Swearing Oaths

13th August 202514th August 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barrels, Tuns & Casks

16th July 2025 By Simon

Words for barrel and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bairille = barrel
Irish (Gaeilge)	bairille [ˈbˠaɾʲəlʲə] = barrel
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	baraill [barɪl̪ʲ] = barrel, cask barailte [barɪldʲ] = barrel, cask
Manx (Gaelg)	barrel, barril = barrel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	baryl, baril, balir = barrel(ful), cask(ful), butt, belly barileit, barrileid = barrelful, caskful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	baril, barel = barrel(ful), cask(ful), butt, belly barilo, barelu = to barrel, cask, resemble a barrel, drink a barrelful barilaid, barelaid = barrelful, caskful barilaidd = barrel-like, barrel-shaped barilan, barilen = small barrel or cask, keg barilwr, barilydd = cooper, tippler
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	balliar = a hogshead, tun, barrel
Cornish (Kernewek)	balyer = barrel
Middle Breton	barill, baril = barrel bariillat = contents of a barrel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	barilh [ˈbɑː.rilj / ˈbɑː.riʎ] = barrel barilhad = contents of a barrel

Etymology: from Middle English barrel(l) (barrel), Anglo-Norman baril (small barrel), or Old French bar(e)il (barrel), which is of uncertain origin [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tunna = barrel, cask
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tunna, tonna = tun, cask, barrel tunnaid = to store in casks
Irish (Gaeilge)	tonna = tun
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tunn [tũːn̪ˠ] = tun, barrel, put into a barrel, decant tonnadair [tɔn̪ˠədɪrʲ] = tunner, barrel funnel tunnadh [tun̪ˠəɣ] = (act of) tunning, barrelling, putting into a barrel, decanting
Manx (Gaelg)	tun = tun tunning = tun, tunning thunney = ton, tun
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	twn = tun tunnell, tynnell, tunel = tun, large cask, large barrel, vat tunellho, tunella = to tun, barrel, cask
Welsh (Cymraeg)	twn = tun tunnell = tun, large cask, large barrel, vat, ton(ne) tunnellu, tunellio = to tun, barrel, cask tunnelliad = a tunning, barrelling, casking
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tonnel = a cask
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tonell = tun, barrel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tonell = tun, barrel, belly tonellad = contents of a tun or barrel toneller = cooper tonellerezh = cooperage

Etymology: from Latin tunna (tun, box), probably from Gaulish *tondā, from Proto-Celtic *tondā (surface, skin) [source].

A tun in English is a large cask, an oblong vessel bulging in the middle, like a pipe or puncheon, and girt with hoops; a wine cask or fermenting vat. Related words include tonne (1000kg) in English, ton (tun, barrel, cask) in Dutch, Tonne (tun, barrel, drum) in German, and tonneau (ton, barrel) in French [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	casc = cask
Irish (Gaeilge)	casca = cask
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	casg [kasg] = cask
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	casc = cask
Welsh (Cymraeg)	casg(en) [kasɡ] = cask casgennu = to cask casgennaid = caskful, contents of a cask

Etymology: from English cask (tun, box), from Middle French casque (helmet, hard hat), from Spanish casco (surface, skin), from cascar (to split), from Latin quassō (to shake, quake, wave), from quatiō (I share or agitate), from Proto-Italic *kʷatjō (to shake) [source].

