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

Nettles

20th November 202520th November 2025 By Simon

Words for nettle and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*ninatis = nettle
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nenaid = nettle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nenaid, neanaidh = nettle nentóg, nenntog, neantog, neanntóga, nenntóc = nettle
Irish (Gaeilge)	neanta = nettle(s), stringing, irritating, painful, irritable, testy neantóg [ˈn̠ʲan̪ˠt̪ˠoːɡ] = nettle neantóg loiscneach = stinging nettle neantúil = nettle-like, stinging, irritating, irritable, testy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	neanntag [n̪ʲãũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle (urtica dioica) deanntag [dʲãũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle feanntag [fjãũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle eanntag [ɛ͂ũn̪ˠdag] = common/stinging nettle deanntag / feanntagach / eanntagach [dʲãũn̪ˠdagəx / fjãũn̪ˠdagəx / ɛ͂ũn̪ˠdagəx] = place where nettles grow, common/stinging nettle
Manx (Gaelg)	undaagagh = (stinging) nettle, urticaceous (nettle-like)
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨnad = nettles
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	danhad, danat, dynat, dynhad danatl = nettles
Welsh (Cymraeg)	danadl [ˈda(ː)nadl] = nettles, plants of the genus Urtica, and other plants similar in appearance. danhad(l)en, dynhaden = nettle danadl duon = stinging-nettles danadl-dir = land that brings forth nettles or thorns danhad(l)og, dynhadog = abounding or overgrown with nettles
Old Cornish	linhaden = nettle
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	linhaden = nettle
Cornish (Kernewek)	linas = nettles linasen = nettle linasek = bed of nettles
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	linat, linad = nettles linhadenn = nettle linhadec = nettle-infested place
Breton (Brezhoneg)	linad [ˈlĩː.nat] = nettles linadenn = nettle linadeg [lĩ.ˈnɑː.dɛk] = nettle-infested place

Etymology: uncertain [source]. Possibly from Proto-Indo-European *neh₂d- (to twist, knot, tie), which might be the root of nettle in English, netel (nettle) in Dutch, Nessel (nettle, muslin) in German, nässla (nettle) in Swedish [source].

Pithy Marrow

24th October 2025 By Simon

Words for bone marrow, pith and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*smerus = marrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	smir = marrow
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smir, smiur = marrow smirammair = marrow-tub, apparently a bath of marrow from crushed bones used in the treatment of wounded warriors smirchomairt = marrow-mash, a mixture or extract of pounded marrow smirde = belonging to the marrow
Irish (Gaeilge)	smior [ˈsˠmʲɪɾˠ / ˈsˠmʲɛɾʲ] = marrow, pith, essential part, quintessence smiorúil = marrowy, medullary, lively, spirited, manly smiorúlacht = liveliness, spiritedness, manliness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smior [smir] = marrow, pith, best part (of anything), the stuff of, stamina, vigour smior cnàmha = bone marrow smiorach [smirəx] = lively person, lad, young man; pertaining to or abounding in marrow, pithy smiorail [smiral] = mettlesome, plucky, hardy, vigorous, smart smioralachd [smirəl̪ˠəxg] = briskness, liveliness, courage, manliness smiorsadh [smir̪ˠsəɣ] = vim, pep
Manx (Gaelg)	smuir = marrow, medulla smuirr = fat, marrow smuiragh = greasy, marrowy smuirragh = marrowy, medullary
Proto-Brythonic	*mer = marrow (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mêr, mer = (bone) marrow, fibers or pith (of plant), sap, hemp, best or essential part, quintessence, essence, soul, heart, centre, middle, depth, (source of) strength
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mêr [meːr] = (bone) marrow, fibers or pith (of plant), sap, hemp, best or essential part, quintessence, essence, soul, heart, centre, middle, depth, (source of) strength meraidd = marrowy, medullar(y), merbys = marrowfat peas
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	maru = marrow
Cornish (Kernewek)	mer = marrow
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	mel = marrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mel [meːl] = marrow, sap mel-penn = brain

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *smérus (grease), from *smer- (to anoint) [source]. Words from the same roots include medulla (pith, marrow) and smear in English, moelle (marrow, pith, spinal cord) in French, smeer (smear) in Dutch, smör (butter) in Swedish [source].

