Lies and Deceit

15th April 2024 By Simon

Words for deceit, treachery, conspiracy and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*mratrom = deceit, betrayal, treachery
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mrath [ˈmr͈aθ] = deceiving, betraying marnaid [ˈmar͈n͈ɨðʲ] = to betray, deceive, delude
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brath = mairnid = to betray, deceive, delude
Irish (Gaeilge)	brath [bˠɾˠɑh/bˠɾˠah] = perception, feeling, detection, spying, betrayal, expectation, intention, dependence, reliance braith [bˠɾˠa/bˠɾˠaç] = to perceive, feel, spy out, note, betray, sense, intend, expect, depend on braiteach = perceptive, alert, wary, sensitive, treacherous braistint = perception braiteoir = sensor brathadóir = betrayer, spy, informer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brath [brah] = betraying, giving away, betrayal, knowledge brathadair [brahədɪrʲ] = betrayer, informer, traitor brathadh = betraying, giving away, betrayal, treason, informing on brathach [brahəx] = traitorous brathaich = (to) betray, inform on
Manx (Gaelg)	brah = betray, disclose, betrayal, disclosure brahder = detector, traitor, betrayer, informer braheyder = betrayer, traitor
Proto-Brythonic	*brad = treachery, betrayal, deceit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	brat, brad = treachery, betrayal, deceit, guile, ruse, conspiracy, treason bradu = to commit treachery, betray, deceive, plot, conspire bradedic = treacherous, deceitful bradaỽc, bradouc, bradog, bradoc = treacherous, deceitful, guileful, false bratwr, bradỽr, bradwr = traitor, betrayer bradychu, bredychu = to betray, be disloyal, deceive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	brad [braːd] = treachery, betrayal, deceit, guile, ruse, conspiracy, treason bradaf, bradu = to commit treachery, betray, deceive, plot, conspire bradedig = treacherous, deceitful bradog = treacherous, deceitful, guileful, false, traitor, deserter bradwr, bradydd = traitor, betrayer bradwriad = conspiracy bradychu = to betray, be disloyal, deceive, reveal unintentionally
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bras = conspiracy, plot (?)
Cornish (Kerneweg)	bras = conspiracy, plot brasa = to conspire, plot braser, brasores = conspirator, plotter
Old Breton (Brethonog)	brat = deception, betrayal
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	barat = deception, betrayal
Breton (Brezhoneg)	barad [ˈbɑː.rat] = deception, betrayal, perfidy baradañ = to betray barader = traitor baraderezh = treachery

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic marnati (to betray), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *mr̥-né-h₂-ti from *merh₂- (to crumble, destroy), which is also the root of merja (to squash, crush, bruise) in Icelandic [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brenkā = lie
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bréc [bʲrʲeːɡ] = lie, falsehood, deception, exaggeration brécach [ˈbʲrʲeːɡax] = lying, false, deceitful brécaid = to deceive, entice, seduce brécairecht = cunning, deceit, deception
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bréc, brég = falsehood, lie, deception brécach, brégach = lying, deceitful, counterfeit, false, entice, coax brécaid, bréicid = to deceive, lead astray, entice, seduce, decoy brécaire = liar, deceiver, flatterer, hypocrite brécán = plaything, toy
Irish (Gaeilge)	bréag [bʲɾʲeːɡ] = lie, falsehood, false; to cajole, coax bréagach [ˈbʲɾʲeːɡəx] = liar, lying, false bréagadh = coaxing, cajolery bréagadóir = liar, deceiver, cajoler, wheedler bréagadóireacht = falsehood, deceit, cajolery, wheedling bréagán [ˈbʲɾʲeːɡɑːnˠ] = toy, plaything bréagchéadfa = hallucination
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	breug [brʲiag] = falsehood, lie, untruth, deceiving, artificial, fake, false breugach [brʲiagəx] = deceitful, dishonest, false, lying breugadair [brʲiagədɪrʲ] = liar breugadh [brʲiəgəɣ] = coaxing, cajoling, enticing, soothing breugag [brʲiagag] = little lie, lying woman breugaireachd [brʲiəgɛrʲəxg] = habit of lying, mendacity
Manx (Gaelg)	breag = lie, fallacy, sham, fiction, invention, untruth breagagh = lying, false, imitation, extravagant, fictious, spurious breageraght = equivocation, lying breagerey = liar, romancer, storyteller, dissembler breageyder = fabler, fibber, leg-puller breagerys = lying breigey = to beguile, cajole, coax, entice, decoy, lure, persuade, seduce, wheedle

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European bʰrenḱ- from *merh₂- (to deviate, corrupt) [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

