Melting 🫠

6th March 20266th March 2026 By Simon

Words for to melt and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	tāyo = to melt tādeti = to melt (away) *tāmus = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tám = plague, pestilence, stupor, swoon tinaid = to melt
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tám, támh, tamh = plague, pestilence, swoon, stupor, unconsciousness, death tinaid = to melt, to vanish
Irish (Gaeilge)	támh = plague, pestilence, (aiterary), swoon, trance, stupor, rest, silence, lethargy, apathy, idleness támhach = comatose, torpid, lethagic, sluggish, inert, feeble támhán = sleepy person, sluggard támhnéal = swoon, trance
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tàmh = dwelling, residing, inhabiting, ease, rest, repose, quieting tàmh-neul = slumber, swoon, trance, ecstasy
Manx (Gaelg)	taaue = idle, inert, passive, leisured taaue-neeal = coma, trance
Proto-Brythonic	*tọðɨd = to thaw
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	taỽd, tawd, tawdd = molten, melted, liquid todi, toddi = to melt, to liquefy, to thaw, to dissolve, to fuse, to blend todedyc, toddedig = melted, melting, molten, dissolved toddiant = solution, molten substance, a melting toddudd, todhwr = melter (of metal), founder, caster, smelter
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tawdd [tau̯ð] = molten, melted, liquid toddi [ˈtɔðɪ / ˈtoːði] = to melt, to liquefy, to thaw, to dissolve, to fuse, to blend toddaid = melted, molten, liquid toddbot, tawddbot = melting-pot, crucible todd-dy, tawdd-dy = foundry, melting-house toddedig = melted, melting, molten, dissolved toddiant = solution, molten substance, a melting toddwr, toddydd = melter (of metal), founder, caster, smelter
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	tedha = to melt, to thaw, to dissolve, to liquefy, to become melted
Cornish (Kernewek)	teudh = molten teudha, teudhi = to dissolve, to melt, to thaw teudhans = solution teudherigva = fuse box teudherik = fuse teudhji = smelting house teudhla = foundry
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	todint = to melt
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teuz = melting, smelting teuzer = founder, foundry, smelter teuzyff, teuzi = to melt
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teuz [ˈtøːs] = melting, smelting teuzadenn = fussion, fondant (pastry) teuzenn = fusible, fusion, molten, melting teuzer = founder, foundry, smelter, melter, foundryman teuzerc’h = melted snow teuzerezh = foundry teuziñ [ˈtøː.(z)ĩ] = to dissolve, to melt (away), to dissipate teuzus [ˈtøː.zys] = melting, fuse

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *teh₂- (to melt, to flow, to stream) [source]. Words from the same roots include to thaw in English, dooien (to thaw, melt) in Dutch, tauen (to digest, process) in German, töa (to thaw) in Swedish [source].

The Goidelic words may or may not be related to the Brythonic languages, but they probably all come from the same PIE root.

Proto-Celtic	*legeti = to melt, dissolve
Old Irish (Goídelc)	legaid [ˈl̠ʲe.ɣəðʲ] = to melt, dissolve
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	legaid, legad, legtha = to melt (away), dissolve, wear away, perish, crumble, smelt, distroy, wipe out legtha, leaghtha = molten, melted coimlega(i)d = to melt together fo-lega = to spread, blot
Irish (Gaeilge)	leáigh [lʲɑːɟ / l̠ʲɑː / l̠ʲeːj] = to melt, fade away leádóir = melter leádóireacht = (act of) melting leáiteach = melting, dwindling, pale, wan
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leagh [l̪ʲɤɣ] = melt, defrost, dissolve, become liquid, liquidate leaghach [l̪ʲɤɣəx] = soluble, meltable leaghadair [l̪ʲɤɣədɪrʲ] = melter, smelter leaghagh [l̪ʲɤ.əɣ] = (act of) melting, defrosting, dissolving, liquidating leaghta [l̪ʲɤɣdə] = melted, molten, defrosted, dissolved, liquidated
Manx (Gaelg)	lheie = melt, smelt, fuse, dissolve, digest, liquefy lheieagh = melting, soluble, digestive lheieder = melter, smelter lheiht = melted, molten, smelted, digested

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *leg- (to leak) [source]. Words from the same roots include lake, leach and leak in English, lekken (to leak, be leaky) in Dutch, leka (to drip, dribble, leak) in Norwegian, lecken (to lick) in German, lækur (brook, stream) in Icelandic, llaith (damp, moist, humid) in Welsh, leyth (humid, moist) in Cornish, and leizh (humid) in Breton [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

