = earphone, headphone clustiog = (large-/long-) eared, having a handle, pertaining to the ear clustog = cushion, pillow, bolster clustogi = to cushion, pillow, bolster up, upholster

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱlow-steh₂, from *ḱlew- (to hear) [source]. Words from the same roots include clement, client, listen and loud in English, quaj (to call, name, value, declare) in Albanian, luid (loud, sound, assertion) in Dutch, sláva (fame, glory) in Czech, and hljóður (quiet, silent) in Icelandic [source].

Words for Hearing, Fame and Renown in Celtic languages also come from the same PIE roots.

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgiarnag, sgibearnag = hare
Proto-Brythonic	skuβarn = ear skuβarnọg = hare
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	esgyuarn, ysgyuarn, yscyfarn, yskyuarn = ear ysgyuarnauc, yscyfarnawc, y scyuarnaỽc, ysgyuarnawc, yscyfarnoc = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgyfar(n) = ear (y)sgyfarnog, sgwarnog = hare ysgyfarnogaidd = harelike, leporine
Old Cornish	scouarn = ear scouarnoc = hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scovarn, scouarn, scovern, scovorn, scoforn = ear scovarnog, scowarnak, scowarnog = hare
Cornish (Kernewek)	skovarn [‘skɔvarn / ‘skɔvɐrn] = ear, handle skovarnek = hare
Old Breton	scobarn = ear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scouarn = ear scouarnec = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skouarn [skwarn] = ear, gills, handle skouarnad [ˈskwar.nat] = a slap (on the ear) skouarnañ = to garnish with an ear or handle skouarnata [skwarˈnatːa] = to slap, to rub or pull ears skouarneg [ˈskwar.nɛk] = hare skouarnek [ˈskwar.nɛk] = having large or long ears, long-eared, having handles

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewh₁- (to observe, perceive) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cautious, caveat and show in English, schouwen (to inspect, examine) in Dutch, schauen (to look, watch, view) in German, and cauto (prudent, cautious, sly) in Italian [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	giorria [ˈɟɪɾˠiə/ˈɟaɾˠiə] = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geàrr [gʲaːr̪ˠ] = hare gearrach [gʲar̪ˠəx] = hare giorrasach [gʲir̪ˠəsəx] = hare geàrr-fhiadh = hare gearrag [gʲar̪ˠag] = leveret, young hare

Etymology: from Old Irish gerr (short) and fíad (deer, wild animal(s)) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	míl maige = hare
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	míl maige = hare
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	maigheach [mɤjəx] = hare
Manx (Gaelg)	mwaagh = hare cha follan as mwaagh = brimful of health (“as healthy as a hare”)

Etymology: from Old Irish míl (animal) and mag (plain, field) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kasnī = hare
Old Irish (Goídelc)	Cainnech = personal name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ceinach = hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceinach [ˈkei̯naχ] = hare (archaic – originally meant “(the) grey/white one”) ceinachgi = harrier, hare-hound

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱeh₂s- (hare). Words from the same PIE root include hare in English, haas (hare) in Dutch, Hase (hare) in German, and hase (female rabbit, hare) in French [source].

Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gad = hare
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gat = hare
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gad [ɡɑːt] = hare

Etymology: unknown [source].