Colourful Hues

11th March 2024 By Simon

Words for colour, hue, pigment and related colourgs in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*līwos = colour
Gaulish	*lios = colour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lí [ˈtane] = lustre, beauty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lí, li = beauty, lustre, glory, complexion, slendour, appearance, pallor
Irish (Gaeilge)	lí [l̠ʲiː] = colour, complexion, lustre, sheen, pigment(ation) líú = (act of) colouring, painting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lì [l̪ʲiː] = paint, colour, tinge, hue, complexion, properity, happiness lìth [l̪ʲiː] = lustre, gloss, splendour, complexion, hue lìtheach [l̪ʲiː] = greasy, slimy,slippery
Manx (Gaelg)	lhee = pigment, pigmentation
Proto-Brythonic	*lliw = colour
Old Welsh	liu = colour, hue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llyu, lliw, lliỽ, llyw = colour,hue lliwyav, lliwaw = to colour, paint, dye lliỽyd, lliwyd = dyer, colourer, painter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	lliw [ɬɪu̯] = colour, hue, tint, complexion, countenance, colouring lliwddall = colourbind lliwgar = colourful, vivid, beautiful, handsome lliw(i)af, lliw(i)o = to colour, tinge, paint, dye lliw(i)og = coloured, tinted, dyed, painted lliwydd = dyer, colourer, painter
Old Cornish	liu = colour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	liu, lyw = colour, dye, hue liue = to colour, paint liuor = painter, dyer
Cornish (Kernewek)	liw = colour,dye, paint liwa = to colour, dye, paint liwans = painting liwus = colourful liwayans = painting, picture liways = coloured, dye
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	liu = colour, ink, dyed
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	liu, liou = colour, ink, dyed liuaff = to colour, dye, paint
Breton (Brezhoneg)	liv [liw] = colour, ink, paint, dyed livañ [ˈliː.vã] = to colour, dye, paint, depict livek [ˈliːvek] = coloured liver, livour [ˈliː.vɛr/ˈli.wːər] = painter, colourist livus [ˈliːvys] = dye, picturesque

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *slih₂-wó-s from *(s)leh₃y- (blueish, plum-coloured) and *-wós (creates adjectives from verb stems) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include livid, lurid and sloe in English, slíva (plum) in Czech, and possibly lloer (moon) in Welsh, loor (moon) in Cornish and loar (moon) in Breton [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dath [daθ] = colour, dye
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dath = colour, dye, hue, tint, complexion dathach = coloured dathaid, daithaigid = colours, dyes, stains dathamail = coloured, fine, handsome, beautiful, comely, graceful dathugud = colouring, dyeing, painting
Irish (Gaeilge)	dath [d̪ˠax/d̪ˠɑh/d̪ˠah] = colour, dye dathach = coloured dathadóir = colourist, dyer, painter, exaggerator, fictionist dathadóireacht = (act of) dyeing, painting dathaigh = to colour,dye, paint dathannach = multi-coloured, gaily-coloured, colourful, glowing dathdhall = colour-blind
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dath [dah] = colour, colouring, dye, pigment, dying, hue, tint, staining, suit (of cards) dathach [dahəx] = coloured, colourful dathachadh [dahəxəɣ] = colourising, dyeing, staining dathadair [dahədɪrʲ] = dyer, colourist dathail [dahal] = colourful dathte [dahdʲə] = coloured
Manx (Gaelg)	daah = colour, dye, hue, paint, pigment, singe, stain, tincture daahagh = coloured, stainable daahder = colourer, colourist, dyer, exaggerator, painter daahit = coloured, dyed, painted, pigmented, stained daahoil = colourful, picturesque, well-coloured

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	gné = appearance, form, kind, sort, species
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gné = kind, species, appearance, form, way, manner
Irish (Gaeilge)	gné [ɟnʲeː/ɟɾʲeː] = species, kind, form, appearance gnéitheach = specific, of good appearance gnétheacht = specificity gnéthigh = to regain appearance, mend
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnè [grʲɛ̃ː] = sex, gender, genre, kind, sort, temper, disposition, genus, species gnè-fhàs [grɛ͂ː aːs] = evolution gnè-eòlas = typology
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gne = colour, tint, hue, sight, aspect gorne = colour, hue, tint
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gne = colour, tint, hue, sight, aspect agne = colour, tincture gorne = colour, hue, tint, tincture, blush, brightness, appearance, aspect

Etymology: from PIE *ǵenh₁- (to produce, beget, give birth) [source]. Words from the same roots include gender, general, generate, genius and germ in English [source].

Long Distance

28th February 202428th February 2024 By Simon

Words for long, far, distant and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīros = long
Gaulish	siros = long
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sír [sʲiːr] = lasting, constant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sír = long, lasting, constant
Irish (Gaeilge)	síor- [ʃiːɾˠ / ʃiəɾˠ] = perpetual, continual, ever- síoraí = eternal, perpetual, unceasing, continual, constant, perservering síoraigh = to perpetuate síoraíocht = eternity, permanence, lastingness, constancy síorchaint = talking continually, never-ending talk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sìor- [ʃiər̪] = continual(ly), perpetual(ly), incessant sìorrachd [ʃiərˠ̪əxg] = eternity siorraidh [ʃiər̪ʲɪ] = eternal, everlasting
Manx (Gaelg)	sheer- = continuous, perennial, endless, permanent, ever, continual, consant sheeraghey = to perpetuate sheer dy sheer = continually sheer-riaght = eternity
Proto-Brythonic	*hit [ˈhiːr] = long, tall
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	hir = long
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hir, huy, hwy = long, tall, lenghty, extensive, tedious hiraeth, hyreyth = grief or sadness after the lost or departed, longing, yearning, nostalgia hiraethu, hiraethav = to long, yearn, sorrow, grieve hirfaith, hirveith, hirueith, hir vaith = long, prolonged, vast, long-winded, tedious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hir [hiːr] = long, tall, lenghty, extensive hiraeth [ˈhɪraɨ̯θ/ˈhiːrai̯θ] = grief or sadness after the lost or departed, longing, yearning, nostalgia, wistfulness, homesickness, earnest desire hiraethaf, hiraethu = to long, yearn, sorrow, grieve hirder = length, longitude hirhaf, hirhau = to lengthen, prolong, extend hirfaith = long, prolonged, vast, long-winded, tedious hirian = lanky person, tall slim fellow, gangrel, long, tall
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hir, hŷr = long, tall, prolix, tedious, dilatory hirenath = a length of time, a long time, duration hireth, hyreth = longing, an earnest desire, regretting, regret hirgorn = trumpet
Cornish (Kernewek)	hir = long, tall hirder = length, tallness hireth = homesickness, longing, loneliness, nostalgia, yearning hirthek = homesick, longing, lonely, yearning hirhe = to lengthen hirneth = a very long time, tedium hirwelyek = long-sighted
Middle Breton	hyr, hir, hirr = long, far hirder = length, anxiety
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hir [ˈhiːr] = long, more hiraat [hiˈrɑːt] = to lengthen, lie down hiraezh [hi.ˈrɛːs] = impatience, haste, nostaligia, melancholy hiraezhus [hiˈrɛːzys] = impatient, nostaligic hirded [ˈhir.det] = length hirder [ˈhirdɛr] = length, anxiety hirnezh [ˈhirnəs] = length, boredom, melancholy hirvoudus [hirˈvuːdys] = lamentable, moaning, plaintive