Crested Combs

24th September 2025 By Simon

Words for comb, crest furrow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīsrā = comb
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cír [ˈkʲiːɾ] = comb, rake, crest, tip
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cír, cir = comb, rake, crest, tip círach = crested helmet círaid = to comb, to smooth out círán, círín = crest círmaire, cirmure = comber or fuller of cloth, comb maker
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíor [ciːɾˠ / ciəɾˠ] = comb, crest, cud; to comb, examine minutely, search cíorach = toothed cíoradh = combing, discussion, examination, hair-pulling, quarrelling cíoradóir = comber cíorán, círín = crest cíorláil = combing, searching, rough handling; to comb, search, rummage cíorlálaí = searcher, rummager, rough customer cíormhaire = (wool) comber, fuller, comb maker
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìr [kʲiːrʲ] = comb, cud, honeycomb cìreadh [kʲiːrʲəɣ] = (act of) combing, carding, teazing cìreag [kʲiːrʲag] = small comb cìrean [kʲiːrʲan] = comb, crest, ridging cìreanach [kʲiːrʲanəx] = pertaining to or abounding in combs, crested
Manx (Gaelg)	kerey = comb, combing, groom, hackle, teasel; to comb, mop up, tease (wool) kere [kʲeːrʲ / kʲiːr] = cobbler’s wax, comb, wax kereen = comb, coxcomb, crest, pack, topknot kereyder = comber, waxer (of wool), teaser, hackler

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kes- (to comb, scratch) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include verheddern (to entangle sth, to become entangled, to get stuck, confused) in German, hahtuva (fluff) in Finnish, kasti (mto dig, rake) in Lithuanian, česat (to comb) in Czech, кося (to mow, reap, cut) in Bulgaran, haar (hair) in Dutch, hår (hair) in Norwegian, Swedish and Danish, and hair English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*krīkʷā = trench, furrow, boundary
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crích [ˈkʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, border, furrow, territory, area críchnaigid = to complete, fulfil coicrích = border (region), neighbouring territory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	crích, crich [kʲɾʲiːx] = boundary, limit (of territory), end, aim, purpose, confines, territory, district, land críchnaid = to delimit, bound, fix bounds to críchnaigecht = limits coicrích, coiccrich = border, march, neighbouring or foreign territory
Irish (Gaeilge)	críoch [cɾʲiːx] = limit, boundary, region, territory, end, completion, conclusion, fulfilment, settlement críochadóir = marker of boundaries críochadóireacht = demarcation, marking of boundaries críochaigh = to demarcate críochantacht = bounding, bordering críochnaigh = to finish, complete, accomplish críochnú = completion, accomplishment críochnúil = complete, thorough, neat, methodical
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crìoch [krʲiəx] = border, frontier, boundary, end, close, finale, finish, limit(ation), goal, confines crìochach [krʲiəxəx] = finite crìochadair [krʲiəxədɪrʲ] = borderer crìochadaireachd [krʲiəxədɪrʲəxg] = bordering, demarcation, division crìochadh [krʲiəxəɣ] = ending, closing, finishing, terminating crìochaire [krʲiəxɪrʲə] = border guard/keeper
Manx (Gaelg)	creagh [krɨəx] = furrow, stack creeagh = border(line), boundary, termination creaghnaghey = to accomplish, complete, conclude creaghnee = to accomplish creaghney = to accomplish, completion creaghnit = complete(d)
Proto-Brythonic	*krib = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	crip = comb, crest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crib = comb, wild teasel, crest cribo, cribaf, kribo = to comb, curry cribiad = combing, carding, scratch krybyn, cribin, kribyn = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint kribawc, kribawg, kribyoc, criboc, cribog = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crib [kriːb] = comb, wild teasel, crest, pride, self-conceit, honeycomb, bridge of a violin cribell = small comb, crest of a bird, ridge, ledge, summit cribin = rake, grasping or miserly person, skinflint cribo = to comb, curry (to groom), cope, climb, clamber, creep crib(i)og = combed, comb-like, indented, ridged, steep crested cribwr, cribydd = comber, ones who cards wool, carding-machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crib, crîb = comb, ridge, crest, summit criba(s) = to comb criban = comb, crest, tuft, plume cribia = to card wool
Cornish (Kernewek)	krib = comb, reef, arête kribas = to comb kribek, kribys = furrowed kribel = teasel kriben = ridge kribya = to card wool
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	crip = comb
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	crib = comb cribar = to comb cribell = crest cribenn = crest, peak
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krib [ˈkriːp] = comb, crest, summit kribañ = to comb kribell = crest, toupee kribellañ = to provide with a crest, crested kribelleg = crested kribenn = crest, peak, comb, summit, chatter