Heads & Brains

19th November 201826th September 2024 By Simon

Words for heads, brains, minds and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kʷennom = head en-kʷennio- = brain
Gaulish	pennon, πεννο, πεννοου = head
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚒᚅᚐ-ᚉᚓᚅᚅᚔ (cuna-cenni) = dog’s head
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cenn [kʲen͈] = head, end, leader inchinn = brain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cenn, cend = head, roof, end, chief, leader cenna (adj.) = chief, principal cennacht, ceannacht = headship, supremacy, leadership cennas, cendus = headship, leadership, superiority, precedence cennide = headgear, headdress, helmet cennmar, cennmhar = big-headed cennphort = capital, chief, leader cenntromm, ceanntrom = heavy-handed inchinn, inchind = brain(s), mind, intelligence, intention
Irish (Gaeilge)	ceann [caun̪ˠ / cɑːn̪ˠ / can̪ˠ] = head; end, extremity; one; chief, main ceannas = headship, sovereignty, authority, command, forwardnewss, self-assertiveness ceannasach = ruling, sovereign, commanding, masterful, forward, self-assertive, bold, assured, dominant (chord) ceannasaí = commander, controller ceanntrom = bullying, oppression, top-heavy, sluggish, drowsy inchinn [ˈɪɲçən̠ʲ] = brain
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ceann [kʲaun̪ˠ] = head, end, close, finish, lid, roof, subject, topic, leader ceann-suidhe = president ceannadair [kʲan̪ˠədɪrʲ] = leader ceannara [kʲan̪ˠər̪ˠə] = resolute, strong-headed ceannard [kʲãũn̪ˠər̪ˠd] = chief, leader, head, boss, president, headland ceannardach [kʲãũn̪ˠər̪ˠdəx] = chiefly, commanding, imperious ceannas [kʲan̪ˠəs] = presidency, rule, superiority, dominance eachainn [ɛnɛxɪn̪ʲ] = brain, brains
Manx (Gaelg)	kione [caun / coːn / coᵈn] = head, headland, chief, ringleader, bottom, poll, end, extreme, close, finish, top-end, top, point of argument, termination, closing, extremity, point, dyke, tribune kionard = chief kionnoort = chief(tain), captain, governor, ruler, prince, deputy, constable kioneys = dominance, domination, command, hegemony
Proto-Brythonic	*penn [ˈpenː] = head
Cumbric	pen = head
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	penn, pen = head, chief pennadur = ruler, chief(tain), lord, nobleman, aristocrat, prince, king, sovereign pennaethu = to act as a chief, to rule pennaytheid = chieflike, princely penryn, penrin, pennrynn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula talcen, talken = forehead, brow
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pen [pɛn] = head, obverse (of coin); top, summit, roof, highest point; extremity, end, beginning; headland, promontory, projecting point of rock; pole penadur = ruler, chief(tain), lord, nobleman, aristocrat, prince, king, sovereign penaethu = to act as a chief, to rule penr(h)yn = cape, promontory, headland, point, peninsula talcen = forehead, brow ymennydd [əˈmɛnɨ̞ð / əˈmɛnɪð] = brain, brains, intellectual capacity, mind
Old Cornish	penn = head
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pen = an extremity, end, conclusion, head, chief, beginning, the upper part, summit pencanguer = centurion (“head of 100 men”) pendevig, pensevic, pedhzhivig = prince, chief, nobleman pendruppia = to nod, shake the head penryn = promontory, cape, head-land
Cornish (Kernewek)	penn, pedn [pɛn:] = end, head, summit, top, main, premier, top pennek = big-headed pennen = buddle-head pennseviges = princess pennsevik = chief, noble, prince pennskol = university ympynnyon brain
Old Breton	penn = head, chief
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	penn, pen = head, chief pennec = big-headed, stubborn, obstinate
Breton (Brezhoneg)	penn [pɛnː] = head, chief, leader pennad [ˈpɛ.nːat] = piece, end, moment, chapter, article pennadur = authority pennan = main, dominant pennañ = to form a head, to stand up to pennek [ˈpɛnːɛk] = big-headed, stubborn, obstinate penntir [ˈpɛntiʁ] = promontory empenn = brain

Etymology: unknown. The words for brain all mean “in (the) head” [source]. The tal in Welsh talcen comes from tâl (end, extremity, top, side, edge, front), from Proto-Celtic *talu (front, forehead) – see the post about Foreheads, while the cen retains the c [k] from Proto-Celtic.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	in(n)tinn [ˈin͈ʲtʲin͈ʲ] = head, end
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	in(n)tinn = mind, view, disposition, attention, intention, will, purpose, high spirits, courage dall-inntinn = dullness, stupidity, dull, stupid, heavy
Irish (Gaeilge)	intinn [ˈiːn̠ʲtʲən̠ʲ] = mind, mental state, disposition, attention, spirits, intention, accord intinneach = willing, intent(ional), strong-willed, spirited, in high spirits
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	inntinn [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲ] = (human) mind; intellect, intelligence; intention, purpose inntinneach [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲəx] = interesting, high-minded, high-spirited, jolly, merry inntinneachd [ĩːn̪ʲdʲɪn̪ʲəxg] = high-mindedness inntinneil = mental
Manx (Gaelg)	inchyn, inçhyn = brain, grey matter, intellect, spirit inchynagh = brainy, cerebral, intelligent, mental, witted inchynaght = intellect, intelligence ard-inchynys = brilliance co-inchynys = telepathy far-inchynaght = artificial intelligence