Wee Beasties

3rd July 20253rd July 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for flies, gnats, midges and other wee beasties in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kulis = fly
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuil [kulʲ] = fly, flea, gnat minchuil = midge
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuil, cúil = fly, flea, gnat cuilech, cuilig = flea-ridden cuileóc, cuileóg [ˈkulʲoːɡ] = fly
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuil = fly cuileog [kəˈlʲoːɡ / ˈkilʲoːɡ] = fly cuil Bhealtaine = may-fly cuil chrónáin = bluebottle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuil [kul] = fly (insect) cuileag [kulag] = fly (insect / for fishing) cuileagach [kulagəx] = pertaining to or abounding in flies cuileag-bheag, cuileag-mheanbh, cuileag-mhìn = Highland midge (culicoides impunctatus)
Manx (Gaelg)	quill = fly, gnat, midge quaillag = fly, housefly
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kylyon = flies kylyonyn = fly
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cylionyn, cylionen fly, housefly, bluebottle, wasp, gnat cylion [ˈkəljɔn] = flies, etc cylionwr = fly-catcher
Old Cornish	kelionen = fly
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	celionen = fly
Cornish (Kernewek)	kelyonen = fly kelyon = flies
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	keleon = flies
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quelyenenn, quelyenen = fly quelyen = flies quelyenec = (a place) abounding in flies
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kelien, kelion [ˈkɛ.ljɛn] = flies kelienenn = fly kelienek = (a place) abounding in flies

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *ḱuH-ló- (?), which is also the root of culex (gnat, midge, mosquito) in Latin, and cúlex (mosquito) in Catalan, and kulo (gnat) in Esperanto [source].

In Welsh chwiw(i)ad is small fly or midge, and a gnat or midge is propriad or titiad. Midge or gnat is gwibesen in Cornish, and c’hwibu or mouch in Breton.

For more words for insects, etc, see the Celtiadur post Animals.

Memorable Memories

27th June 202527th June 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for memory, to remember and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kom-men- = memory
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuimne = memory cuimnigidir = to remember, recall cuman = remembered, memorable
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuimne, cumhna, coimne = memory, remembrance, memorial cuimmech, cuimhneach, cuimneach = mindful, remembering, aware, remembered, memorable, famous cuman, cumhuin = remembered, memorable
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuimhne [ˈkiːnʲə / ˈkɨ̃vʲnʲə] = memory cuimhneach = recollective, reflective, thoughtful cuimhneachán = commemoration, memento, souvenir cuimhneamh [ˈkiːnʲəvˠ] = remembrance, recollection, thought, conception, plan cuimhnigh [ˈkivʲnʲə / ˈkiːnʲɪɟ] = to remember, consider, think, remind, conceive cuimhnitheach = memorial díchuimhne = forgetfulness díchuimhneach = forgetful
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuimhin [ku.in̪ʲ] = memory cuimhine [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲə] = memory, recollection, remembrance cuimhneach [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəx] = mindful cuimhneachadh [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) remembering, minding, remembrance, commemorating cuimhneachan [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxan] = memorial, keepsake, memento, souvenir, commemoration, reminder cuimhneachd [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxg] = mindfulness cuimhnich [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲɪç] = (to) remember, mind, commemorate dìochuimhnich [dʲĩə̃xənɪç] = (to) forget
Manx (Gaelg)	cooinaght = memory, mind, memorial, remembrance, reminiscence, commemoration cooinaghtyn = to remember, commemorate cooinaghan = memorandum cooinaghtane = keepsake, memento, reminder, souvenir
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cob, cov, cow, cof = memory, mind, sense, remembrance, record, recollection, memorial, regards, mindful cofiad remembrance, memory, record, memorial, mind, thought
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cof [koːv] = memory, mind, sense, remembrance, record, recollection, memorial, regards, mindful cofair = record, memorial, motto, mnemonic cofeb = memorial, petition, memorandum, souvenir, memoir cofgar = mindful, having a retentive memory cofiad remembrance, memory, record, memorial, mind, thought cofio = to remember, remind, mention anghofio = to forget
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cof, côf = remembrance, recollection, memory
Cornish (Kernewek)	kov [koːv] = memory, recollection kova = to remember kovadh = chronicle, record kovadha = to record kovnotya = to minute (a meeting) kovro = keepsake, memento, souvenir kovskrif = archive kovskrifa = to register
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	com, cam = memory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coff, couff, coun, coûn = memory, remembrance, recollection, mind couffhat, confat, coufat = to remember, recall, recollect
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koun [ˈkɛm.bɛr] = memory kounaat = to remember, recall, recollect kounadur = mention, reference, commemoration kounaer = memoirist kounerezh = = memory, the ability to remember