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *krek- (post) [source].

Swearing Oaths

13th August 202514th August 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Particularly Special

5th June 202520th June 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Captive Hostages

28th May 202513th September 2025 By Simon

Words for hostage, pledge and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*geistlos = hostage, bail
Gaulish	geistlus = hostage (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gíall = a human pledge, hostage
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gíall, gial, giall = a human pledge, hostage, jailer, act of yielding homage, obeying gíallacht, gíallnus = hostageship, captivity
Irish (Gaeilge)	giall [ɟiəl̪ˠ] = hostage, (human) pledge giallach = having or taking hostages giallacht = hostageship, bondage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	giall [gʲiəl̪ˠ] = hostage, pledge giallach [gʲiəl̪ˠəx] = pertaining to or abounding in hostages / pledges
Manx (Gaelg)	gioal = pledge, pawn, stake, wager, bet, bond geulys, geuleydys = bondage
Proto-Brythonic	*guɨstl = hostage, bail
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gustil, gustel, guyst(e)l, gvystl, gwystyl = pledge, security, surety, guarantee, earnest guystlvy, gustelau, gusthaf = to give pledge or assurance, guarntee, pledge, pawn gwystlyryaeth, gwystloryaeth = suretyship, pledge, stake, pawn, mortgage
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwystl [ɡwɨ̞sdl / ɡʊi̯sdl] = pledge, assurance, security, surety, guarantee, earnest, gage, pawn, hostage, wager, stake, bet, mortgage gwystl(i)ad = a pledging, a pawning gwystlo = to give pledge or assurance, guarntee, pledge, pawn gwystlchwarae = gambling gwystledig = pledge, bound, mortgaged gwystlor(i)aeth = suretyship, pledge, stake, pawn, mortgage gwystlwr, gwystlydd = mortgagor, pawnbroker
Old Cornish	guistel = hostage
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	guistel = hostage, pledge, surety
Cornish (Kernewek)	gostel = hostage, riot gostla = to pawn, wage
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guistl = hostage
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	goestl = hostage, pledge goestlaff = to consecrate, dedicate, pledge, devote goestlet = pledged, dedicated, consecrated
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouestl [ˈɡwestl] = hostage, pledge, guarantee, bail, surety gouestladur = commitment, offering gouestlaj = mortgage gouestlañ [ˈɡwestlã] = to bet, wager, guarantee, pledge, consecrate, dedicate, devote gouestlaoua = to bribe, buy, corrupt, grease the palm of gouestlaouañ = to bribe, corrupt gouestlet = pledged, dedicated, consecrated

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gʰeydʰ- (to yearn for, to desire) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Proto-Germanic *gīslaz (hostage), include gijzelen (to take hostage) in Dutch, Geisel (hostage) in German, gidsel (hostage) in Danish, gisslan (hostage) in Swedish, and kihlata (to betroth) in Finnish [source].

Words from the same PIE root include geisti (to desire, crave, covet, lust after) in Lithuanian, gaidīt (to wait, expect, anticipate) in Latvian, ждать (ždatʹ – to wait for, expect) in Russian, and geizen (to be miserly) in German [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	brága [ˈbraː.ɣɘ] = hostage, captive, prisoner
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brága, brágha, brage [ˈbraːɣə] = captive, prisoner, hostage brágigdenas, braighdenus, braighdeanas = hostageship, captivity bráigtechas, braightechus = hostageship
Irish (Gaeilge)	brá [bˠɾˠɑː] = captive, hostage braighdeanach = captive, prisoner braighdeanas = captivity, bondage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bràigh [braːj] = captive, hostage bràighdeanas = bondage, captivity, slavery neach am bràighdeanas = captive, hostage

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *brāgants (neck, throat), from *brāg + *-ants (body part suffix), from Proto-Indo-European *gʷerh₃- (to swallow, devour, eat) [source]. The sense “captive” derives from the Middle Irish phrase gaibid ar brágait (to take captive: lit. “to take by the neck”) [source].