Knowing Recognition

18th February 202618th February 2026 By Simon

Words for to know, to recognise and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	gninuti = to recognize ati-gninuti = to know
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ad·gnin, as·gnin [aðˈɡʲnʲin] = to know, to recognize, to perceive aithnid = familiar, known, acquaintane, friend, to know, to recognise, to understand, to entrust in·gnin = to recognise, to understand
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ad-gnin, aithnid = to know, to recognise, to perceive, to be aware of aithenta = known familiar aithentas = acquaintance with, knowledge (of) aithne, aithgne = (act of) knowing, recognising, knowledge, recognition, perception
Irish (Gaeilge)	aithin [ˈahənʲ] = to know, to recognize, to identify, to acknowledge, to distinguish, to perceive aithne = acquaintance, recognition, appearance aithnid = acquaintance, appearance aithnidiúil = familar, well-known
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aithnich [an̪ʲɪç] = recognise, discern, know, acknowledge, perceive, tell aithne, athainte [an̪ʲə / a.ɪn̪ʲdʲə] = familiarity, acquaintance, knowledge, discernment, ken aithneach [an̪ʲəx] = acquiantance; discering, considerate, attentive aithnichear [an̪ʲɪçər] = identifier, recogniser aithnichte [an̪ʲɪçdʲə] = known, recognised, plain, manifest, exceptionally
Manx (Gaelg)	ainjys = acquaintance, familiarity, intimacy ainjyssagh = acquaintance, intimate enn = acquaintance, knowledge, recognition cur enn er to recognise, pick out enney [en(ʲ)ə] = acquaintance, awareness, cognition, consciousness, identity, knowledge, recognition cur enney er = to apprehend, to indentify, to recognise, apprehension enneys = to know
Proto-Brythonic	ate-gegn-, adwoɨnɨnüd = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	adnapo, adnabu, adw(a)en, atnabot , adnabot [adˈnabod] = to recognise, to know (be acquainted or familiar with) ednabyddieth = recognition, identification, knowledge (of a person or place), familiarity, acquaintance, acknowledgement etnebydedyc, ednebydedyc, atnabydedig = (well-)known, familiar, recognized, acknowledged adnabydus, adnabyddus = (well-)known, familiar, recognized, acknowledged, renowed, famous, recognizable
Welsh (Cymraeg)	adnabod [adˈnabɔd / adˈna(ː)bɔd] = to recognise, to know (be acquainted or familiar with) adnabyddedig = (well-)known, familiar, recognized, acknowledged adnabydd(i)aeth [ˌadnaˈbəðjaɨ̯θ] = recognition, identification, knowledge (of a person or place), familiarity, acquaintance, acknowledgement adnabyddus [ˌadnaˈbəðɨ̞s] = (well-)known, familiar, recognized, acknowledged, renowed, famous, recognizable
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	aswon = to know, recognize, be acquainted with aswonvos, aswonfys = to know, recognize, be acquainted with
Cornish (Kernewek)	aswon, ajon [ˈaz.wɔn] = to acknowledge, be familiar with, know, realise, recognise aswonans = acknowledgement, credits aswonesik = acquaintance aswonvos = acknowledgement, acquaintance, knowledge aswonys = familiar, known
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ezneo = to know, to recognise
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aznauout, aznevont = to know, to recognise, to identify, to understand
Breton (Brezhoneg)	anavezout, ana(v)out [ãn(a)ˈveː(z)ut] = to know, to recognise, to identify, to understand anavedigezh = awareness anavezadenn = reconnaissance anavezapl = (re)cognizable, identifiable. anavezer = connoisseur, indentifier anavezet = known, declared, recognized

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵn̥néh₃ti (to know, recognise), from *ǵneh₃- (to know, recognise [source]. Words from the same roots include žinóti (to know) in Lithuanian, znát (to know) in Czech, know, ignore, recognise, can, could, cunning and canny in English, können (to be able, can, to know, understand) in German, and ken (to know) in Scots [source].