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kom- (with) and *men- (to think), from Proto-Indo-European *kom- (with) and *men- (to think, mind) [source]. Words from the same roots include monitor, money, mint, minion, monster and admonish in English, moneda (coin, currency) in Spanish, and μνήμη (mními – memory) in Greek [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mebair = memory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mebair, mebar, memur, memor, mebur = recollection, memory, remembered mebrach, meabhrach = remembering, mindful, intelligent, quick-witted mebraigid, memraigh, meabhraigh = to commit to memory, to learn, rehearse, recite, record devise ainmebair = forgetfulness coimmebair = commemoration
Irish (Gaeilge)	meabhair [mʲauɾʲ / mʲoːɾʲ] = mind, memory, consciousness, awareness, reason, sensation, feeling, sense, meaning meabhrach = mindful, reflective, thoughtful, intelligent, conscious, aware meabhrachán = memorial, record meabhraigh = to commit to memory, remember, meditate, reflect, perceive, sense meabhraíocht = consciousness, awareness, thought, intelligence meabhrán = memorandum meabhránaí = day-dreamer, registrar meabhrú = memorization, meditation, reflection, perception, feeling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meomhair [mjo.ɪrʲ] = memory, memorandum, (act of) thinking meòmhraich [mjɔːrɪç] = (to) ponder, think of something, consider, contemplate, deliberate meòmhrachadh [mjɔːrəxəɣ] = pondering, thinking, considering, contemplating, deliberating meòmhrachan [mjɔ̃ːrəxan] = memo(randum), note meòmhrachail [mjɔ̃ːrəxal] = comtemplative

Etymology: from Latin memoria (memory, remembrance), from memor (mindful, remembering), either from Proto-Indo-European *(s)mer- (to think, remember), or from Proto-Italic *memnos, from Proto-Indo-European *me-mn-os-, from *men- (to think, mind, spiritual activity) [source].

Particularly Special

5th June 202520th June 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for special, particular, different and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸarekʷennom = extremity, end
Old Irish (Goídelc)	airchenn = certain, definite
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	airchenn, airchend = certain, fixed, definite, prominent, leading, chaste, leader, chief
Irish (Gaeilge)	airchinneach = hereditary steward of church lands
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	airchinneach = erenagh (monastic role)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	arpennic, arbennyc, arbennig, arbennic = principal, chief, main, foremost, supreme, excellent, wonderful, splendid, sacred, solemn, serious, chief, prince, leader, head arbenhicrỽyd = specialness, particularity, peculiarity arbennigyaỽl, arbenygaul = lord, chieftain, sovereign arbennedic = generous, noble
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arbennig [arˈbɛnɪɡ] = principal, chief, main, foremost, supreme, excellent, wonderful, splendid, sacred, solemn, serious, special, particular, peculiar, distinctive, specific, characteristic arbenig(i)aeth = speciality, expertise arbenigo = to make special, specify, denote, specialize arbenig(i)ol = special, particular, specific, distinct arbenigrwydd = specialness, particularity, peculiarity arbenigwr, arbenigydd = specialist, expert, authority
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	arbennec, arbednec = usual, customary
Cornish (Kernewek)	arbennik, arbednik = distinctive, particular, special arbenigel = specialist arbeniger, arbenigores specialist arbenikter = specialism, speciality yn arbennik = especially
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	arbennik = soft, tender
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arbennik [ar.ˈbɛ.nːik] = special, specialized, expert arbennigour = specialist, expert arbennikaat = to specialize arbennikaat = specialization, expertise, specializing arbennikaet = specialized, competent arbennikadur = specialization, expertise, specializing

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic ɸare- (for(e)-) and *kʷennom (head) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots include arpent (acre, arpent – an old French unit of area or length) in French [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	ar leith, faoi leith [ɛɾʲˈl̠ʲɛh / fˠiːˈl̠ʲɛh] = apart, separate(ly), several, distinct, remarkable, special
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	air leth = particular(ly), separate(ly), discrete(ly), individual(ly), apart, exceptional(ly)
Manx (Gaelg)	er lheh = special, specific, certain, distinctive, aloof, separate

Etymology: from Old Irish leth (side), from Proto-Celtic *letos or from Proto-Celtic *ɸletos (breadth, side). Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots include lled (breadth, width, part, half) in Welsh, led (wide, large, broad) in Breton, and les (breadth, width) in Cornish [source]. See the Halves and Sides Celtiadur post for more details.