Etymology: from the Latin intentiō (strain, tension, increase, exertion, charge, purpose, intention), from intendō (to stretch out, strain, turn one’s attention to, focus (on), aim, direct), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ten- (to stretch, extend) [source]. Words from the same roots include tend, tent, tense, tenure and intention in English, entendre (to hear, mean) in French, tener (to have, possess, hold) in Spanish [source].

Legs & Feet

17th November 20181st October 2024 By Simon

Words for legs, feet and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*koxsā = foot, leg
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cos(s) [kos] = foot, leg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cos, cas = foot, leg, stem, support, handle, shaft, infantry cosach = pertaining to feet or legs, long-legged
Irish (Gaeilge)	cos [kɔsˠ] = leg, foot; handle, shaft, stem; lower end cosán = path, footway, track, way, passage, direction cosarálaí = trampler, clumsyfooted person coiscéim = footstep coisí = pedestrian
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cas [kas] = foot, trotter; leg; handle, shaft shank (of a fishing hook casach [kasəx] = (many-)footed, legged, abounding in feet casachan [kasəxan] = pedal, treadle cos [kɔs] = foot, leg, handle, shaft
Manx (Gaelg)	cass [kaːs] = leg, barrel, foot, shaft, peg, bottom, outlet, mouth of river, stalk, hilt, stem of a pipe, crop of a whip cassagh = footed, pedal, spiral, objective kass = foot
Proto-Brythonic	*koɨs = leg, shank, stem
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coes = leg, shank koescyn = leg, shank, stalk, stem
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coes [koːɨ̯s / kɔi̯s / koːs] = leg, shank; handle, haft, stem, stalk coes = little leg coesgyn = leg, shank, stalk, stem coesi(o) = to run away, leg it, walk, stride
Cornish (Kernewek)	koos = leg

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *koḱs- (joint) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include cushion in English, Hachse (hock, shank, knuckle, leg) in German, coxa (thigh, drumstick) in Portuguese, and cuisse (thigh) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tregess = foot
Gaulish	treide = foot
Old Irish (Goídelc)	traig [traɣʲ] = foot (part of body / measurement), step
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	traig = foot, step
Irish (Gaeilge)	troigh [t̪ˠɾˠɪɟ / t̪ˠɾˠɔ / t̪ˠɾˠiː] = foot (part of body / measurement), step troitheach = foot-soldier, pedestrian troitheán = pedal, treadle troithíocht = sound of footsteps
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	troigh [trɔç] = foot (part of body / measurement), sole of foot troighean = pedal
Manx (Gaelg)	trie [strɛin] = foot, sole, twelve inches
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	troed, troet = foot troeduet, troetued, troydvedd = foot (measurement) troedaỽc, troedauc, troediog, troedyavc, troydawc = having a foot, footed, walking, ambulant, nimble-footed, sure-footed
Welsh (Cymraeg)	troed [troːɨ̯d / trɔi̯d] = foot, shaft, handle, bottom, base, pedestal, foundation, extremity, end, stalk, foot-joint troed-droed, troetroed = step by step, in step (with) troedfa = pavement, foundation, base troedfedd = foot (measurement) troedfys = toe troedffordd = footpath, footway troediad = step, pace, walk, gait, kick troed(i)o = to tread, step, walk, tample (on), plod, trudge troed(i)og = having a foot, footed, walking, ambulant, nimble-footed, sure-footed
Old Cornish	truit = foot
Middle Cornish	trois, tros, trôs = foot troishys = foot (length)
Cornish (Kernewek)	troos [tro:z / tru:z] = foot, on foot troos-hys, troos-hes = foot (length)
Old Breton	treit, treyt = foot
Middle Breton	troat = foot troatet = foot (length)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	troad [trwɑːt] = foot, handle troadeg = with big feet, infantryman, pedestrian troadek [ˈtrwɑː.dɛk] = having big feet, having a foot troadikell [trwa.ˈdikː.ɛl] = pedal troadikellañ [trwa.di.ˈkɛlː.ã] = to pedal troadikeller [trwa.di.ˈkɛlː.ɛr] = pedalboard. pedaler troatad [ˈtrwatː.at] = foot (length)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tregʰ- (to run, walk), apparently a variant of *dʰregʰ- (to run, drag, pull) [source]. Words from the same roots include drag, draw, train and treaty, and droichead (bridge) in Irish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*garros = shank, leg, calf
Gaulish	*garra = leg
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gairr = calf of the leg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gairr, gair = calf of the leg
Proto-Brythonic	*garr = shank, calf of the leg
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	garr, gar = leg, shank, thigh, ham, hough
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gar [ɡar] = leg, shank, thigh, ham, hough gar(r)an = leg, shank, shaft, axle garanu = to fix a shank or handle, to fit with a shaft or axle, to crane
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gar = shank, leg
Cornish (Kernewek)	garr [ɡarː/ɡɒr] = leg, stem garren = calf, stalk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	gar, garr = leg, paw
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gar [ɡɑːr] = leg, paw garegenn = leg (of trousers) gargen = leg warmer gallek [ˈɡa.rːɛk] = (having) long legs