Umbilification

12th February 20266th March 2026 By Simon

Words for navel, centre, core and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	boilcsén = centre, middle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	boilcsén, boillscén = middle, centre
Irish (Gaeilge)	boilsceann = bulging part (of sth), middle
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buillsgean, boillsgean, builsgean [bɯil̪ʲʃgʲan] = middle, centre, focus, core, navel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bogel, bogail = navel
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bogail, bogel [ˈbɔɡai̯l / ˈboːɡai̯l] = navel, umbilicus, belly button, afterbirth; boss (on shielf), knob, stud, nave, hub (of wheel), middle, centre bogailsyllol = given to navel-gazing bogailsyllu = to contemplate one’s navel, to engage in navel-gazing or omphaloskepsis bogeil(i)aidd = umbilical, umbilicate bogeiliog = umbilical, umbilicate, having a navel, navel-baring, bossed bogeiliol = umbilical, navel-gazing, self-absorbed
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	begel = navel
Cornish (Kernewek)	begel = navel
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	becel = navel
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	begeul, begiel = navel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	begel [ˈbeː.ɡɛl] = navel, umbilical cord, walnut husk begelet = umbilicate, umbilicated

Etymology: possible related to words for belly or swelling such as bolg in Irish and Manx, and bol in Welsh, which come from Proto-Celtic *bolgos (sack, bag, stomach) from Proto-Indo-European *bʰólǵʰ-o-s (skin bag, bolster), from *bʰelǵʰ- (to swell) [source 1, source 2 source 3].

Proto-Celtic	ambelyon / ambelyū = navel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	imlecán, imliu = navel
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	imlecán, imblecán, imlicen = navel, middle, central point
Irish (Gaeilge)	imleacán = navel, central point, centre, hub imleacánach = umbilical sreang (an) imleacáin = umbilical cord
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	imleag [imilag] = navel putan-imleige = belly button, navel còrd-imleige = umbilical cord
Manx (Gaelg)	imleig = navel, belly button, hub imleigagh = umbilical streng ny himleig, snaie ny himleig = umbilical cord

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₃nóbʰōl (navel) [source]. Words from the same roots include navel, omphalos, umbilicus in English, Nabel (navel, belly button, centre, middle) in German, nafli (navel, bellybutton) in Icelandic, nombril (navel, belly button, middle) in French, ombligo (navel, belly button) in Spanish, and αφαλός (afalós – navel, hub) in Greek [source].

Separation

28th January 2026 By Simon

Words for to separate, to split and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*skarati = to separate, to divide
Old Irish (Goídelc)	scaraid = to part, to separate, to sever etar·scara = to separate, to depart etarscarthae = separated
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scarad, scarthain = act of separating, parting, departing, escaping scaraid, scart, scarad, scarthain = to separate, to part, to sever, to spread out, to unfold, to depart scarthach, scarthanach, sgartanach = separated, severed
Irish (Gaeilge)	scar [ˈskaɾˠ] = to part, separate, spread scaradh = separation, spreading scaradóir = spreader scartha = to separate scarúil = separative, separable scarúnaí = separatist
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgar [sgar] = separate, divide, part, detach, sever, sunder, segregate sgarach [sgarəx] = separatist, schismatic, having cracks, fissures sgarachdach = separatist sgarachdainn [sgarəxgɪn̪ʲ] = (act of) separating, severing sgaradaiche [sgarədɪçə] = separatist sgaradair [sgarədɪrʲ] = separator, spacer
Manx (Gaelg)	scarr = to separate, to take away, parted, separated, divided scarrey = separation, disjunction, parting, secession, segregate, severence, spacing scarrey rish = to break away, part with, separate scarrit = detached, disconnected, parted, separated, spaced, sundry scarrt = parted, separated scart = apart, detached, disjoined, separate, divided, divorced
Proto-Brythonic	*ɨskarad = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysgar, yscar = separating, dividing, separation, division, split ysgar, yscar = to separate, divide, part yscaredic, ysgaredig = divorced, separated, apart yscarieth = divorce, separation, divion, split, miscarriage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgar [əsˈɡar] = separating, dividing, separation, division, split, divorce, leaving, (de)parting ysgaradwy = separable, divorceable (y)sgaraf, (y)sgaru = to separate, divide, part, divorce ysgaredig = divorced, separated, apart ysgariad, ysgariaeth = divorce, separation, divion, split, miscarriage
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	squardhy, squardye, squerdyé = to tear, to rend, to break to pieces, to be torn, to be rent, to be broken to piece
Cornish (Kernewek)	skward = laceration, rent, rip, slit, tear skwardya = to rip, to tear keskar = separation
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	scarat = split, separation
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skarat = split, separation, crack skarad = scission skarata = to make scissors, to compromise

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kerH- (to cut off, sever, separate, divide) [source]. Words from the same roots include (to) shear, carrion, carnage in English, chair (flesh) in French, carne (flesh, meat) in Spanish, and skirti (to separate, distinguish, devote) in Lithuanian, harr (to weed (out), prune, rid) in Albanian [source].

