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].

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

Pins & Needles

17th February 202417th February 2024 By Simon

Words for pin, needle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*delgos = pin, needle
Gaulish	*dalgis = scythe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	delg [dʲerɡ] = thorn, pin, brooch, peg
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	delg = thorn, pin, brooch, peg, spike, nail, pointed implement delga, delgu = pin, peg, spike, tip, point delgach = pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	dealg [ˈdʲal̪ˠəɡ / ˈdʲalˠəɡ] = thorn, prickle, spine, spike, pin, peg, pointed implement, brooch dealgán = knitting-needle deilgne = thorns, prickles deilgneach = thorny, prickly, barbed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dealg [dʲal̪ˠag] = pin, skewer, knitting needle, prick(le) dealg-fighidh = knitting needle dealgan = spindle, small pin, skewer dealg brodaidh = cattle prod dealgach [dʲal̪ˠagəx] = prickly, stinging dealganach [dʲal̪ˠaganəx] = pertaining to or abounding in spindles, small pins or skewers
Manx (Gaelg)	jialg = broochpin, needle, prick(le), quill, spine, thorn, pin jialg broghil = brooch jialg fuilt = hairpin jialg oashyr = knitting needle jialgagh = prickly, spiniferous, spiny, thorny jialgaghey = to pin, prickle, pinning
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dala = sting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dala [ˈdala] = sting, bite
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	delc(h) = jewel, necklace
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	delc = necklace
Cornish (Kernewek)	delk = necklace

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰelg- (sting). Words from the same root include dálkur (spine of a fish, knife, dagger, [newspaper] column) in Icelandic, dilgus (prickly) in Lithuanian, falce (scythe, sickle) in Italian, hoz (sickle) in Spanish, and falcate (shaped like a sickle), falcifer (sickle-bearing, holding a scythe) in English [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish *dalgis (scythe) and Latin *daculum (scythe) , possibly include dall (mowing, billhook) in Catalan, dalle (scythe) in Spanish, and dalha (scythe) in Occitan (Languedoc) [source].

The English word dagger, and related words in other languages, such as daga (dagger) in Spanish, and Degen (rapier, épée) in German, might come from the same roots [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ber = (cooking) spin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bi(u)r [bʲir] = stake, spit, point, spear, spike berach = pointed, sharp
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bir = stake, spit, point, spear, spike biraid = to pierce biraigthe = sharpened, pointed birda = pointed, sharp birín = little spike, sharp point, dart, little spear
Irish (Gaeilge)	bior [ˈbʲɨ̞ɾˠ] = pointed rod or shaft, spit, spike, point biorach = pointed, sharp bioraigh = to point, sharpen biorán = pin, hand (of clock) bioranta = sharp biorú = pointing, sharpening
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bior [bir] = prickle, thorn, point, pointed object, knitting needle biorachadh [birəxəɣ] = sharpening, making pointed, staring biorag [birag] = small thorn or prickle, spiteful sharp-tongued woman biorach [birəx] = pointed, sharp, piercing, prickly bioraich [birɪç] = sharpen, make pointed, stare
Manx (Gaelg)	birr, byr = point, spit birragh, byrragh = pointed, scathing, sharp, spiky, tapered, prickly birranagh = pointed, sharp birraghey = to sharpen, taper, tone up
Proto-Brythonic	ber = (cooking) spit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bêr, ber = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer beraid = as much as can be held on a spit
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bêr [beːr] = spear, lance, pike, spit, skewer ber(i)af, berio, beru = to spit (meat), impale, stab with a spear beriad = as much as can be held on a spit bergi = turnspit (dog) bernod = dagger, obelisk
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ber, bêr = spit, lance, spear
Cornish (Kernewek)	berya = to stab, run through
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ber, bèr, bir = (roasting) spit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ber [beːr] = spindle, point, spike beriad = pin berian = skewer

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *gʷéru (spit, spear) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include verrocchio (olive oil press) in Italian, verrou (bolt, lock) in French, cerrojo (bolt, latch) in Spanish [source].