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁-ró-s, from *seh₁- (long, lasting) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include menhir (a single tall standing stone as a monument) in English and French (borrowed from Breton maen-hir), soir (evening) in French, sedert (since) in Dutch, seit (since, for) in German, and hidas (slow, stupid) in Finnish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*siti- = length
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sith- = long
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sith- = long
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	hit = length
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hyt, hyd = length, height, duration hyduod = continuance, continuation
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hyd [hɨːd / hiːd] = length, height, duration, until, throughout, during hydaeth = length, longitude hydfod = continuance, continuation hydiog = lengthy, long, tall hydol = entire extent, total duration, the whole, entirety
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hes, hês, heys, hŷs = longitude, length, duration
Cornish (Kernewek)	hys, hes = extent, length hys-ha-hys = altogether, end to end a-hys = along dhe-hys = at length
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hit = length
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	het = length
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hed [ˈheːt] = length, longitude, ordered hedan, hedañ = to lengthen a-hed = along, throughout hed-ha-hed = all along

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₁-tó- (lengthened), from *seh₁- (long, lasting) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fota [ˈfoda] = long
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fota, fata = long, enduring
Irish (Gaeilge)	fad [fˠɑd̪] = length, distance, duration, extent fada [ˈfˠɑd̪ˠə / ˈfˠad̪ˠə] = long, far fadáil = delaying, lingering, dilatoriness fadáoch = tall man, long fellow fadáocht = lengthiness, longsomeness fadálach = slow, tardy, dilatory, lingering, tedious fadálacht = tardiness, tediousness fadó = long ago fadó fadó = once upon a time
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fad [fad] = length, duration fada [fadə] = long, far, lanky, tall fadachadh [fadəxəɣ] = elongating, lengthening fadachd [fadəxg] = longing, yearning, length fadal [fadəl̪ˠ] = delay, tediousness, longing fadalach [fadəl̪ˠəx] = late, tardy, tedious, wearisome fada air ais = backward, oldfashioned, uncool fada air astar = far off / away o chionn fhada = a long time ago, for a long time
Manx (Gaelg)	foddid = distance, remoteness foddey = afar, distance, far, markedly, remote(ly), long foddey er-dy-henney = long ago, long since foddey ersooyl = far afield, far away, outlying foddey-hannaghtyn = lingering, long-distance foddeeaght = distance, fervent desire, homesickness, longing, nostalgia

Etymology: from Old Irish fot (length), from PIE *wasdʰos (long, wide), from *h₁weh₂- (empty, wasted). Words from the same roots include waste and vast in English, and vaste (profound) in French [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kēnos = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cían [kʲiːa̯n] = distant, far, lasting, long, since cíana = distance, length, long time
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cían = long, enduring, far, distant cíana = length, distance
Irish (Gaeilge)	cian [ciənˠ] = length of time, age, distance, distant time, long, distant cianaimsir = a long time cianaistear = long, tedious, journey cianamharc = distant view cianaois = old age cianaosta = long-lived, very old, pristine, primeval cianda = distant, remote
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cian [kʲian] = distant, far off, faraway, long, tedious, weary cian-aimsir = antiquity cian-chonaltradh = telecommunication(s) cian-fhada = extremely long distance