Irish (Gaeilge)	speisialta [ˈsˠpʲɛʃiəl̪ˠt̪ˠə] = special speisialtacht = speciality speisialtóir = specialist speisialtóireacht = specializing, specialization
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sbesial = special, especially good

Etymology: from Middle English special(e) (exceptional, extraordinary, particular), from Old French especial (special, powerful, mighty), from Latin speciālis (specific), from speci(ēs) (kind, type, seeing, spectacle, appearance, display), from speciō (to observe, watch, look at), from Proto-Italic *spekjō (to observe, see), from Proto-Indo-European *spéḱyeti (to be looking at) [source].

Proto-Celtic	sani = apart from sanis = different
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sainredach = characteristic, peculiar
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sainredach, sainredaig, sunnarthach = peculiar or belonging to, particular, special, set apart, specific, definite
Irish (Gaeilge)	sonrach = particular, specific sonraigh = particularize, specify, define; to perceive, distinguish sonraíoch = noticeable, remarkable, peculiar, extraordinary, abnormal,grotesque sonraíocht = specification sonrú = specification, notice, perception
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sònraichte [sɔːnrɪçdʲə] = specific, specified, stipulated, certain, special, defined, allocated, assigned, excellent, noted
Manx (Gaelg)	sonraghey = to specify
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	han = separation, divorce, different, other, (out) of, from
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hân = separation, divorce, different, other, (out) of, from
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hanys = from thee
Cornish (Kernewek)	ahanav = from me ahanas = from you (sg) ahanodho = from him ahanedhi = from her ahanan = from us ahanowgh = from you (pl) anedha = from them
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	han = outside of, other than, different from
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	han = outside of, other than, different from
Breton (Brezhoneg)	han = outside of, other than, different from

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *senH- (apart, without, for oneself). Words from the same roots possibly include sunder in English, zonder (without) in Dutch, sondern (to separate, sunder) in German, sönder (broken, out of order) in Swedish, senza (without) in Italian, sans (without) in French, sin (without) in Spanish [source].

Spring Fountains

21st May 2025 By Simon

Words for spring, fountain, well and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	topur, topar [ˈto.bər] = source, well, spring tipra = fountain, spring, well
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	topar, tobar, sopar = well, spring, baptismal font, source tipra, tiprait = fountain, spring, well, source
Irish (Gaeilge)	tobar [ˈt̪ˠɔbˠəɾˠ / ˈt̪ˠʌbˠəɾˠ] = well, fountain, spring, source
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tobar [tobər] = well, spring, source tobar na h-òige = the fountain of youth tobar-mhiann = wishing well tobar naomh = holy well tobar-sràide = hydrant
Manx (Gaelg)	tubbyr = font, fountain, laver tubbyr niaghan = washtub tubbyr oonlee = bathtub

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *ber- (to carry, bear), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying), *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*funtọn = spring, well, fountain
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	finnaun, fynnaun = spring, well, fountain
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ffynnawn, ffynnon = spring, well, fountain ffynnonell, ffynhonnel = source, spring, fount, origin, source fynhonic = small spring, source, issue fynonvs, ffynnhonvs, fynhonus = springing, welling, bubbling, gushing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ffynnon [ˈfənɔn] = spring, well, fountain, source, origin, issue, gland ffynonellu = to spring, originate ffynhonni, ffynhonna = to well, spring, gush, visit a medicinal spring ffynhonnell = source, spring, fount, origin, (historical or literary) source ffynhonnol = original ffynhonnus = springing, welling, bubbling, gushing
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	fenten, funten = well, fountain
Cornish (Kernewek)	fenten = fountain, well, spring
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	funton = fountain, spring, font
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	feunten = fountain, spring, font
Breton (Brezhoneg)	feunteun [ˈfœ̃ntœ̃n] = fountain, spring, font feunteunier = font maker