Proto-Celtic	snātantā = needle (?) snātos = thread
Old Irish (Goídelc)	snáthat = needle snáith = thread
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	snáthat, snāthad, snathat = needle snáithe = thread
Irish (Gaeilge)	snáthaid [ˈsˠn̪ˠɑːhəd̪ˠ] = needle, snáthadóir = needle-maker snáth = thread, yarn, web
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	snàthad [sn̪ˠaː.əd] = needle, pointer (on a dial) snàthadair [sn̪ˠaː.ədɪrʲ] = needle-maker snàthadalan [sn̪ˠaː.ədəl̪ˠan] = needlecase snàthadh [sn̪ˠaː.əɣ] = threading, stringing snàthadag [sn̪ˠaː.ədag] = sting snàth [sn̪ˠaː] = thread, yarn
Manx (Gaelg)	snaid = needle, pointer, indicator, index snaid whaaley = sewing needle snaidagh = needle-like snaidey = knit obbyr snaidey = needlework snaih, snaie = line, thread, yarn, worm, netting
Old Welsh (Kymraec)	notuid = needle, pin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	notwyd, nottwyd, nodwydd = needle, pin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nodwydd [ˈnɔdwɨ̞ð/ˈnɔdʊi̯ð] = needle, pin, pointer, dial nodwyddaf, nodwyddo = to sew, stitch, inject, prick nodwyddiad = acupuncture nodwyddig = small needle nodwyddwaith = needlework nodwyddwr = needlemaker, pinmaker, sewer, stitcher, tailor
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nadedh, nadzhedh = needle noden = thread, yarn
Cornish (Kernewek)	naswydh, najedh = needle neusen, neujen = thread, yarn neusenna = to thread
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nadoez, nados, nadoz = sewing needle neut, neud = thread
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nadoez [beːr] = needle, hand, pointer, spire nadoezenn = (clock) hand nadoezier = needle maker neud = thread, filaments, net, algae

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *(s)neh₁- (to spin, sew) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include needle, nerve, neuron, sinew and snood in English [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 202425th May 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 (after, 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].

Cauldrons and Kettles

30th January 20243rd February 2024 By Simon

Words for cauldron, kettle, pot and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷaryos = cauldron
Gaulish	*parios = cauldron
Old Irish (Goídelc)	coire [ˈkorʲe] = cauldron
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	coire [ˈkorʲə] = cauldron, pot, whirlpool coirén = little pot
Irish (Gaeilge)	coire [ˈkɛɾʲə] = large pot, cauldron, boiler, corrie, cirque, amphitheatre, deep mountain hollow, pit, whirlpool coire bolcáin = volcanic crater
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	coire [kɔrʲə] = kettle, corrie, cauldron coireag [kɔrʲag] = small kettle, small corrie, small cauldron
Manx (Gaelg)	coirrey = cauldron, boiler, pothole, hollow in hills, corrie, maelstrom, vent of volcano
Proto-Brythonic	*pėr = cauldron
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	peyr, peir, pair = cauldron peireit, peried = cauldron(ful)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pair [ˈpai̯r] = cauldron, large pot, boiler, melting-pot peiran = corrie, cwm, cirque (in geology) peir(i)aid = cauldron(ful)
Old Cornish	per = cauldron
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	per = cauldron, kettle, boiler, furnace
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	per = cauldron
Breton (Brezhoneg)	per [ˈpeːr] = cauldron

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kʷer- (to do, make, build). Words from the same roots include Britain, Brittany and karma in English, and words for time and shape in Celtic languages [source].

The city of Paris in France gets it name from Lutetia Parisiorum (Lutetia of the Parīsiī), a Gallo–Roman town that was established on the Left Bank of the Seine after the Romans conquered the local Gaulish tribe, the Parisioi, or Parīsiī in Latin, in 52 BC. The Gaulish name *Parisioi comes from Gaulish *parios (cauldron) [source].