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷello- = far
Gaulish	pelignos = stranger, foreigner, born far away
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pel = far, distant, remote
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pell = far, distant, remote bellbell, bell-bell, pellbell = further and further, very far (off) pelledig, pelledic = far (off), remote pellynnic, pellennic = far-away distant, remote, ancient pellau, pellav = to go far pellter, pellder, pelther = (great) distance, remoteness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pell [pɛɬ / peːɬ] = far, far-off, far-away, distant, remote, far-reacing, long (time), far (in the past of future), late pellbell = further and further, very far (off) pelledig = far (off), remote pelledd = entire extent, total duration, the whole, entirety pellennig, pellynnig = far-away distant, remote, ancient pellhaf, pellhau = to go far (from), distance oneself (from), to cause (sb/sth), to be far (from), to postpone pellter = (great) distance, remoteness, length (of time), distant place
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pell = distant, remote, far, long pella = farther, longer pellder = distance, remoteness pellear = a long time pelly = to render distant, to remove far off, to drive away
Cornish (Kernewek)	pell = distant, remote, far, long pella = extreme, farther, farthest, further, furthest, utmost, moreover pellder = distance, long time, remoteness pellgomunyans = telecommuication pellgowsel, pellgowser = (tele)phone pellgowsell = mobile-phone pellhe = to banish, move away, send away pellskrifen = fax telegram pellweler = telescope pellwolok = television
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pell = distant
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pell = distant pellhat = to get away from
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pell [pɛlː] = far, long, late pellaat [pɛˈlɑːt] = to move away pellad = long time pelladur, pellded = distance pellder = distant, length of time pellgemenn = remote control pellgomz [ˈpɛl.ɡɔ̃ms] = telephone pellidigezh = distance pellwel = television

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *kʷel-so- from *kʷel- (to turn, revolve around, sojourn). English words beginning with tele-, such as telescope and telephone, come from the same PIE roots [source].

A Bit of Bitterness

21st February 202422nd February 2024 By Simon

Words for bitter, sour and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*swerwos = bitter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	serb [sʲerv] = bitter, bitterness serbae = bitterness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	serb = bitter, hurtful, grievous, disagreeable, harsh, discordant serbae, seirbe = bitterness, asperity
Irish (Gaeilge)	searbh [ˈʃaɾˠəvˠ / ˈʃarˠu(ː)] = bitter, sour, acid searbhaigh = to sour, embitter, become bitter searbhán = bitter person, bitter herb, bitters searbhánta = bitter, acrid searbhas = bitterness, sourness, acidity searbhasach = bitter, acrimonious searbhóg = bitter person, bitter woman, bitter drink searbhú = embitterment
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	searbh [ʃɛrɛv] = bitter, sour, tart, disagreeable, acidic searbh-chainnt = sarcasm searbh-ghlòr = cacophony searbh-nhilis = bitter-sweet duine searbh = disagreeable person fion searbh geal = dry white wine leann searbh = bitter (ale) ’s searbh an fhirinn = the truth hurts
Manx (Gaelg)	sharroo = acid, acrid, acrimonious, bitter, cutting, embittered, sardonic, sour, tart, unpalatable, vitriolic sharrooaghey = to embitter sharrooane = bitters sharrooid = bitterness lhune sharroo = bitter (ale/beer)
Proto-Brythonic	*hwerw = bitter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	chuerv, chuerw, chwerw, chuero, chỽerw = bitter, acrid, painful, harsh chwerwy, cwherwa = to become bitter, be displeased chwerwder, chweruder = bitterness, sourness, acerbity chwerwed, chỽerỽed = bitterness, sourness, acerbity, sharpness, tartness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	chwerw [ˈχwɛru/ˈχweːru] = bitter, acrid, painful, harsh, rough, severe, sharp, surly, hurtful, angry, irate, spiteful, cross, cruel, sorrowful chwerwaf, chwerwi = to become bitter, be displeased chwerwaidd = bitter, sharp chwerwder = bitterness, sourness, acerbity chwerwedd = bitterness, sourness, acerbity, sharpness, tartness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	chuero, wherow = bitter, cruel, hardhearted
Cornish (Kernewek)	hwerow = bitter, harsh, sharp hwerowder = acrimony
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	hueru = bitter
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hueru, fero, huerhue = bitter hueruentez = bitterness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	c’hwerv [χwɛʁw] = bitter c’hwervaat = to make or become bitter c’hwervded, c’hwervder, c’hwerventez, c’hwervoni = bitterness

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *swer- (to ache, to fester, wound, injury). Words from the same root include sword in English, chwarren (gland, knot in wood, boil, ulcer) in Welsh, zweren (to swear, pledge, declare under oath) in Dutch, and schwären (to fester, hurt, suppurate) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gʷereti, gʷorti- = bitter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	goirt [ɡor͈ʲtʲ] = bitter, salty
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	goirt = hungry, starved, bitter, sour, salt, sharp, keen
Irish (Gaeilge)	goirt [ɡʌɾˠtʲ / ɡɔɾˠtʲ] = salt, saline, salted, bitter goirte = saltiness, salinity, brackishness, bitterness goirteamas = saltiness, bitterness, salt food goirtigh = to salt, pickle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goirt [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲ] = sore, painful, sour, salted goirteas [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲəs] = pain, ache, painfulness goirtear [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲər] = miser, mean/stingy person goirte [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲə] = soreness, painfulness, sourness, acerbity, saltiness goirteachadh [gɔr̪ˠʃdʲəxəɣ] = hurting, afflicting, acidifying, making sour, leavening
Manx (Gaelg)	gort = acid, bitter, brackish, rank, vinegarish, vinegary, sour, hurt, poignant, acrid, acrimony gortaghey = hurt, hurting, maim, pain gortagh = beggarly, frugal, grudging, hurt, meagre, miser

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *gʷorti-, from *gʷʰer- (warm, hot). Words from the same root include barmy, furnace, gore, thermal and warm in English, and garstig (rude, nasty, beastly, foul) in German [source].