Etymology: from Late Latin fontāna (spring, source, fountain), from Latin fons (spring, well, fountain, font, origin, source), from Proto-Italic *fontis (spring, well), from *θontis, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *dʰónh₂-ti-s, from *dʰenh₂- (to flow) [source]. Words from the same roots include font (a receptacle in a church for holy water, especially one used in baptism) in English, fonte (source, spring) in Italian, and fuente (spring, fountain, source, bowl) in Spanish [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)stifflog [əsˈtɪflɔɡ] = cuttlefish, squid ystiff(i)o = to scour, spurt, jet
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	stifac = cuttlefish
Cornish (Kernewek)	stifek = squid stifella = to spray stifjyn = jet engine stiflinder = jet lag stifliv = jet stream stifya = to spray
Breton (Brezhoneg)	stivell [sti:vɛl] = fountain, gushing spring, water jet, wash house stivelleg = squid stivellat = to spring forth (by gushing out), to stick out one’s head

Etymology (Breton): from stiv (spring, source, wash house), perhaps from Latin *stuba, from Proto-Germanic *stubō (room, heated room, living room), which is also the root of the English word stove [source].

Buckets & Pails

14th May 2025 By Simon

Words for bucket, pail, pitcher and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kelɸurnos = pail, bucket, pitcher, pot, vat, vessel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cilorn(n) = jug, pitcher
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cilorn(n), cilarn, culorn = pitcher, vessel
Irish (Gaeilge)	ciolarn = pitcher (literary)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciolarn, coilorn, ciolurn = milk pitcher with a handle out of its side, a hand-can
Manx (Gaelg)	curn = can, milk can curn jinnairagh = dinner can curn spreih = watering can curn tey = billy, tea caddy
Proto-Brythonic	*kelurn = pail, pitcher, bucket (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	cilurnn = pail, pitcher, vessel, bucket, tub
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kelurn, kelwrn, celwrn = pail, pitcher, vessel, bucket, tub
Welsh (Cymraeg)	celwrn [ˈkelʊrn] = pail, pitcher, vessel, bucket, tub celwrn llaeth = milk-pail
Cornish (Kernewek)	kelorn = bucket, pail kelorn-godra = milking pail
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quelorn = bucket
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kelorn [ˈkeːlɔrn] = bucket, tub, head kelorniad [keˈlɔr.njat] = bucket (of), contents of a bucket

Etymology: unknown, probably a Wanderwort. Possibly related to Proto-Indo-European *kelp- (cauldron, jar) [source]. Words from the same roots include calpar (vessel for liquids, especially for wine, wine cask, wine picher), and Ancient Greek κάλπις (kálpis – jug urn) [source].

Middle Breton (Brezonec)	saill = bucket, cylinder
Breton (Brezhoneg)	sailh [ˈsalj/ˈsaʎ] = bucket, cylinder sailhad = (cylinder) capacity, displacement

Etymology: unknown [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	buicéad [ˈbˠʊceːd̪ˠ / ˈbˠʌkɔdʲ] = bucket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bucaid [buxgadʲ] = bucket, dustbin bacaid [baxgadʲ] = pimple, pustule, bucket, dustbin bucaid-theine = fire bucket bucaideach [buxgɪdʲəx] = pertaining to or abounding in buckets, booming
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bwcket, bwcet = bucket
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bwced = bucket bwcedaf, bwcedu = to bucket bwcedaid = bucketful pwced = bucket
Cornish (Kernewek)	boket = bucket