Old Welsh	calaur = cauldron, cooking pot, boiler, kettle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kallaur, kallawr, callor, callawr = cauldron, cooking pot, boiler, kettle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	callor, callawr = cauldron, cooking pot, boiler, kettle calloriad = the fill or contents of a cauldron calloryn = a small cauldron, skillet, kettle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	caltor = kettle
Cornish (Kernewek)	kalter = kettle
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cauter = boiler, cauldron, cooking pot
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kaoter [ˈko.tɛr] = boiler, cooking pot kaoteriad [kɔ.ˈtɛ.rjat] = contents of a pot, Cotriade /Brittany Fish Stew, fish that fishermen bring home for meals primgaoter [prim.ˈɡo.tɛr] = pressure cooker

Etymology: from Latin caldāria (warm bath, kettle, cooking pot, cauldron, from caldārius (hot water), from cal(i)dus (warm, hot) [source]. The English word cauldron comes from the same roots, as do chowder, caldera and nonchalant [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

Stormy Weather

27th January 2024 By Simon

Words for storm and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*sīnā = weather
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sín [ˈsʲiːn/ˈsʲiːnʲ] = storm, tempest, (bad) weather
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sín = bad weather, storm, weather, season, circumstances, atmosphere, attitude
Irish (Gaeilge)	síon = weather (usually bad, stormy) síonra = atmospheric agencies, elements
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sian [ʃiən] = violent weather, the elements, whizzing sound, squall, shriek sianach [ʃiənəx] = stormy, squally, shrieking sianail = (act of) shrieking, yelling siantach [ʃiən̪ˠdəx] = pertaining to generally bad weather marcach-siana = spindrift (spray coming off stormy sea), undulating (sheets of) rain uisge nan seachd sian = almighty downpour, cloudburst, deluge, rainstorm
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hin = (bad) weather, air hinda, hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hin = (bad) weather, air hindreuliad = a weathering hindreuliaf, hindreulio = to weather hindda = dry/fine/fair weather hinddanaf, hinddanu = to become fine, clear up (of weather) hinfynag, = barometer hinon = (fair) weather, dry weather, sunshine hinonaf, hinoni = to become fine, clear up, bask in the sun hinsawdd = climate
Cornish (Kernewek)	hin = climate hinek = climatic
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hynon = serene, clear weather
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hin = climate hinon = serene, serenity hinoniñ = to have a peaceful time

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *sīniti (to stretch, extend), from *sīros (long), from PIE *seh₁- (long, lasting), or *temp- (to stretch) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	anfud = tempest, storm
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	anbod, anfud = tempest, storm, turbulence, fury, rage anfadach = stormy, perturbed, agitated
Irish (Gaeilge)	anfa [ˈanˠəfˠə] =storm, tempest anfach = stormy, rough, tempestuous anfacht = storminess

Etymology: unknown [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doinenn = stormy weather, tempest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doinenn = foul or stormy weather, tempest doinennta = stormy, tempestuous, inclement
Irish (Gaeilge)	doineann [ˈd̪ˠɪn̠ʲən̪ˠ] = stormy weather, storm. wintriness, cheerlessness doineanta = stormy, wild, inclement (weather), wintry, cheerless (person) doineantach = cheerless, cold-mannered, person; gloomy old man doineantacht = storminess, inclemency (weather), wintriness, cheerlessness (demeanour)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	doineann [dɤn̪ʲan̪ˠ] = storm, tempest doineannach [dɔn̪ʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy doireannach [dɔrʲən̪ˠəx] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	dorrin = storm, tempest dorrinagh = stormy, tempestuous dorrinys = storminess, tempestuousness, raging

Etymology: unknown [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	stoirm = storm
Irish (Gaeilge)	stoirm [ˈsˠt̪ˠɪɾʲəmʲ] = storm, bluster, rage stoirmeach = stormy, tempestuous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	stoirm [sdɤrʲɤm] = storm stoirmeil [sdɤrʲɤmal] = stormy
Manx (Gaelg)	sterrym = storm sterrymagh = stormy sterrymid = storminess
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ystorm, ystorym = storm, tempest
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)storm = storm, tempest (y)stormio = to become stormy, bluster, rain heavily, rant, scold (y)stormus = stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, boisterous

Etymology: from Middle English storm (storm, dispute, brawl, fight), from Old English storm (storm), from Proto-West-Germanic *sturm (storm), from Proto-Germanic *sturmaz (storm), from PIE *(s)twerH- (to stir up, agitate, urge on, propel) [source].

Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyd = weather
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywydd [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ð / ˈtəu̯.ɪð] = weather, bad or stormy weather tywyddiant = meterology tywyddol = pertaining to the weather
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewedh = storm tewedha = to weather

Etymology: unknown

More about words for weather (and time) in Celtic languages.