Muddy Mires

15th February 2024 By Simon

Words for mud and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*latyos = moist
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lathach [dʲerɡ] = mud, mire
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lathach, laithech, lathaig = mire, puddle, quagmire, morass
Irish (Gaeilge)	lathach [ˈl̪ˠɑhəx / l̪ˠaiç] = mud, slush, slime
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lathach [l̪ˠa.əx] = mire, ooze, sludge, quicksand lathach-mhòine = peat-bog lathach sàile = saltmarsh lathachach [l̪ˠa.əxəx] = muddy, oozy, sludgy lathachail [l̪ˠa.əxal] = muddy, oozy, sludgy lathadh = besemearing, (be)numbing, heat (in cats)
Manx (Gaelg)	laagh = mire, mud laagh vog = sludge laaghagh = muddy, sludgy, slushy laaghan = muddy place, slough
Proto-Brythonic	*llėd = mud
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaid = mud, mire, dirt, clay, slime, ooze lleidyawc = muddy, clayey, miry, oozy, slimy
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaid [ɬai̯d] = mud, mire, dirt, clay, slime, ooze, quagmire, quicksand, dregs lleidfa = muddy or clayey place lleidfysgaf, lleidfysgu = to, knead, work clay, bespatter with mud or dirt, bedraggle, bemire lleidiaf, lleidio = to turn into mud or clay, become sodden lleidiog = muddy, clayey, miry, oozy, slimy lleidiogaf, lleidiogi = to become muddy or miry lleidiogrwydd = muddiness, ooziness, turbidity lleidiol = full of mud, muddy, miry, clayey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lued, luth, lyys, lys, lŷs = mud, mire, dirt, filth luedic = miry, filthy, stinking lyys haal = salt-marsh
Cornish (Kernewek)	leys [lɛɪz] = mud, slime leysek = mire
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	lec’hid = slime, silt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	lec’hid = slime, silt lec’hidadur = siltation lec’hidan, lec’hidañ = to silt up, become gelatinous, viscous lec’hideg = mudflat lec’hidus = muddy

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *lat- (damp, wet). Words from the same roots include latex in English, latãkas (chute, gutter, duct) in Lithuanian, and lag (to wet, moisten) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	láp = mud, mire, sin, vice
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	láip [l͈aːb] = mud, mire, sin, vice
Irish (Gaeilge)	láib [l̪ˠɑːbʲ/l̪ˠæːbʲ] = mud, mire; to muddy, spatter caoch láibe = mole oitir láibe = mud-bank
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	làb [l̪ˠaːb] = mire, mud, muddy puddle, day’s labour làbach [l̪ˠaːbəx] = marsh, swamp làbachas [l̪ˠaːbəxəs] = swampiness, bogginess làban [l̪ˠaːban] = mire, mud, muddy place, dirty work, drudgery, wet and muddy person làbanachadh [l̪ˠaːbanəxəɣ] = smearing, daubing, dirtying, wallowing, bedraggling, drenching làbrach [l̪ˠaːbarəx] = miry, muddy, dirty, dirty/unkempt person
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	loob = slime, sludge
Cornish (Kernewek)	loub = slime, sludge louba = to lubricate

Etymology: probably related to lathach [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷrīyess = clay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cré [kʲrʲeː] = clay, earth
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cré, cre = clay, earth créda, criadta, criata, creodae = clayey, earthen, fictile (pliable, moldable)
Irish (Gaeilge)	cré = clay, earth, dust créachadh = (act of) earthing, moulding créafóg = clay, earth crécholúr = clay pigeon cré-earra = earthenware créúil = clayey, earthy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	criadh [krʲiəɣ] = clay criadgadair [krʲia.ədɪrʲ] = potter criadhadaireachd [krʲia.ədɪrʲəxg] = pottery
Manx (Gaelg)	cray = ash, clay, pipe clay crayee = ceramic, earthen crayoil = clayey, earthy
Proto-Brythonic	*prið [ˈpriːð] = clay, mud, earth
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	prid, pridd = soil, earth, dust, ground, clay, mortar, plaster priddo = to cover with earth, bury pridell, priddell = clod, sod, dust, soil priddled, priddlyd = earthy, earthen, dirty, dusty,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pridd [priːð] = soil, earth, dust, ground, clay, mortar, plaster priddach = soil, earth, clay, earthenware pridd(i)af, pridd(i)o = to cover with earth, bury, plaster, daub priddawr = potter pridd-dom = dirt, mud, clay priddell = clod, sod, dust, soil, grave, potsherd, brick, tile priddfaen = brick, (earthenware) tile for making bricks priddl(l)yd = earthy, earthen, dirty, dusty, uncouth priddwr = mason, plasterer, burier
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pri, pry, prî = mould, earth, clay prian, prían = clayey ground
Cornish (Kernewek)	pri = clay, mud priek = clayey prien = clay ground priweyth = pottery priweythor, priweythores = potter priweythva = clay-works, pottery
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pri = clay, mudt
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pry = clay, mud
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pri [priː] = clay, mud, mortar priaj = ceramic prian, priañ = to coat with clay priasell = waste, quagmire priasellek = full of clay mud prieg = clayey, muddy

Etymology possibly from Proto-Indo-European *krey- (to siftm separate, divide). Words from the same roots include latex in English, latãkas (chute, gutter, duct) in Lithuanian, and lag (to wet, moisten) in Albanian [source].