Smoothly Slippery

14th January 202614th January 2026 By Simon

Words for slippery, smooth and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	slimnos, slimonos = smooth, slippery
Old Irish (Goídelc)	slemon = slippery, smooth, polished, courteous slemnaigid = smooth, polish
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	slemon, slemain = smooth, polished, sleek, slippery, smooth, calm, temperate, gentle, affable, courteous slemnán = smoothness, flattery, cajoling talk sleimne, slemnae = smoothness, slipperiness, gentleness slemnaigid = to make smooth, polish, lubricate, soften, slip, slide
Irish (Gaeilge)	sleamhain [ˈʃlʲawənʲ / ˈʃl̠ʲãuwənʲ] = smooth, slippery, sleek, slippery, sly sleamhaine = smoothness, sleekness, slipperiness sleamhnaigh = to slide, to slip, to go unnoticed, to smooth sleamhnán = slide, runner, bob (of sledge), chute, shoot, slippery sleamhnánach = smooth, slippery, sly sleamhnánaí = slippery / sly person sleamhnú = to slide, slip, slither
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sleamhainn [ʃl̪ʲɛ̃ũ.ɪn̪ʲ] = slippery, smooth strong>sleamhaineag [ʃl̪ʲãũ.ɪn̪ʲag] = slide
Manx (Gaelg)	shliawin, sliawin, shliawn [ʃlʲãunʲ] = slippery, smooth, sly, sleek, soapy, insidious, lubricated, greasy shliawinaghey = to become slippery shliawney = slippery shliawinane = chute, slide, glide, runner, slipway, shoot shliawinid = smoothness, slipperiness, slyness, insidiousness
Proto-Brythonic	*llɨβ̃n = coal (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	linīnt = to make smooth (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llywin, llyfyn, llyfnet, llyvn = smooth, level, plain, flat, polished, slippery llyfnu, Llyfny = to harrow, to make smooth, to pat, to polish
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llyfn [ɬɨ̞vn / ɬɪvn] = smooth, level, plain, flat, polished, slippery llyfnaf, llyfnu = to harrow, to make smooth, to pat, to polish llyfndra = smoothness, levelness, evenness, sleekness, ease, fluency llyfnedig = smoothed, polished
Middle Cornish (Cernewec . Kernuak)	leven = smooth, even, level
Cornish (Kernewek)	leven = even, level, plain, smooth levena = to smooth levender = evenness levenhe = to level levenheans = terracing
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	limn = smooth (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dileffn = smooth, plain, polished
Breton (Brezhoneg)	levn [ˈlẽwn] = smooth, plain, polished levnaat = smooth, smoothing levnadur = polishing, smoothing levnañ [ˈlẽw.nːã] = to slip levnenn = polished

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ley- (slime, slimy, sticky, slippery). Words from the same roots possibly include slime in English, slijm (slime, mucus) in Dutch, Schleim (mucus, slime) in German, limon (silt) in French and limo (mud, slime, slit) in Spanish [source].

Glowing Stars

8th January 20268th January 2026 By Simon

Words for star, coal and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	glāwos, glowos = glowing thing, coal, charcoal *glāwū = glower
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rétglu, rétlu‎ = star
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rétlu, rétla = star rétlannach = starry, containing stars, sparkling, radiant
Irish (Gaeilge)	réalta [ˈɾˠeːl̪ˠt̪ˠə] = star, pip, asterisk réaltach = starry, stellar, astral, starlike, beautiful réaltbhuíon = constellation réalteolaí = astronomer réalteolaíocht = astronomy réaltóg = (small) star réaltra = galaxy réiltín = (small) star, starlet, asterisk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	reul [r̪ˠial̪ˠ] = star, asterisk reul-bhad = constellation reul-chrios = galaxy reulach [r̪ˠial̪ˠəx] = astral, starry, abounding in stars reuladair [r̪ʲiəl̪ˠədɪrʲ] = astronomer, astrologer reuladaireachd [r̪ʲiəl̪ˠədɪrʲəxg] = astronomy, astrology, stargazing reult [r̪ˠial̪ˠd] = star
Manx (Gaelg)	rolt = star roltag = star roltage = star rolteen = asterisk, star, starlet rollage = star, pip rollageagh = astral rollageyder = astronomer rollageydys = astronomy rontage = star
Proto-Brythonic	*glọw = coal (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glo = coal, charcoal
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glo [ɡloː] = coal, charcoal glo(e)a = to make charcoal by burning wood gloaidd = pertaining to coal, coal-black globwll = coal pit, coal mine, colliery glöyn byw = butterfly (“living coal”)
Cornish (Kernewek)	glow = coal glowbren = charcoal glowor = collier glowva = colliery
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glaou, glaoü, glou = coal, embers, to braise
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glaou [ˈɡlɔw] = coal, embers, spark, strong emotion, money glaoua [ˈɡlɔwːa] = to search for or collect coal glaouaer [ɡlɔˈwːɛr] = coalman, collier, swallow (bird) glaouañ = to grind, to make sth burn glaoudenn = charred piece (of wood)