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

Bees

17th January 2024 By Simon

Words for bee, sting and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bekos/bikos = bee
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bech [bʲex] = bee
Middle Irish	bech [bʲex] = bee bechlann [bʲex] = beehive bechatoir, beachadoir = (hereditary) beekeeper bechda = full of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	beach [bʲax] = bee beachaire = beekeeper, beehive beachaireacht = beekeeping beachlann = apiary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	beach [bɛx] = bee, wasp beachach [bɛxəx] = pertaining to or abounding in bees or wasps beachair [bɛxɪrʲ] = beehive beachan [bjaxər̪ˠn̪ˠ] = small bees or wasps
Proto-Brythonic	*bɨg = bee
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	byg = bee bedaf, bydaf = bees’ nest, beehive bygegyr = drone
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bygegyr, begegyr = drone bydaf = swarm or nest of (wild) bees, bees’ nest and honey therein, beehive

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰik-/bʰoyk- (bee), from*bʰey- (bee) [source]. Words from the same roots include bee in English, and fuco (drone – male bee) in Italian [source].

Middle Irish	teillenn = swarm of bees
Irish (Gaeilge)	seileán = (wild) honey bee
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	seillean [ʃel̪ʲan] = bee
Manx (Gaelg)	shellan [ˈʃɛlʲan] = bee shelleig, shellaig = beehive, hive

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wan-inyo- = bee (?)
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee gwenynllestyr = beehive
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenyn = bees gwenynen = bee gwenynaf, gwenynu = to keep bees gwenynllais = a humming (of bees) gwenynlle = beehive gwenynog = apiary, bee-garden, pertaining to bees, abounding in bees gwenynydd = beekeeper, apiarist gwenynyddiaeth = beekeeping
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwanan, gwenyn = bees gwenynen, guenenen = bee
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwenen = bees gwenenen = bee gwenen sia = bumble bee
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guenan, guënan = bees guenanenn, guennanen = bee
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwenan, gwenen, gweren = bees gwenanenn = bee gwenaneg = apiary gwenaner = beekeeper gwenanerezh = beekeeping, apiculture

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *wano- (tip, sting) [source], from PIE *gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill). Words from the same root include bane, defend, fence and gun , and words for to stab, sting, wound, etc. in Celtic languages (see below) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gʷaneti = to strike, wound, kill, slay
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gonaid [ˈɡonɨðʲ] = to pierce, wound con·goin = to pierce, wound
Middle Irish	gonaid = to pierce, wound
Irish (Gaeilge)	goin = to wound, stab, sting, hurt goinbhlasta = piquant goineach = wounding, piercing, hurtful goineadóir = wounder, sharp-tongued person goineog = stab, sting, prick, cutting remark, thrust, gibe goineogacht = cutting remarks, gibing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	goin [gɔn̪ʲ] = wound, stab, sting, stabbing, stinging goineag [gɔnag] = nip, pinch, twitch, canine (tooth) goineanta [gɔn̪ʲən̪ˠdə] = keen, piercing gointe [gɔn̪ʲdʲə] = sorely wounded, bewitched gointeach [gɔn̪ʲdʲəx] = wounding, stabbing, stinging, agonizing
Manx (Gaelg)	guin = pain, stitch, pang guinn = insect bite, pain, smart guinney = needle, pain, sting, wound, wounding gonnid = pain, peevishness, smarting, soreness
Proto-Brythonic	gwėnɨd [ɡwe̝ˈnɨːð] = to strike, kill ėdwėnɨd = to strike again
Middle Welsh (Cymraeg)	gvant, guant, gwanu = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwanu [ˈɡwanɨ̞ / ˈɡwa(ː)ni] = to stab, prick, deeply, pierce, perforate, penetrate, kill, strike, thrust (also written gwanaf or gwân)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwane = to thrust, penetrate, pierce, stab, stick gwenys, gwynys = pierced, stabbed, stung
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwana = to pierce, stab, sting gwan = jab, prick, sting omwana = to stab oneself
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goano, goanaff, goan = to prick, grip, squeeze, annoy
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwanañ = to sting, punish, macerate gwanerezh = maceration gwanikennan = to prick

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʷʰénti (to be striking down, killing, slaying), from*gʷʰen- (to strike, slay, kill) [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

Modestly Humble

10th January 202410th January 2024 By Simon

Words for modest and related things in Celtic languages.