Middle Breton (Brezonec)	fanc, fancq, fang, fank = mud, excrement
Breton (Brezhoneg)	fank [ˈfãŋk] = mud, excrement fankan, fankañ = to poop fankeg = muddy

Etymology from Norman fanque (mud) [source] from Old French fange (mud, addle, mire), from Vulgar Latin *fanga/*fangus (mud), possibly from Frankish, from Proto-Germanic *fanją (swamp, fen). The French words fange (filth, mire, debauchery) and fagne (marshland, fen), and the Catalan word fang (mud) come from the same roots [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llaka, lacca, llacca = mud, sludge, mire, dirt, muck, puddle, filth, slome
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llaca [ɬaka] = mud, sludge, mire, dirt, muck, puddle, filth, slime llaceilyd = muddy, miry, dirty

Etymology from Middle English lake/laca (lake, stream; ditch, drain, sewer), from Old French lac (lake) or Latin lacus (lake, basin, tank), to-Italic *lakus (lake), from Proto-Indo-European *lókus (pond, pool) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*lutā = dirt, mud
Gaulish	*lutos = swamp
Celtiberian	*lutā = swamp
Old Irish (Goídelc)	loth [ˈloθ] = mire, mud, swamp, marsh
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	loth, lath = mud, mire, quagmire, marsh
Irish (Gaeilge)	lodair = to cover with mud, muddy, to wallow in mire, grovel lodán = stagnant pool, puddle lodar = miry place, slough, soft, flabby person lodartha = muddy, slushy, slobby, soft, flabby, grovelling, abject, base, vulgar lodarthacht = muddiness, slushiness, softness, flabbiness, abjectness, baseness, vulgarity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	lod [l̪ˠɔd] = pool, pond, marsh lodagan = small pool of water lodan = puddle, small pool, small marsh

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *lew- (dirt, mud) [source].

Lutetia, the Gallo-Roman town founded in 52 BC that became Paris, gets it’s name from the Gaulish word *lutos (swamp) [source]. It was known as Lutetia Parisiorum by the Romans.

Through and Through

8th February 202412th February 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for through, across, over and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*trē = through
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tre [tʲrʲe] = through trium = through me triut = through you (sg) triit = through him tree = through her triunn = through us triib = through you (pl) treu, tréu = through them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tri, tre, tré, trí [tʲrʲe] = through, along, across, by means of tríom(sa) = through me triut, tréot = through you (sg) tríd(sean) = through him trethe, trithe = through her trínn(e) = through us tríbh(se) = through you (pl) tríothu(san) = through them
Irish (Gaeilge)	trí [tʲɾʲiː] = through, within, throughout, on account of, by mean of tríom(sa) = through me tríot(sa) = through you (sg) tríd(sean) = through him trínn(e) = through her tríthi(se) = through us tríbh(se) = through you (pl) tríothu(san) = through them
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tre [edər] = through tríom(sa) = through me tríot(sa) = through you (sg) tríd(sean) = through him trínn(e) = through her tríthi(se) = through us tríbh(se) = through you (pl) tríothu(san) = through them
Manx (Gaelg)	trooid = through, betwixt my hrooid = through me dty hrooid = through you (sg) e hrooid = through him e trooid = through her nyn drooid = through us / you (pl) / them
Proto-Brythonic	*truɨ = through
Old Welsh	troi = through
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	trui, trwy, drỽy = through trwof, drwof = through me trwot, drwot = through you (sg) trwyddo, drwyddo = through him trwyddi, drwyddi = through her trwom, drwom = through us trwoch, drwoch = through you (pl) trwyddynt, drwyddynt = through them
Welsh (Cymraeg)	trwy, drwy [truːɨ̯/trʊi̯] = through(out), from end to end, over, across, along, while, by (means of), according to, because of trwyddo (f)i = through me trwyddot ti = through you (sg) trwyddo fe/fo = through him trwyddi hi = through her trwyddon ni = through us trwyddoch chi = through you (pl) trwyddyn nhw = through them trwyenaf, trawenu = to go (over, through), cross, bring through
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tre = through
Cornish (Kernewek)	dre = through via, by means of , per dredhov = through me drehos = through you (sg) dredho = through him dredhi = through her dredhon = through us dredhowgh = through you (pl) dredha = through them dre bub rann/radn = throughout dre happ = by chance, by the way, incidentally dre wall = accidentally, by accident drefen = because of, on account of
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	dre = through
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dre, der, tre = through dreizoff = through me drezoude = through you (sg) dreizaff = through him drezi, dredi = through her dré-omb = through us dreizoch = through you (pl) drezo, drede, dreze = through them
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dre [dreː] = through, by, with drezon = through me drezout = through you (sg) drezañ = through him drezi = through her drezomp = through us drezoc’h = through you (pl) drezo, dreze = through them dre gant = percent dre guzh = in secret dre zegouezh = by chance, by accident