Words from the same PIE root include carnivore, devour, gargle, gorge, gurgle and voracious in English; gurgeln (to gargle, gurgle) in German; voractià (oracity, voraciousness) in Italian, and gerti (to drink, soak up, absorb) in Lithuanian [source].

The word for hostage in Manx is raane, which also means assurance, bail, bond, collateral, guarantee, pledge or surety [source]. Its etymology is not known [source].

Breaking the Wind

29th March 202529th March 2025 By Simon

A post about words for flatulence and related things in Celtic languages, and related words in other languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bragyeti = to fart, flatulate braxsman = fart *brag-(y)o- = to fart
Gaulish	*bragiū = to fart (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	braigid [ˈdʲesʲkʲibul] = to fart broimm = fart
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	braigid = to fart broimm, broim = fart(ing)
Irish (Gaeilge)	broim [bˠɾˠiːmʲ] = fart, to fart broimneach = (act of) farting broimnéis = (of speech) windiness, fury broimnéiseach = loud-voiced, furious, bellicose broimseán = windiness, rudeness broimseánaí = windbag, rude person broimseánta = rude bromaire = farter, windbag, boaster bromaireacht = windiness, (act of) boasting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bram [brãũm] = fart, breaking wind (with noise) braim [brɤim] = fart, breaking wind (with noise) bramag [bramag] = small fart
Manx (Gaelg)	breim = fart, raspberry breimeragh = to fart, farting breimmey = to fart
Proto-Brythonic	*bramm = fart (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bram, bràm = fart, gentle puff bramu, bremain, brammu = to fart, break wind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bram [bram] = fart, gentle puff bramu, bramio = to fart, break wind
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	bram = fart bramme = to fart
Cornish (Kernewek)	bramm, brabm = fart bramm an gath!, brabm an gath! = cat’s fart! fiddlesticks! bramma, brabma = to fart
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bram = fart brammet = to fart
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bramm [brãmː] = fart brammadenn = fireball brammañ, brammat = to fart brammellat = to backfire brammer = farter

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰr̥Hg-yé-ti, from *bʰreHg- (to stink, smell, have a strong odour) [source]. Words from the same Proto-Celtic root, via Gaulish *bragiū (fart) and Latin bragiō (to bray, cry, weep), include (to) bray in English, braire (to bray, shout, cry, weep) and brailler (to shout, yell, speak very loudly) in French, sbraitare (to shout, scream, yell, rant) in Italian, and breté in Gallo [source].

Words from the same PIE roots possibly include braña (mire, bog, fen, march, moorland) in Galician, flair, fragrant in English, flairer (to smell, sniff, scent, sense) in French, fragare (to smell) in Italian, cheirar (to smell) in Portuguese, and words for rotten, putrid, foetid, etc in Celtic languages, such as braen (rotten, putrid, corr) in Welsh – see the post Rotten Fragrance for more details [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tútt = smell
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tút(t), túth = smell, stench
Irish (Gaeilge)	tuth = odour, stench, funk tuthóg [ˈt̪ˠʊhoːɡ] = puff, fart tuthógach = puffing, farting, malodorous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tùd [tuːd] = stink, stench, (silent) fart) tùdach [tuːdəx] = stinking, farty, abounding in (silent) farts

Etymology: unknown

Proto-Celtic	ɸrikkā, frikkā = fart
Proto-Brythonic	*rrex = fart
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rech, rhêch = fart rhechain = to fart rechyaỽc = farting
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhech [r̥eːχ] = fart rhechu = to fart rhechiog = farting rhechwr = farter dim gwerth rhech dafad = worthless (“not worth a sheep’s fart”)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *perd- (to fart loudly, to pass gas, break wind) [source]. Words from the same roots include fart, partridge in English, pjerdh (to fart) in Albanian, пърдя (pǎrdjá – to fart) in Bulgarian, Furz (fart) in German and fjärta (to fart) in Swedish [source].