Etymology: from English bucket or Middle English buket, boket (bucket), from Anglo-Norman buket, buquet (tub, pail), a diminutive of Old French buc (abdomen), from Vulgar Latin *būcus, from Frankish *būk (belly, stomach), from Proto-Germanic *būkaz (belly, abdomen, body), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰōw-go-s, from *bʰew- (to swell, inflate); [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crúsca, crúisce = little jug, cruet
Irish (Gaeilge)	crúsca = jug, jar crúiscín = small jug, smal jar
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crùisg [kruːʃgʲ] = jug crùisgean = oil-lamp, small jug, pitcher
Manx (Gaelg)	cruick = bucket, pail cruick gheayil = scuttle cruick vlieaun = milking pail lane cruick = bucketful, pailful
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	krwck = tub, pitcher, bucket, pail
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crwc = tub, pitcher, bucket, pail

Etymology: possibly from English crock (a stoneware or earthenware jar or storage container) or from Middle English crok(ke) (crock, pot, cauldron, belly, stomach), from Old English crocc(a) (crock, pot, vessel), from Proto-Germanic *krukkō (vessel), from Proto-Indo-European *growg- (vessel). Related words include krukke (jar) in Danish, kruik (jar, jug) in Dutch, cruche (pitcher, jug) in French, and krukka (pot, jar) in Icelandic [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	pitséar = pitcher
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	pidsear = pitcher
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pisser = pitcher, jug, can, (milk) pail piseret = a pitcherful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pis(i)er = pitcher, jug, can, (milk) pail piseraid = a pitcherful
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pycher = pitcher
Cornish (Kernewek)	pycher = pitcher
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	picher = pitcher
Breton (Brezhoneg)	picher = pitcher

Etymology: probably from Middle English picher, and/or from Old French pichier, pechier (small jug), from Late/Medieval Latin pīcārium, alteration of bīcārium (drinking glass) possibly from bacarium, bacar (a type of wine glass), or from Ancient Greek βῖκος (bîkos – amphora) [source].

Saponaceous Soap

7th May 2025 By Simon

Words for soap and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	siabann [ʃiəbən̪ˠ] = soap. soap opera siabann-bearraidh = shaving soap siabannach [ʃiəbən̪ˠəx] = soapy
Manx (Gaelg)	sheeabin, sheeabyn = soap sheeabinagh = soapy, lathery sheeabinaghey = to lather, soap sheeabineyr = soap-maker
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	sebon = soap, flattery, cajolery, semen sebonllys = soapwort, soapberry sebonyd = soap-maker, soap-seller, flatterer, fawner
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sebon [ˈsɛbɔn] = soap, flattery, cajolery sebonaidd = soapy, saponaceous, soap-operatic sebondrwyth = lather, suds seboneiddiad, seboniant = saponification seboneiddio = to saponify, soft-soap, flatter, fawn (upon) seboni = to soap, lather, soft-soap, flatter, fawn (upon) sebonllyd, sebonlyd, sebonog = soapy, sapnonaceous, sudsy, flattering, fawning, obsequious sebonllys, sebonlys = soapwort, soapberry sebonwr, sebonydd = soap-maker, soap-seller, flatterer, fawner
Cornish (Kernewek)	sebon = soap seboni = to soap sebonles = soapwort sebonus = soapy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	soauon, saoün = soap
Breton (Brezhoneg)	soavon [ˈswɑːvɔ̃n] = soap soavonadur, saovonaj = soaping soavonek, soavonus = soapy soavoniñ = to soap

Etymology: possibly from Latin sāpōn(is) (an ancient hair product) from Proto-Germanic *saipǭ (soap), maybe from Proto-Indo-European *seyb- (to pour out, dribble, strain, trickle) [source]. Words from the same roots include soap in English, savon (soap) in French, jabón (soap) in Spanish, sapone (soap) in Italian, sabão (soap) in Portuguese [source].