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰs-r- (hand), from *ǵʰes- (hand, to take, give in exchange) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include garra (shank, claw, talon) in Catalan, jarret (hough, hock) in French, garter (a band worn around the leg to hold up a sock or stocking) in English, and garra (claw, talon, paw, hook, passion, dedication) in Spanish [source].

Words from the same Proto-Info-European roots include dorë (hand) in Albanian, paže (arm) in Czech, and host (the consecrated bread of the Eucharist) in English [source].

Sacks, bags & stomachs

15th November 201820th September 2024 By Simon

Words for sack, bag, stomach in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bolgos = sack, bag, stomach
Gaulish	*bolgā = sack, bag, stomach
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bolc = belly, stomach; bag, satchel; bellows
Irish (Gaeilge)	bolg [ˈbˠɔlˠəɡ] = belly, stomach, abdomen; bag; bulge, broad part, middle; bellows bolgach = big-bellied, bulging bolgadán = corpulent person or animal bolgán = bubble, bulb, air-bladder (of fish), puff-ball, windbag (of person) bolgchaint = ventriloquism
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bolg [bɔl̪ˠɔg] = blister, bulge, (light) bulb bolgach = abounding in bags/blisters, bellied, bulging, jutting, knobby bolgadh = billowing, puffing up/out, ballooning, swelling bolgan = (plant) bulb, lightbulb
Manx (Gaelg)	bolg [bolɡ] = stomach, abdomen, belly, tummy, corporation, bilge, bowl (of lamp) bolgagh = abdominal, bellied, billowy, blisterm bulging, puffy bolgan = bladder, blister, sac, vesicle, bubble
Proto-Brythonic	*bolɣ = sack, bag, stomach
Old Welsh	bolg = belly, stomach
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bol, boly = belly, stomach
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bol [bɔl] = belly, paunch, abdomen, stomach, bowels; tripe; appetite, desire, gluttony, liking; womb; swelling, bulge, surface, side bolio = to gorge, belly, swell, bulge, swagger boliog = (big-)bellied, corpulent, swollen, bulging, pregnant
Cornish (Kernewek)	bolgh [bɔlx] = breach, gap, opening bolghen = boll, capsule
Middle Breton	bolc’h = flax pod
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bolc’h = flax pod

Etymology
From Proto-Indo-European *bʰólǵʰ-os (skin bag, bolster), from *bʰelǵʰ- (to swell) [source]. English words from the same PIE root include bellows, belly, and bolster, via Old English and Proto-Germanic, billow via Old Norse and Proto-Germanic, foolish and folly via Old French and Latin [source], and bulge, budge and budget via Old French, Latin and Gaulish [source].