Etymology (Goidelic): from Old Irish rét (thing) and Proto-Celtic *glāwos (glowing thing, coal, charcoal) from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰl̥h₁-wó-s from *ǵʰleh₁- (to shine, glow). The Brythonic words come from the same roots, directly via Proto-Celtic *glāwos [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sterā = star
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ser = star
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ser = star
Proto-Brythonic	*ster = stars
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	sserenn = star
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	syr, sŷr, sér, sêr = stars seren = star
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sêr [seːr] = stars seren = star, asterisk serydd(wr) = astronomer, astrologer seryddeg = astronomy seryddegiaeth = astronomy, astrology serydd(i)ol = astronomic(al), astrological sêr-nifwl, serniwl = nebula, galaxy
Old Cornish	steren = star
Middle Cornish (Cernewec . Kernuak)	ste(y)r = stars sterran = star
Cornish (Kernewek)	ster = stars sterennek = starry sterfisegieth = astrophysics stergan = starlight stergelgh, stergylgh = zodiac sterji = planetarium sterlester = spaceship, starship steronieth = astronomy stervarner, stervarnores = astronaut
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	sterenn = star
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ster = stars steret = stars sterenn = star
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ster [ˈsteːr] = stars stered [ˈsteː.rɛt] = stars steredenn [ste.ˈreː.dɛn] = star steredek = star, star-studded, constellated, peppered, dotted with steread = astronaut steredeg [ste.ˈreː.dɛk] = constellation steredel = stellar steredennañ = to star, to twinkle

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂stḗr (star), from *h₂eh₁s- (to burn) [source].

Pressing Squeezes

31st December 202531st December 2025 By Simon

Words for squeeze, press and related things in Celtic languages.

Pressing Squeezing

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*w(d)-sko- = to press
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fáiscid‎ = to squeeze
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fáiscid, fasced = to press, squeeze fáscud, fásgadh = pressing, squeezing, wringing
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáisc [ˈfˠɑːʃc / ˈfˠaːʃc] = to squeeze, compress, wring, press (éadaigh) fáisceadán = (clothes) wringer fáscadh = to press, squeeze, tightness, compactness, press, pressure, exertion, effort fáisceán = press, binding material, binder, bandage fáiscín = clip, fastener
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fàisg [faːʃgʲ] = press, squeeze, extort fàisge [faːʃgʲə] = pressed curd cheese fàisgeadair [faːʃgʲədɪrʲ] = squeezer fàisgeadh [faːʃgʲəɣ] = (act of) pressing, squeezing, extorting, extortion fàisgte [faːʃdʲə] = pressed, squeezed
Manx (Gaelg)	faast = twist, wring, filament faastan = press faastey = to squeeze, compress, twist, wring, compression, wringing faasteyder = squeezer, wringer
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gwasc, gwasg = a pressing, squeezing, pressure, crush, weight, stress, adversity, oppression gwasgad = covering, dress, mantle, cloak guasc, guasgu, guascu, gwasgu, gwascy = to press, squeeze, crush, compress, trample, bind, tie, join gwasgedic, gwasedig = pressed, compressed, distressed, anxious, oppressive gwascva, gwascfa = pang, qualm, pain, ache, faint, anguish, distress, affliction; press
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwasg = a pressing, squeezing, pressure, crush, weight, stress, adversity, oppression; printing press; waist, belt, girdle gwasgadwy = compressible gwasgaf, gwasgu = to press, squeeze, crush, compress, trample, bind, tie, join; to hug, embrace; to afflict, oppress gwasg(i)edig = pressed, compressed, distressed, anxious, oppressive gwasgfa = pang, qualm, pain, ache, faint, anguish, distress, affliction; press
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwyscel = to press, squash, squeeze
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwask = nip, press, stress gwaska = to lobby, nip, press, squash, squeeze gwaskans = impression, squeeze, squeezing gwaskedh = pressure gwaskell = compressor gwask-pryntya = printing press
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	(dem)guescim = press (?)
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goasq = press, clamp, pressure, oppression goascaff, goschaff, goasca = to press, squeeze
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwask [ˈɡwask] = press, clamp, pressure, oppression gwaskad = embrace, affliction gwaskadeg = press, crowd gwaskadenn = pressing, contraction, sprain, immersion gwaskañ [ˈɡwas.kã] = to press, oppress, embrace, trample