Nights

20th March 2025 By Simon

A post about words for night, evening and related things in Celtic languages, and related words in other languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	adaig [ˈaðəɣʲ] = night
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	adaig, aidche, oidche, adhaigh = night
Irish (Gaeilge)	oíche [ˈiːhɪ/ˈĩːçə/ˈɪhə] = night, period of darkness, night-time, nightfall, eve anoíche = late hour of night meánoíche = midnight oíchí = nocturnal, nightly Oíche Shamhna = Halloween Oíche Nollag = Christmas Eve oíche chinn bliana = New Year’s eve
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	oidhche [ɤ̃ĩçə] = night oidhcheach [ɤ̃ĩçəx] = nightly, nocturnal oidhcheil [ɤ̃ĩçal] = nightly Oidhche Shamhna = Halloween Oidhche Nollaige = Christmas Eve oidhche Challainn [ɤ̃çəˈxal̪ɪn̪ʲ] = New Year’s eve adhaigh†, adhuigh† = night
Manx (Gaelg)	oie [ɛi/iː] = night, eve, night time, nocturnal, evening oieagh = nocturnal oieoil = nightly Oie Houney = Halloween, Hop tu Naa Oie Nollick = Christmas Eve Oie Nollick Veg = New Year’s eve
Proto-Brythonic	*exuɨð = night (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hecuuyt, echwyd, echwyt = the third hour of the day (9am), interval between 9am and 12 noon, noon, time of the day when cattle etc. shelter from the heat
Welsh (Cymraeg)	echwydd [ˈhɨ̞ðɨ̞ɡl / ˈhɪðɪɡl] = the third hour of the day (9am), interval between 9am and 12 noon, noon, time of the day when cattle etc. shelter from the heat, afternoon, evening, close of day, autumn
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ewhe = evening
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ehoaz, ehoa = cattle rest at midday, resting place, shade for animals, rest ehoazaff = to day a midday rest
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ec’hoaz [ˈhyː(z)il] = midday rest, siesta ec’hoazañ = to take a midday rest ec’hoaziad = siesta ec’hoaziata = to take a siesta

Etymology: uncertain. The Goidelic words, and maybe the Brythonic words, are possibly related to āter (dull black, dark, gloomy, sad) in Latin [source], which comes from Proto-Italic *ātros (black), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eh₁ter- (fire) [source].

Words from the same roots may include atrocious and atrocity in English, âtre (hearth, matte black) in French, atro (dark, black, bleak, brooding) in Italian, and atro (jet-black, bad, evil, sinister) in Portuguese [source].

Proto-Celtic	noxt-stu- = night (?) sindai noxtē = tonight
Gaulish	nox = night (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	nocht = night innocht = tonight
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	nocht = night innocht = tonight
Irish (Gaeilge)	anocht [əˈn̪ˠɔxt̪ˠ] = tonight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	a-nochd [əˈn̪ˠɔ̃xg] = tonight
Manx (Gaelg)	noght = tonight
Proto-Brythonic	*hanoɨθ = tonight
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	nos = night henoid = tonight
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nos = night nosa, nossi, nosi = to become night, fall (of night) nossavl, nossol, nosawl = nightlike, nocturnal, nightly nos hon, noshon, nosson = evening, night nosweith, nossweith, noswaith = evening, night heno = tonight
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nos [noːs] = night, evening, darkness (of night), vigil nosi, nosáu = to become night, fall (of night) nosaidd = nightlike nosol = nightlike, nocturnal, nightly noson = evening, night noswaith = evening, night heno = tonight
Old Cornish	nos = night
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nos, nôs = night haneth = tonight
Cornish (Kernewek)	nos = night nosweyth = night-time, at night noswiker = smuggler haneth = tonight
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nos = night
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	nos = night fenozh, fennos, fenoz, fin-noz = tonight antronoz all = the day after tomorrow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	noz [ˈnoːs] = night noziñ [ˈnoːzĩ] = to get dark nozvezh [ˈnoz.vɛs] = overnight stay, duration of one night nozik = a little dark henoazh = tonight eil tronoz = the day after tomorrow

Etymology: either from Latin nox, from Proto-Italic *nokts (night), from Proto-Indo-European *nókʷts (night). Or via Proto-Celtic *noxs (night), from the same PIE root [source].