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

Lips, Mouths & Throats

8th November 201829th November 2018 By Simon

Words for lip, mouth & throat in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*wewlos = lip
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bél [bʲeːl] = lip, mouth, opening
Irish (Gaeilge)	béal [bʲia̯l̪ˠ / bʲeːlˠ] = mouth, opening, entrance, lip, edge, sound, front, face, beginning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beul [bial̪ˠ] = mouth, beginning, opening, edge, gunwale, oral
Manx (Gaelg)	beeal [ˈbiəl] = mouth, muzzle, rictus, flue, outlet, orifice, cone, crater, rim, approach, passage
Proto-Brythonic	*gweβl = lip
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwefl = lip (of an animal), jaws, chaps
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwevel = lip
Breton (Brezhoneg)	guefl = lip

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Dictionnaire Favereau

Proto-Celtic	*moniklo- = neck
Old Irish (Goídelc)	muinél = neck, narrow part
Irish (Gaeilge)	muineál [ˈmˠɪnɑːl] = neck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	muineal [mun̪ʲəl̪ˠ] = neck
Manx (Gaelg)	mwannal [ˈmonal] = neck
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mwnwgl = neck

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru

Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwddf [ɡʊðv / ˈɡuːðu] = neck, crag; throat gwddw [ˈɡʊðʊ / ˈɡuːðu] = neck, crag; throat gwddwg [ˈɡuːðu / ˈɡuːðuɡ] = neck, crag; throat
Old Breton	guodoc = throat, neck
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouzoug = throat, neck

Sources: Wiktionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Dictionnaire Favereau

Welsh (Cymraeg)	ceg [keːɡ] = throat, gullet, windpipe, neck; mouth, opening, entrance; roup, pip; thrush

Sources: Wiktionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru

Heavy

24th October 20188th October 2023 By Simon

Words for heavy and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*trummos = heavy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trom = heavy, burden, distress, elder, weight trummae = heaviness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	trom = heavy, great, vast, powerful, mighty, weight, burden, bulk, severity, distress, difficulty, sorrow, blame, censure trummae, truime = heaviness, weight, severity, rigour, sorrow, grief
Irish (Gaeilge)	trom [t̪ˠɾˠuːmˠ] = weight, burden, oppression, bulk, preponderance, importance, blame, heavy, stodgy, dense, thick, abundant tromábhal = massive troime = heaviness, weightiness tromaí = weighty, onerous, grave, serious, heavy-handed tromaigh = to become heavier, make heavier, add weight to, intensify, deepen, press upon tromán = weight tromas = oppression, distress
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	trom [trɔum] = heavy; weighty, ponderous; pregnant; deep, profound; oppressive (mood); mournful, melancholic; burden, weight tromach = heavy / clunky one tromadach = bulky, large, substantial, massive, ample, weighty, lumpish tromaich = make/become heavy, burden, load, oppress troman = great weight
Manx (Gaelg)	trome [t̪roːm] = heavy, difficult, grave, substantial, weighty, deep, sweated, emphatic, hard, gruelling, harsh tromey = heavy, grievous trommey = heavy
Proto-Brythonic	*trumm = heavy
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trum, trỼm, trom, trwm = heavy, solid, bulky, large
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trwm [trʊm] = heavy, solid, bulky, large, thick, intense, severe, hard, excessive; extensive, plentiful; boring, abstruse; close, muggy, oppressive trwmgalon, trymgalon = heavy-hearted, sad, sorrowful, downhearted, troubled, sadness trymhau = to make/become heavier pendrwm = downcast, downhearty, sorrowful, dejected
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	trom = heavy, weighty, sad
Old Breton	trum = heavy (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	trum, trumm = quickly, fast, soon, sudden
Breton (Brezhoneg)	trumm = sudden

The Breton words might not be cognate with the words in the other languages.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *trewd (thrust, press) [source].