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *wedʰh₁- (to squeeze) [source].

Shady Shadows

11th December 202511th December 2025 By Simon

Words for shadow, shade and related things in Celtic languages.

Shady shadows

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	skāto(m) = shadow ufo-skāto/u = shadow, shelter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	scáth [skaːθ] = shade, shadow, shelter, protection foscad = shade, shelter
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scáth, scatha, sgátha [skaːθ] = shade, shadow, reflexion, image, phantom, spectre, shelter, covering, protection scáthaig(h)the = frightened, terrified scáthán, scathan, sgathán = mirror, looking-glass foscad, foscud, foiscthe, foscaidh = shadow, shade, gloom, glimmer, shelter, protection
Irish (Gaeilge)	scáth [sˠkɑː / ˈsˠkæː] = shade, shadow, covering, protection, screen, reflected image, phantom, fear, dread, bashfulness, timidity scáthach = shady, sheltered scáthaigh = to shade, darken, obscure, cover, screen, protect scáthán = mirror, looking-glass, centre of attraction scáthánach = reflecting, specular scáthlán = shelter, open-ended hut or shed, screen, (lamp) shade foscadh = (literary) shade, shadow, shadowy form, shelter
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgàth [sgaː] = shade, shadow, dread, apprehension sgàthach [sgaː.əx] = shady, shadow, timid, fearful, shy, skittish sgàthachd [sgaːhəxg] = timidity sgàthag [sgaː.ag] = dread, fright sgàthair [sgaː.ɛrʲ] = coward sgàthan [sgaːhan] = looking-glass, mirror, reflector sgàthanaichte [sgaːhanɪçdʲə] = mirrored fasgadh [fasgəɣ] = (act of) sheltering, shelter
Manx (Gaelg)	scaa = shadow, shade, screen, cover, timidity, apparition, ghost scaagh = bashful, timid, shadowy, shady scaaghey = to darken, overshadow, shade, shadow, shadowing scaadooagh = shadowy, shadowing, shady scaane = mirror
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	isscaud, isgaud, yscaỼt, ysgod, ysgaỼt = shade, shadow, darkness gwascawt, gwasgawt, gwasgawd = shelter, shady place, shadow kyscaut, kysgod, cyscod = shadow, reflection, shade kyscoty, kysgodi, kyscodi = to shelter, defend, protect yscodic, iscodic, ysgodic = retreating, fearful, skittish, sheltered ysgodigaw = to frighten, retreat, flee, escape
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgod = shade, shadow, darkness, night, soul, spirit, apparition, goblin, appearance, fright, disguise, mask cysgod = shadow, reflection, shade, likeness, phantom, symbol, shelter cysgodaf, cysgodi = to shelter, defend, protect cysgodol = shadowing, sheltering, shady, snug gwasgod = shelter, shady place, shadow (y)sgodig = retreating, fearful, skittish, sheltered ysgodigaf, ysgodigo = to frighten, retreat, flee, escape
Old Cornish	scod = shade, shadow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	schus = fear, suspicion
Cornish (Kernewek)	skeus, skeuj = shadow, reflection skeusedner, skeusenner = photographer skeusek = shady, suspicious skeusen = photograph skeusenieth, skeusenweyth = photography skeusener, skeusenores = photographer skeusi = to elude, escape, evade capture
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	scot = shadow, reflection, ghost guascotou = shelter, shade
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	squeut = shadow, reflection, ghost goasquet = shelter, shade
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skeud [skøːt] = shadow, reflection, ghost skeudan = to shade skeudenn [ˈskøːdɛn] = image, illustration skeudennadur = figurine, illustration skeudennadurezh = iconography skeudennaouañ = to illustrate gwasked = shelter, shade

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *sḱeh₃t- (darkness, shadow) [source]. The English words shadow and shade come from same roots, as do schaduw (shadow) in Dutch, Schatten (shadow, shade) in German, and skodde (fog, mist) in Norwegian [source].