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *terh₂-/*ter- (to cross over, pass through, overcome) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include thorough and through in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*taras = through, across
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tar = across, over, through thorum(sa) = over me torut(su) = over you (sg) tarais = over him tairse = over her torunn(i) = over us toraib = over you (pl) tairsiu = over them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tar = over, across, covering torum, torom, toram = over me torut, torot, thorad = over you (sg) tarais, taris, tairis = over him tarsi, tairs = over her torunn, torund = over us toraib thoruibh = over you (pl) tairis, tairise = over them
Irish (Gaeilge)	thar [haɾˠ/hæɾʲ] = over, above, across, by, past, through, beyond, more than tharam(sa) = over/beyond me tharat(sa) = over/beyond you (sg) thairis(-sean) = over/beyond him thairsti(se) = over/beyond her tharainn(e) = over/beyond us tharaibh(se) = over/beyond you (pl) tharstu(san) = over/beyond them thar bord = overboard thar sáile = overseas thar téarma = overdue
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	thar [har] = across, over tharam(sa) = over me tharad(sa) = over you (sg) thairis(-san) = over him thairte(se) = over her tharainn(e) = over us tharaibh(se) = over you (pl) tharta(san) = over them thar bòrd/stoc = overboard thar chnoc is sloc fuar fad ás = over the hills and far away thar chuain = overseas, across the sea thar tomhais = beyond measure
Manx (Gaelg)	har [har] = across, beyond, former harrish = above, across, beyond, bygone, over, trans harrym(s) = over me haryd(s) = over you (sg) harrish(yn) = over him harree(ish) = over her harrin(yn) = over us harriu(ish) = over you (pl) harroo(syn) = over them har cheer = overland har mooir = oveasea harrish as tarrish = over and over harrish boayrd = overboard harrish shen = furthermore, moreover harrish yn traa = overdue
Proto-Brythonic	*tra(ns) = very, extremely, exceedingly, beyond
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tra = very, extremely, exceedingly, beyond
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tra = very, extremely, exceedingly, beyond, the other side of, over, across, more than, above
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tra, tre = beyond, over
Cornish (Kernewek)	dres = beyond, during, in the course of, over, past, through dres an gwartha = over the top dres mor = overseas dres nos = overnight
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tra = through, across, by means of
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tra = through, across, by means of
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tra [tʁa] = while tramor [traˈmoːr] = overseas

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *térh₂-t (to get through, cross over) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include trans- in English, très (very) in French, tras (behind, after) in Galician, and tras (afterm behind, beyond) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*trāns(s) = across
Old Irish (Goídelc)	trá [traː] = then, therefore
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	trá, tra, thra = then, therefore, so, however, but, on the other hand
Irish (Gaeilge)	trá = then, indeed, however
Proto-Brythonic	*trọs = strong, powerful, potent, mighty (?)
Old Welsh	traus = strong, powerful, potent, mighty
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	traỽs, traus, traws = strong, powerful, potent, mighty artraus, ar traỽs. ar y draỽs, ar traws = across, over, upon, about trowsi = to move/cut across, cross trawsedd = perverseness, obstinacy, rebellion
Welsh (Cymraeg)	traws = strong, powerful, potent, mighty, cruel, oppresive, cross, transverse, oblique, slanting ar draws = across, over, upon, about traws(i)af, trawsu, traws(i)o = to move/cut across, cross, turn sideways trawsedd = perverseness, obstinacy, rebellion trawseddaf, trawseddu = to offend, transgress
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tres = adverse, cross, forward adres = across
Cornish (Kernewek)	treus = pass treusfurvyaz = transform a-dreus = across
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	tros = traverse, distance
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	treuz, treus, trez = traverse, distance
Breton (Brezhoneg)	treuz [trøːs] = traverse. distance, height a-dreuz = across, traverse treuzer = ferry treuzerezh = crossing treuzfurmin = to transform treuzkas = to transmit treuzkaser = transmitter treuzlat = transfer

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *terh₂- (to cross over, pass through, overcome) [source].

Betwixt and Between

6th February 2024 By Simon

Here are some words for betwixt, between, among and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*enter = betwen
Gaulish	Entarabo = name of a god
Celtiberian	enterara = between
Old Irish (Goídelc)	eter = between etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) etir, itir = between him etron(n), etrunn = between us etruib = between you (pl) etarru, etarro = between them
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	eter, etir, etar-, etr- = inter-, between, among etrom, etrum = between me etrut = between you (sg) eadra, etir = between him etronn, etrunn, eadrainn, eadroinn = between us etruib, eadruibh, eadraibh = between you (pl) et(t)arru, etarro, etorro = between them
Irish (Gaeilge)	idir [ˈɪdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛdʲəɾʲ/ˈɛd̪ˠəɾʲ] = between, both eadrainn = between us eadraibh = between you (pl) eatarthu = between them idirchéim = interval idircheol = interlude idirchuir = to interpose idirfhigh = to interweave idirmhír = intersection idirlíon = internet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eadar [edər] = between eadarainn = between us eadaraibh = between you (pl) eatarra = between them eadar-aghaidh [edərˈɤ.ɪ] = interface eadar-cheangailte = interconnected eadar-cheangal = interlinking, interconnecting, communications eadar dà sgeul = incidentally (“between two stories”) eadar-dhealtaichte = parted, separated, differing, distinct eadar-lìon = internet eadar-theangachadh = translating, translation
Manx (Gaelg)	eddyr [ˈɛðˌər] =between, betwixt eddyr ain = between us eddyr eu = between you (pl) eddyr oc = between them eddyr-ashoonagh = international(ist) eddyrcheim = interval eddyr-chianglt = interconnected eddyr-ghoaillagh = intermediary eddyr-hengaghey = to interpret, interpretation eddyr-voggyl = internet
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨntr = between
Old Welsh	ithr = between
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ythr = between
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ynter, yntré = between, among yntredho = between him yntredhon = between us ynterdhoch, yntredhouch = between ye yntredhe = between them
Cornish (Kernewek)	ynter, yntra = between ynterdhyskyblethek = interdisciplinary ynterfas = interface
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ithr = between, among
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	entre, intre = between, among
Breton (Brezhoneg)	etre [e.ˈtre] = between, intermediate, while, as long as etrezon = between me entrezout = between you (sg) entrezañ = between him entrezi = between her etrezomp = between us entrezoc’h = between you (pl) entrezo, entreze = between them etrebazhin, etrebazhiñ = to interpose etrekeltiek = inter-Celtic etrelakaat = to interpose etrevroadel = international