Words from the same roots include intrude, protrude, threat and thrust in English, troid (fight) in Irish, trod (quarrelling, wrangling, scolding) in Scottish Gaelic and troddan (campaign, fight, quarrel) in Manx [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	pís = name of a weight, pennyweight
Proto-Brythonic	*puɨs = heavy
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pvys, pwys = weight pwysedic = weighed, pressed, weighty, heavy pvysuaur, pwys-fawr = heavy, important, momentous, serious pwyssic = important, weighty, momentous
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pwys [puːɨ̯s/pʊi̯s] = weight, pressure, impetus, burden, pound (lb) pwysaf, pwyso = to weigh, be heavy, press, emphasize pwysedig = weighed, pressed, weighty, heavy pwysedd = pressure pwysfawr = heavy, important, momentous, serious pwysig = important, weighty, momentous, cautious
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	poys, pôs, poes, poays, boys = weighty, heavy, grevious poesder, pysder = weight
Cornish (Kernewek)	poos = heavy, emphasis, importance, pressure, weight, muggy poosa = to weigh posek = important poster = heaviness
Old Breton	pois, puisou = heavy, important, strong
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pouez = weight, authority, heavy peosaff, poesa = to weigh poesant = heavy poesus = heavy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pouez [ˈpweːs] = weight, rhythm, importance pouezañ [ˈpweːzã] = to weigh, insist pouezadenn [pweˈzɑːdɛn] = weighing, pressure pouezant = heavy pouezer [ˈpweːzɛr] = weighing pouezus [ˈpweːzys] = important

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Vulgar Latin *pēsum, from pēnsum (allotment, portion, weight) [source]. Words from the same roots include poids (weight) in French, and peso (weight) in Italian and Spanish [source].

Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ponnher, ponner, pouner = heavy, important, strong
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pounner [pu.nɛʁ] = heavy, exaggerated, strong, serious pounneraat = to gain weight pounnerder = gravity pounnerglev = hard of hearing

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: unknown

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, 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

Thick

23rd October 201813th July 2025 By Simon

Words for thick and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tegus = thick
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tiug [tʲiu̯ɣ] = thick, dense tiget = thickness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tiug = thick, dense, solid, density, press, crowd tiugaigid = to thicken
Irish (Gaeilge)	tiú = thick, dense tiubh [tʲuː / tʲʊ(w)] = thick, dense, closely set; fast tiubhaigh = to thicken, conventrate tiúchan = concentration
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tiugh [tʲu] = thick; stout, portly, buxom; fat, viscous (paint); frequent strong>tiughachadh [tʲu.əxəɣ] = (act of) thickening, squeezing strong>tiughad(as) [tʲu.əd(əs)] = thickness strong>tiughaich [tʲu.ɪç] = thicken, squeeze strong>tiughalach [tʲu.əl̪ˠəx] = dregs
Manx (Gaelg)	chiu = stout, thick, heavy, blubber, thick-set ( hedge), strong (solution), whipped (cream), intense; foggy, turbid cheeid = thickness, density, grossness chiughey = to become heavy, to clot, to concentrate, to congeal, to thicken
Proto-Brythonic	*teɣ = thick
Old Welsh	teu = thick
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tew, teỽ, tev = thick, strong, sturdy, deep teỽder, tewder thickness, depth, density, fatness tewet, tewhet, teỽet = thickness, depth, fat tewhau, tevhau = to make or become fat, to fatten, to thicken, to congeal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tew [teːu̯ / tɛu̯] = thick; made of thick cloth; strong, sturdy, powerful; deep tewder thickness, depth, density, fatness, corpulence, obesity, hardness (of hearing) tewed = thickness, depth, fat tewhad = fattening, thickening, coagulation, condensation tewhau = to make or become fat, to fatten, to thicken, to congeal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tew = thick, gross, fat, foggy tewder = thickness, grossness, fatness tewraga = to thicken
Cornish (Kernewek)	tew [tɛˑʊ] = fat, bulky, dense, thick, chubby tewder = bulk, consistency, density, thickness tewhe = to thicken, fatten
Middle Breton	teu, teo = thick, fat, big teuhat = to thicken, grow teuder, teoder = thickness, size
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tev [ˈtew] = thick, fat, big, obese, opaque tevaat {teˈvɑːt] = to thicken, grow tevded [ˈtew.det] = thickness, size tevder [ˈtew.dɛr] = thickness, size tevdur = thickening, enlargment, coagulation

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *tégus (thick), from *teg- (to cover) [source]. Words from the same roots include thick, protect, thatch, thug and tile in English, dik (thick, fat, cool, nice) in Dutch, dick (thick, fat) in German, tjock (thick, fat) in Swedish, tykky (thick snow or rime on trees) in Finnish, and deahkki (muscle) in Northern Sami [source].