What?

12th November 202512th November 2025 By Simon

Words for what? which? who? where? and related things in Celtic languages.

What?

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷid? = what?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cid? = what? cote, cate, catte [ˈko.d̠ʲe] = of what sort is …? what is …?
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cote, coteeet, codde, cate, cati, cáte = what (is)?
Irish (Gaeilge)	cad? [kad̪ˠ] = what? where? (in Munster) cad é? [kəd̪ˠˈeː] = what? (in Connacht & Ulster) cad é mar (atá tú)? = how (are you)? (in Ulster) céard? [ceːɾˠd̪ˠ] = what? (in Connacht) goidé? [ɡəˈtʲeː] = what? (in Connacht & Ulster) cad chuige? [kɑt̪ˠ ˈxɪɟɪ / kəˈt̪ˠiɟə] = why? (in Mayo,& Ulster) cad ina thaobh? [ˌkɑn̪ˠəˈheːvˠ] = why? (in Munster)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciod? [kʲid] = what? ciod air bith = whichever, whatever ciod e? = what? ciod thuige? [kʲid hugʲə] = why? dè? [dʲeː] = what? who? dè man? dè mar? [deː man / dʲeː mar] = how?
Manx (Gaelg)	cre? = what? cre fa? = why? cre wooad? = how much? quoid? = how many? how much?
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	pa? = what? which?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pa? py? = what? which? paham? pam? = why? reason, cause, question
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pa? [paː] = what? which? paham? pam? = why? reason, cause, question pa bryd? = when? at what time? pa un? p’un? = who(m)? which (one)?
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pe? pa? py? = what? which? where? pa le? = where place? where? pahan = what perag? prâg? = for what? wherefore? why? pattel? patla? fattel? fatla? = how? by what means? pe? pa? py? =
Cornish (Kernewek)	py? pe? = what? which? py lies? = how many? pyth? = what?, that which ple? = where? prag? = why? what for? fatla? = how?
Old Breton	pe? = what?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pe? pé? = what? peguement? pe quement? = how much? how many? pe en lech? = where? penaus? penos? = how? perac? pe-rac? = why? petra? = who? what?
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pe? [peː] = which one? pegeit? [peˈɡɛjt] = how long? how far? pegement? [pe.ˈɡẽ.mːɛnt] = how much? how many? pegoulz? [pe.ˈɡuls] = when? pehini? [peˈ(h)ĩːni] = which one? pelec’h? [peˈlɛːx] = where? penaos? [pẽ.ˈnɔːs] = how? perak? [pe.ˈrɑːk] = why? peseurt? [peˈsøʁt] = what? what kind? petra? [ˈpe.tʁa] = who? what?

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷid (what? which?) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include çë (what?) in Albanian, kas (that, which, who) in Latvian, что (što – that, what, which) in Russian, che (what, which) in Italian, ¿qué? (what? which?) in Spainish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kʷei? = who?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cía = what? where? who? how? if, although cía airet? = how long? cía airm? cairm? airm? = where? cía chruth? = how? cía méit? = how many? how much?
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cía? ce? ci? = who? what? how? where?
Irish (Gaeilge)	cá? = what? how? where? cá hait? = (at) what place? where? cá huair? = at what hour? when? cá fhad? = how long? cá mhéad? = how much? how much? cé? = who? cén? = what? which?
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cò? [koː] = who(m)? where? cò idir = whoever cò ann? = wherein? cò as? [ko as] = where from?
Manx (Gaelg)	quoi? [kwəi] = who? whom? which? whichever, who? quoi erbee = who(so)ever, whom(so)ever quoi jeu? = which one? quoid? c’wooad? = how many? how much?
Proto-Brythonic	*puɨ? = who?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pwy? = who(m)? what? pwy bynnac, pwybynnag = whoever
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pwy? [puːɨ̯ / pʊi̯] = who(m)? what? pwy bynnag = whoever
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pew? pyw? p(y)u? piwa? = who? pywpenag, piwha bennac, piwa bennac, pyu penagh = who(s)ever
Cornish (Kernewek)	piw? [piˑʊ] = who? piw penag, piw pynag = whoever piw? = who?
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	piu? = who?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	piu? piou? = who? piupennac, piu pennac, piou bennac = whoever
Breton (Brezhoneg)	piv? [piw] = who? piv bennak = whoever pivelezh = identity

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷís (who? what? which, that) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include ca (than, as) in Romanian, hve (how, like, as) in Icelandic, how and when in English, and hoe (how) in Dutch [source].