Irish (Gaeilge)	síobán [ɡɾˠɑːnˠ / ɡɾˠaːnˠ] = drift
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	siaban [ʃiəban] = sand-drift, spindrift, blown sand siaban gaoithe = a strong wind (strong enough to whip up sand)

Etymology: from Latin sāpōn(is) (an ancient hair product) from Proto-Germanic *saipǭ (soap), from Proto-Indo-European *seyb- (to pour out, dribble, strain, trickle) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sóp = soap
Irish (Gaeilge)	sópa = soap
Welsh	sôp = soap (opera)

Etymology: from English soap or from Middle English sope, sape (soap), from Old English sāpe (soap, salve), from Proto-West Germanic *saipā (soap, resin), from Proto-Germanic *saipǭ (soap), from Proto-Indo-European *seyb-, *seyp- (to pour out, drip, trickle, strain) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gallúinech, galluineach = soap
Irish (Gaeilge)	gallúnach [ɡəˈl̪ˠuːnˠəx / ˈɡalˠuːnˠa(x)] = soap, flattery, cajolery gallúnaigh = to saponify (convert into soap) gallúnú = saponification gallúnúil = saponaceous (soapy, slippery, evasive)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gallanach = soap

Etymology: unknown [source].

Granular Grains

30th April 2025 By Simon

Words for grain, corn and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*grānom = grain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	grán [ɡraːn] = grain gráinne = grain, seed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	grán, gran = level surface, grain gráinne, grainne = a grain, a seed
Irish (Gaeilge)	grán [ɡɾˠɑːnˠ / ɡɾˠaːnˠ] = grain, ball, shot, pellet gráinne [ˈɡɾˠɑːn̠ʲə] = grain, (hard) particle, pinch (small quantity) gránach = cereal gránaigh = to granulate, scratch, scrape, graze gránlach = grain, grit, shot, pellets, granulated, ground, matter gránú = granulation gránúll = pomegranate
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gràn [graːn] = grain (cereal, wood), shot (of lead) gràinne [graː̪nʲə] = small grain, speck, small pellet, small quantity grànach [graːnəx] = grained, granular grànlach = corn, grain, cereal gràinneach [graːn̪ʲəx] = grained, granulous, granular, gritty, granulated gràinneanach [graːn̪ˠənəx] = pertaining to grains, grainy, granular
Manx (Gaelg)	grine = grain, corn, grapeshot, pellet, foresight grinaghey = grain grineagh = cereal, grained, granular grineeghey = to granulate, powder, granulation grinneegh = grained, grainy, granular, granulated, granulous, gritty
Proto-Brythonic	*grọn [ˈlɔːr] = grain
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	graun, graỽnn, grawn = grain grawnwin, grawn-wîn = grapes, wine made from the juice of grapes gronyn, gronnyne, gronun = a single grain or pip
Welsh (Cymraeg)	grawn [ɡrau̯n] = grain, corn, cereal, seed, grapes, berries, fruit, roe, spawn (of fish), shot, grape-shot, load (of a gun) grawnafal = pomegranate grawndy, grawnfa = barn, granary grawnddwyn = grain-bearing, graniferous, bearing grapes or berries grawnen = grape grawnfwyd = cereal, grain-food grawnffrwyth = grapefruit grawnwin = grapes, wine made from the juice of grapes grawnwydd = vines gronyn = a single grain or pip
Old Cornish	gronen = grain
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gronen = grain
Cornish (Kernewek)	greun(en) [ɡɹøːn] = grain greunaval = pomegranate greunek, greunvos = cereal greunhe = to form grain greunji, greunva = granary, grange greunvosow = barley, cereals, corn, wheat greunya = to form grain in the ear
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	garan, greun(enn), grun = grain greunyaff = to go to seed, to grain, to seed, to spawn
Breton (Brezhoneg)	greun(enn) [ˈɡrœ̃ːn] = grain greunaval(enn) [grønɑ:val] = pommegranate greunek = grainy, granular greunenniñ = to granulate, to be granulated greuniañ = to go to seed, to grain, to seed, to spawn greunvaen [ˈɡʁœ̃nvɛn] = granite greunwin = raisins

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵr̥h₂nóm (grain), possibly from *ǵr̥h₂-nós (matured, grown old) from *ǵerh₂- (to grow old, to mature). Words from the same roots include grurë (wheat) in Albanian, corn and grain in English, Korn (kernel, cereal, corn, grain) in German, grano (wheat, corn, grain, peppercorn, money, pin) in Italian, zirnis (pea) in Latvian, зерно (zerno – grain, cereal, seed) in Russian and Ukrainian [source].