Proto-Celtic	*remros = fat, thick
Old Irish (Goídelc)	remor [ˈr͈ʲeβ̃or] = fat, stout, thick
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	remor, reamur, remar = stout, thick, bulky, corpulent remraigid = to thicken, fatten, make stout
Irish (Gaeilge)	ramhar [ɾˠauɾˠ / ˈɾˠãuəɾˠ] = fat, thick ramharaigh = to fatten, thicken, batter, stupefy ramharú = fattening, coagulation, fulling, dulling stupefying, beating
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reamhar [r̪ˠãũ.ər] = fat, plump, meaty, fleshy reamhrachd [r̪ˠɛ͂ũrəxg] = fatness, state of being overweight ro-reamhar = obese
Manx (Gaelg)	roauyr = fat, thick, stout, gross, bulky, plump, overweight roauyragh = fattening, fatness, fat person roauyraghey = to fatten, to thicken, to gain weight, fattening, thickening roauyrey = fat
Proto-Brythonic	*rreβ̃ = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ref = thick, stout, great, large
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhef = thick, stout, great, large, bundle rhefder = thickness, stoutness, girth

Etymology: unknown [source].

Full

23rd October 201818th May 2024 By Simon

Words for full and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸlānos = full
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lán [l͈aːn] = full láine = fullness línad = filling
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lán, lan = full, filled (with), whole, complete
Irish (Gaeilge)	lán [l̪ˠɑːnˠ / l̪ˠæːnˠ] = full, pride, arrogance lánaigh = to fill out, give volume to, mould lánán = charge, filling iomlán = all, the whole, total, aggregate, full, whole, complete
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làn [l̪ˠaːn] = full, replete; complete; filled, sat(iat)ed, satisfied; fullness; high tide; complement, fill lànach[l̪ˠaːnəx] = filling, fruitful lànachadh [l̪ˠaːnəxəɣ] = fulness, plentitude, prime lànmhòr [̪ˠaːn(v)ər] = full, complete, plentiful làntachd [[l̪ˠaːn̪ˠdəxg] = plethora iomlan [imil̪ˠan] = full, complete, whole, entire
Manx (Gaelg)	lane [lɛdn] = full, replete, crowded, swelling, fully, total, gravid, lot, unexpurgated (edition), much, loaded, plenary, sound, full-blooded, at full strength laneid = fullness, repletion, satiety lhieeney = to fill (in/out), load, flow lhieent = completed, filled, full, fullfilled, stuffed
Proto-Brythonic	*lọn [ˈlɔːn] = full
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llawn, llaunt = full llewny, llaỽna, lleỽni, llewni = to full llawnder = abundance, plenty, fullness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawn [ɬau̯n] = full; covered, saturated; filled to capacity; teeming with, abounding in; charged with emotion llawnaeth = fullness, plentitude, plenty, abundance llawnaf, llewni, llawnu = to full, satiate, be filled llawnder = abundance, plenty, fullness llawnedig = filled
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	leun, luen, lên = full, replete, complete
Cornish (Kernewek)	leun [lø:n / le:n] = full, complete, thorough, total leun a dus = crowded leun a styr = meaningful leunder = fill, fullness leunhe = to fill
Old Breton	lon = full
Middle Breton	leun = full leunhat = to fill leunyaff = to fill, complete leunidigaez, leunydigaez = fullness, filling, supply
Breton (Brezhoneg)	leun [ˈlœ̃ːn] = full, covered leunaat = to fill leunded = fullnes leunder = entirety leuniadur = to fill, complete leuniañ [ˈlœ̃njã] = to fill, complete leunidigezh = filling

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *pl̥h₁nós (full), from *pleh₁- (to fill) [source]. Words from the same roots include complete, fill, full, plain and plenty in English, voll (full, filled, drunk) in German, lleno (full) in Spanish, plein (full, plenty, solid) in French [source].

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Cornish (Kernewek)

Bones

Hearing, fame & renown

Ears

Heads & Brains

Legs & Feet

Sacks, bags & stomachs

Lips, Mouths & Throats

Heavy

Thick

Full