Hairy Manes

15th October 2025 By Simon

Words for mane and related things in Celtic languages.

A mane [meɪn] is longer hair growth on back of the neck of an animal, especially a horse or lion, or long or thick hair of a person’s head. It comes from Middle English ma(y)ne (mane), from Old English manu (mane), from Proto-West Germanic *manu, from Proto-Germanic *manō (mane), from Proto-Indo-European *mon(y)- (crest, mane) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*mongā = mane
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mong = mane, lock
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mong, monc = a lock or tuft of hair, hair, a head of hair, sea form, surf, foiliage, nap of cloth, mane mongach = long-haired, hairy mongda = having abundant hair
Irish (Gaeilge)	moing [mˠiːɲɟ] = mane, long hair, thick growth of hair, thick growth of vegetation, dense cover of trees, overgrown swamp, mossy fen moingfhada = long-maned, long-haired moingfhionn = white-maned, fair-haired mongach = maned, long-haired, covered with vegetation, mossy, marshy mongán = overgrown swamp, overgrown stream monglait = mop of hair
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mong = mane (of hair) muing [mũĩŋʲgʲ] = mane (of hair) muingeach [mũĩŋʲgʲəx] = woman with a mane of hair, maned, pertaining to a mane, having a mane of hair muingeag = young woman with a mane of hair
Manx (Gaelg)	mwing = mane mwingagh = maned mwing-jeear = halter
Proto-Brythonic	*mung = mane (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mwng, mig = mane mygdwn, mygawc, mygtwn = having a cut or hacked mane myngvras, myguras = long- or thick-maned mygawc, myghawc, myngoc, myngawc = maned
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mwng [mʊŋ] = mane myngdwn = having a cut or hacked mane myngfras = long- or thick-maned myngog = maned
Cornish (Kernewek)	mong = mane
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	mogou = mane
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	moe = mane
Breton (Brezhoneg)	moue [mweː] = mane, hair, crest moueek = maned, (having) abundunt hair mouen, moueñ = mane, hair, crest

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *monis (neck), from Proto-Indo-European *mónis (neck) [source].

Proto-Celtic	(ɸ)rānos, rāno- = mane
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	róinne, rúainne = a single hair
Irish (Gaeilge)	rón [ˈɾˠuːnˠ] = horsehair, long hair as from an animal’s tail rónadóir = maker of dealer in, haircloth, furrier, feather merchant rónéadach = haircloth rónléine = hair-shirt
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ròin [r̪ˠɔːn̪ʲ] = single hair, haircloth, sackcloth ròineach [r̪ˠɔːn̪ʲəx] = hairy, full of hair ròineachadh [r̪ˠɔːn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) stuffing with hair ròineag [r̪ˠɔːn̪ʲag] = single hair, strand, fibre, flagellum ròineagach [r̪ˠɔːn̪ʲagəx] = hairy ròinidh [r̪ˠɔːn̪ʲɪ] = hairy, long-haired, thick-haired
Manx (Gaelg)	renaig = hair renaigagh = hairy, piliferous
Proto-Brythonic	*rrọn = horsehair
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	raun, rawn = long coarse animal hair, esp. horsehair, bristles, (garment) made from hair, strung with hair (harp), tail rawnir, rhwanhir, rhownhir = long-haired, long-maned, long-tailed, having long feathers
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhawn [r̥au̯n] = long coarse animal hair, esp. horsehair, bristles, (garment) made from hair, strung with hair (harp), tail rhawn(h)ir = long-haired, long-maned, long-tailed, having long feathers rhawnog = like horsehair, make of horsehair, long-haired
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ren, rên = mane, horsehair
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	reun = horsehair, pig bristles
Breton (Brezhoneg)	reun = horsehair, pig bristles, silk reuneg = silky, horsehair reunek = like horsehair reunenn = horsehair, silk reunigell = pile

Etymology: uncertain [source 1, source 2].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Old Breton (Brethonoc)

Melting 🫠

Knowing Recognition

Umbilification

Separation

Smoothly Slippery

Glowing Stars

Pressing Squeezes

Shady Shadows

What?

Hairy Manes