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁entér (between), from *h₁én (in) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include enter and under in English. onder (under, downwards) in Dutch, unter (under, below, among, between) in German, ndër (between, among, in, through) in Albanian [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between rhyngddo i = between me rhyngddot ti = between you (sg) rhyngddo fe/fo = between him rhyngddi hi = between her rhyngddon ni = between us rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl) rhyngddyn nhw = between them rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory rhyngrwyd = internet rhyngwladol = international cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)

rỽng, rỽg, rug, rwng = between
kyfrwg, kyfrug, kyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Welsh (Cymraeg)

rhwng, yrhwng [r̥ʊŋ] = between
rhyngddo i = between me
rhyngddot ti = between you (sg)
rhyngddo fe/fo = between him
rhyngddi hi = between her
rhyngddon ni = between us
rhyngddoch chi = between you (pl)
rhyngddyn nhw = between them
rhyngberthynol = interrelated, mutually connected
rhyngol = intermediate, mediatory
rhyngrwyd = internet
rhyngwladol = international
cyfrwng = means, medium, agency, interval, midst

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	plith, plyth = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst ymplith, em plyth, ymlith, ymhlith = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with
Welsh (Cymraeg)	plith = midst, middle, centre, between, amongst plithdraphlithdod = confusion, disorder plithwrtaith = compost tryblith = chaos, disorder, muddle ymhlith [əmˈɬiːθ] = among(st), in or to (the midst of), (together) with

Etymology: unknown [source].

Barnacles & Limpets

6th January 20246th January 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weak and Feeble

2nd December 2023 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

Deceitful Errors

17th November 202317th November 2023 By Simon

Words for to error, deceit and related things in Celtic languages.

Deceitful Errors

Proto-Celtic	welsos = error, deceit wolsos = something wrong
Gaulish	uolson = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fell = deceit, treachery fellaid = to act deceitfully faill = neglect
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fell = deceit, treachery felle = treachery felmaíne = deceitful riches faill, fall = neglect, negligence
Irish (Gaeilge)	feall [fʲɑːl̪ˠ/fʲal̪ˠ] = deceit, treachery, let-down, failure; to prove false to, betray, fail fealladh = deception, betrayal, failure. feallaire = deceiver, betrayer feallaireacht = deception, betrayal fealltach = deceitful, treacherous fealltacht = deceitfulness, treachery feallatóir = betrayer, traitor feallatóireacht = betraying, treachery faill = negligence, omission, chance, opportunity, time, occasion, cessation, easement
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feall [fjaul̪ˠ] = treachery, conspiracy, trickery, deceit, falsehood feallachadh [fjal̪ˠəɣ] = deceiving, deceit, deception feallag [fjal̪ˠag] = trick feallsach [fjaul̪ˠsəx] = mendacious, false, mock, pseudo feallsachd [fjaul̪ˠsəxg] = mendacity, deceit fealltach [fjaul̪ˠdəx] = fraudulent, traitorous fealltair [fjaul̪ˠdɪrʲ] = deceiver, traitor
Manx (Gaelg)	foall = deceit, felony, murder, slyness foalsaght = deceit(fulness), fallacy, falseness, hollowness, hypocrisy foalsey = affected, bogus, counterfeit, fallacious foalsid = affectation, deceitfulness, falseness, fictitiousness, perfidiousness, untruth foalserey = deceiver, hypocrite, sycophant
Middle Welsh (Kymreac)	guall, gvall, gwall = mistake, error, oversight, fault gwallawc, gwallawg = negligent, careless, loose, faulty, defective guallus, gwalus, gwallus = negligent, careless, heedless, slack, remiss
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwall [ɡwaɬ/ɡwa(ː)ɬ] = mistake, error, oversight, fault, wrong, deceit, lie, defect, negligence, faulty, evil, deficient gwallgof = madness, insanity, delirium, mad, insane gwallgofaf, gwallgofi = to go mad, become insane, be frenzied or frantic gwallog = negligent, careless, loose, faulty, defective gwallus [ˈɡwaɬɨ̞s/ˈɡwaɬɪs] = negligent, careless, heedless, slack, remiss
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwall = accident, defect, neglect gwallus = accidental gwaluster = casualty
Old Breton	guoael = bad, wrong
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goall, goual, goal, gual(l) = bad, wrong
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwall [gwal] = bad, wrong, nasty, naughty gwallus = harmful gwallvrudañ = to defame gwallvruder = slanderer gwallvruderezh = deffamation, slandering gwallwir = concussion gwalladenn = rape

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(h₁)welh₁(bʰ)-,, from *wel- (to deceive) [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, 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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Breton (Brethonoc)

Lies and Deceit

Colourful Hues

Long Distance

A Bit of Bitterness

Muddy Mires

Through and Through

Betwixt and Between

Barnacles & Limpets

Weak and Feeble

Deceitful Errors