Gráinne in Irish, gràinne in Scottish Gaelic, and maybe grine in Manx, come from Old Irish gráinne, from Old French grain (grain), from Latin grānum (grain, seed, small kernel), from Proto-Italic *grānom (grain), from Proto-Indo-European *ǵr̥h₂nóm [source].

Proto-Celtic	*arwar = grain
Old Irish (Goídelc)	arbar [ˈar.βər] = grain, corn
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	arbar, arbor = grain, corn
Irish (Gaeilge)	arbhar [ˈaɾˠ(ə)wəɾˠ / əˈɾˠuːɾˠ] = corn, cereals
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	arbhar [aravər] = corn
Manx (Gaelg)	arroo = corn, grain
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	erwein(t) = meadow-sweet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	erwain(t) = meadow-sweet, Queen of the meadows

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂érh₃-wr̥/*h₂r̥h₃-wén-s, from *h₂erh₃- (to plough) [source]. Words from the same roots include aratro (plough) in Albanian, arado (plough) in Spanish, aradr (plough) in Welsh, erv (ridge between furrows) in Breton, and arti (to plough) in Lithuanian [source].

Monastic Monks

23rd April 20254th May 2025 By Simon

Words for monk, nun, monastery and related things in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	manach [ˈma.nəx] = monk, tenant of church lands mainches = nun mainister = monastery
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	manach, manaig = monk, a tenant of church lands, a kenning for a bee mainches = nun mainister, mainistear = monastery
Irish (Gaeilge)	manach [ˈmˠanˠəx / mˠəˈn̪ˠɑx] = monk manachas = monasticism manachúil = monastic mainistir = monastery, abbey
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	manach [manəx] = monk manachalachd [manəxəl̪ˠəxg] = monasticism manach(d)ail [manəxal] = monastic manachainn [manəxɪn̪ʲ] = monastery, convent manaistear [manɪʃdʲər] = monastery, overseer mainistir [manɪʃdʲɪrʲ] = monastery
Manx (Gaelg)	maynagh, monnagh = monk maynaghoil = monastic, monkish, conventual mannishter = monastery, minster, abbey, friary, cloister, religious house
Proto-Brythonic	manax = monk möstuɨr = monastery
Middle Welsh (Kyrmraec)	manach, menach, mynach = monk mustuir = monastery manaches, mynaches = nun
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mynach, manach [ˈmənaχ. ˈmanaχ] = monk, friar mynachaeth = monasticism mynachaidd = monastic mynachdy, mynachlog = monastery mynaches, manaches = nun
Old Cornish	manach = monk manaes = nun
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	manach, manah = monk manaes, monacha = nun, a female recluse
Cornish (Kernewek)	managh = monk managhek = monastic managhes = nun managhti = monastery
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	manach = monk
Middle Breton	manach = monk manaches = nun manachty = monastry
Breton (Brezhoneg)	manac’h [ˈmãːnax] = monk, hot water bottle, grey periwinkle manac’hez = nun manac’hegezh = monasticism manac’hek = monastic manac’hiñ = to appoint a monk manati [mã.ˈna.tːi] = monastry, cloister, convent

Etymology: from Latin monachus (monk), from Ancient Greek μοναχός (monakhós – single, solitary), from μόνος (mónos – alone, forsaken, solitary, only, unique), from Proto-Hellenic *mónwos. The Goidelic words may have been borrowed from Proto-Brythonic. Words from the same roots include monk and monastery and minster (a monastic church) in English [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Latin (lingua latīna)

Swearing Oaths

Barrels, Tuns & Casks

Wee Beasties

Memorable Memories

Particularly Special

Spring Fountains

Buckets & Pails

Saponaceous Soap

Granular Grains

Monastic Monks