Words from the same roots include night in English, Nacht (night) in German, ochtend (morning) in Dutch, otta (dawn, early morning) in Swedish, ακτίνα (aktína – light ray, sunbeam) in Greek [source]

Benches

11th March 2025 By Simon

Words for bench and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	beinnse, beinse, béinse, beindsi = bench, table, the Judicial Bench
Irish (Gaeilge)	binse [ˈbʲiːnʲʃə] = bench, seat, the Bench, bank, ledge binseoir = bencher binsín = little bench, little bunch of rushes binse breithimh = judge’s bench, tribunal
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	being [beiŋʲgʲ] = bench, form being-aghaidh = front bench being-chùil = back bench being-dhùbhlain = opposition bench
Manx (Gaelg)	bink = bench, base bink obbree = workbench bink saaue = sawbench bink ny bingey = jury box
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bainc, meink, meinc = bench, long seat, form, settle, stool, footstool, workbench
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mainc, maing, bainc, baing [mai̯ŋk, mai̯ŋg, bai̯ŋk, bai̯ŋg] = bench, long seat, form, settle, stool, footstool, workbench; seat of judge or justice, court of law, bench of judges or magistrates, throne mainc flaen = front bench (in parliament) mainciau cefn = back benches (in parliament) meinciwr cefn = back-bencher meincia(i)d = benchful, bank (of oars) meincnod = bench-mark
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	benc, vync = bench
Cornish (Kernewek)	bynk, benk = bench, platform, workbench
Breton (Brezhoneg)	menk [mɛɲk] = stone bench

Etymology (Irish): from Middle English bench (bench), from Old English benċ, bænc [bentʃ] (bench), from Proto-West-Germanic *banki (bench), from Proto-Germanic *bankiz [ˈbɑŋ.kiz] (a raised surface, bulge, hillock, slope, bench) the Proto-Indo-European *bʰeg- (to bend, curve, arch) [source].

The Scottish Gaelic word comes from Scots bink (bench, bank, hob), from Middle English bench, etc. The Manx word possibly comes from the same roots [source].

The Welsh words come directly from Old English benċ [source].

Words from the same PIE root include back, bank and bench in English, banc (bench, bank, shoal) in French, bank (bench, couch, sofa) in Dutch, Bank (bench, workbench, bank) in German, and bänk (bench, workbench, desk, worktop) in Swedish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	sceimel = rampart, protective covering
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sceimel, sgeimheal = cover, protective roof covering, roof, wall, rampart
Irish (Gaeilge)	sceimheal = eaves, projecting rim, flange, outer, encircling wall, rampart
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgibheal = eaves (of a roof)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	yscauelh, ysgavell = shelf, sill, rim, ledge, (eye)brow, cave
Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)sgafell = shelf, sill, rim, ledge, (eye)brow, cave
Old Cornish	scamell = bench, stool
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scavel = bench, stool
Cornish (Kernewek)	skavel = stool skavel droos = footstool skavel gronek = mushroom, toadstool
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scabell, scabel, scabeu = stool
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skaoñ, skabell [ˈskoːãn / ˈskɑː.bɛl] = stool, stepladder skabeller = chair maker

Etymology: from Latin scabellum (footstool, a kind of percussion instrument played by the foot,), from scamnum (stool, step, bench, stool, ridge), from *scabnum, from Proto-Italic *skaβnom, from Proto-Indo-European *skabʰ-no-m, from *skabʰ- (to hold up, support). [source].

Words from the same roots include sgabello (stool, footstool) in Italian, escabel (footrest, footstool) in Spanish, escabeau (step ladder) in French, shamble(s) in English, and Schemel (footstool, stool) in German [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Swedish (svenska)

Melting 🫠

Nettles

Pithy Marrow

Crested Combs

Swearing Oaths

Particularly Special

Captive Hostages

Breaking the Wind

Nights

Benches