Modestly Humble

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*wēlos = modest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíal [fʲiːa̯l] = becoming, generous, genteel, seemly, well-bred
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	fíal = decorous becoming, seemly (of conduct or behavious), modest, chaste, well-bred, honourable, noble fíalmar = noble-natured, generous
Irish (Gaeilge)	fial [fʲiəlˠ] = seemly, proper, noble, generous, hospitable fialmhaireacht = open-handedness, generosity fialmhaitheas = goodness of heart, generosity fialmhar = open-handed, generous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fial [fiəl̪ˠ] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fial-chridheachd = altruism fial-inntinneach = open-minded, liberal-minded fialach [fiəl̪ˠəx] = generous, unstinting, liberal, open-handed, bountiful, hospitable fialachd [fiəl̪ˠəxg] = generosity, liberality fialaiche = provider of hospitality
Manx (Gaelg)	feoilt = benevolent, bountiful, generous, munificent feoiltagh = benevolent, bounteous, free, lavish, liberal, unselfish
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	guiled = shame
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guyl, gwyl, gŵyl = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive guilat, gwylat = merry, glad, lively gwylder = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gvilet, gwylet, gwyled = modesty, humility, gentleness, shame
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gŵyl = [ɡuːɨ̯l/ɡʊi̯l] = modest, bashful, unassuming, unobstrusive, mild, tender, gentle, gracious, joyous, glad, generous, kind gwylad = merry, glad, lively gwyldeb = modesty, bashfulness gwylader, gwyldra = modesty, bashfulness, humility, feeling faint gwyledd = modesty, humility, gentleness, meekness, courtesy, graciousness, joy, shame

Etymology: possibly from the PIE *wey- (turn) or *wāg- (to be bent), which is related to vagus (wandering, roaming) in Latin, from which we get the English words vague and vagabond [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	umal [ˈuṽal] = humble, obedient umaldóit = humility umlaigid = to humble
Middle Irish (Gaoidhleag)	umal = humble, obedient, submissive umaldóit, omaldóit, umallóit = humility uimligid, huimligte, umlaigid = to humble
Irish (Gaeilge)	umhal [uəl̪ˠ/uːlˠ] = humble, submissive, lithe, supple, plant umhlaigh = to humble, bow, submit, obey, stoop umhlaíocht = humility, submission, obedience, dutifulness, respect umhlóid = humility, submission, lowly service, attendence, ministration, suppleness, pliancy umhlú = genuflection, curtsey, obesiance, submission
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	umhal [ũ.əl̪ˠ] = submissive, obedient, humble, lowly, meek
Manx (Gaelg)	imlee = humble, lowly, menial, simple imlagh = humble, humbling imlaghey = humble, stoop
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	humil = humble
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	huvyll, uvell = merry, glad, lively uỽyl, vffil = humble, meek, submissive ufullder, uvyllder = humility uỽyltaỽd, uvylldaỽt, vuildaud, vffyldaud = humility
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ufyl = humble, meek, submissive ufyllter, ufullter = humility ufylltod, ufulltod, ufelltod, hufylltod = humility hyful = humble
Old Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	huvel, hyvbl, evall = humble, lowly huveldot = hunility hyvla = tp be humble, to be obedient, to obey
Cornish (Kernewek)	uvel = humble, lowly, modest uvelder = humility
Middle Breton	vuel, uuel = humble, meek, lowly uffuelhat = to humiliate (oneself) vuelaff, uvelañ = to humble oneself vueldet, vuheltet = humility, humbleness, meekness vulder, vuelder, uffuelter = humility, humbleness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	uvel [ˈyː.vɛl] = humble, meek, lowly uvelded, uvelder = humility, humbleness, meekness uvelaat = to humiliate

Etymology: from the Latin humilis (low, lowly, small, slight, shallow), which is also the root of the English word humility, the French humilité (humility), and the humildad (humility, humbleness) [source].

The Cornish word klor means meek, mild, moderate, modest and klorder means modesty. Their origins are not known

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

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

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Proto-Celtic

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Pins & Needles

Muddy Mires

Through and Through

Betwixt and Between

Cauldrons and Kettles

Stormy Weather

Bees

Modestly Humble

Barnacles & Limpets