Light Lungs

25th June 202425th June 2024 By Simon

Words for light, lungs and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*skamos = light (weight)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	scam = lungs
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	scamán, scaman = lung scoim, scaim = lungs
Irish (Gaeilge)	scamhóg [sˠkəˈvˠoːɡ / ˈsˠkawoːɡ] = lung scamhógach = pulmonary
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sgamhan [sgavan] = lung sgamhanach [sgavanəx] = pulmonary
Manx (Gaelg)	scowan = lung scowanagh = pulmonary, chesty, bronchial
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	scamnhegint = to lighten
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ysgaỽn, yscafyn, ysgavyn, ysgafyn, yscawin, ysgawn = light, quick, swift, nimble yscafny = to lighten escavynder, yscavnder = lightness, frivolity, levity yscaunhav, ysgauynhav, ysgauynhau = to lighten eskeueynt, (y)scheueyn, yscefeint, ysgyueint = lungs, lights (food)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ysgafn [ˈəsɡavn] = light, quick, swift, speedy, brisk, fleet, nimble, light-footed, mild, slight, cheap, easy, unimportant, trifling, soft (drink) (y)sgafnaf, (y)sgafnu = to lighten, become giddy, brighten ysgafnder = lightness, frivolity, levity ysgafnhad = lightening, alleviation ysgafnhau = to lighten (y)sgyfaint, (y)sgyfain = lungs, lights (food), pulmonary disease, pneumonia ysgyfeinaidd, ysgyfeiniol = pulmonary
Old Cornish	sceuens = lungs
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	scaf, scâv, scâff, sc(h)aff, sgav = light in weight, nimble scevens, sceuens, skephans = lungs, lights
Cornish (Kernewek)	skav = agile, flimsy, light, nimble, quick, slight, swift skavder = agility, quickness, speed skafhe = to lighten skevens = lungs scowanagh = pulmonary
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	scam = light, frivolous, alert
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	scanff = light, frivolous, alert scaffhat = to lighten, mitigate, attenuate squeuent, squèuent = lungs
Breton (Brezhoneg)	skañv [ˈskã(w)] = light, frivolous, alert skañvaad [skã.ˈfɑːt / skã.ˈvɑːt] = to lighten, mitigate, attenuate skañvbennadurezh = frivolity skañvded [ˈskãː.det] = lightness skevent [ˈskeː.vɛnt] = lungs, pulmonary

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱem- [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	étromm [ˈeːdrum] = light étrommaigid = to lighten, alleviate
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	étromm, etrom, étrom = light, airy, buoyant, slight, trifling, unimportant
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadrom [ˈiːa̯d̪ˠəɾˠəmˠ / ˈeːd̪ˠɾˠəmˠ] = light, not deep, weak, thin, sparse, frivolous, trivial, light-headed, free from care éadromaigeanta = light of spirit, light-hearted éadromaigh = to lighten éadromán = lightened, air-filled, object, balloon, float, light-headed person éadromántacht = light-headedness, frivolity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aotrom [ɯːdrəm] = light, light-hearted, trivial, frivolous aotromachd [ɯːdrəməxg] = lightness, levity, buoyancy aotromaich [ɯːdrəmɪç] = lighten, make ligter, alleviate aotromas [ɯːdrəməs] = lightness
Manx (Gaelg)	eddrym = light(weight), unsubstantial, slight, mild, feint, benign, weak, empty (headed), flighty, shallow, silly, vain, frivolous eddrymaghey = to lighten, unburden, alleviate, ease eddrymid = lightness, levity, giddiness, mildness, shallowness eddrymys = lightness, levity

Etymology: from Old Irish é- (un-) and trom (heavy) [source]. More on words for heavy 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, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Meaty Flesh

30th April 202424th October 2024 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for meat, flesh, breast and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kīkos = breast
Primitive Irish	ᚉᚉᚔᚉᚐ (ccica-) = breast ᚉᚉᚔᚉᚐᚋᚔᚅᚔ (ccicamini) = male given name
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cích [kʲiːx] = breast Cíchmuine [ˈkʲiːxmunʲe] = male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cích [kʲiːx] = pap, breast, nipple, teat cíchech, cīgech [ˈkʲiːxʲəx] = big-chested Cichmuine, Cichmhuine, Cíchmaine = male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	cíoch [ciəx] = breast, pap, papilla, protuberance cíochach = mammary cíochbheart = bra(ssiere) cíoch-chruthach = mammiform
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cìoch [kʲiəx] = breast, pap cìochach [kʲiəxəx] = mammary, pertainning to breasts, ample-bosomed cìochag cìoch [kʲiəxag] = valve, small breast cìocharan [kʲiəxan] = suckling infant
Manx (Gaelg)	keeagh [kiːx] = breast, bud, nipple, pap, teat keeaghagh = mammary
Proto-Brythonic	*kig = meat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cic, kic = meat cigva meat market, butcher’s shop, shambles, slaughter-house, carnage cicbran, cicuran, kigvrain, kicfran = raven kicawc, kigawc = meaty, fleshy kiccyd, kygyd, kigydd = butcher
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cig [kiːɡ] = meat, flesh cigaf, cigo = to fatten, become fleshy cigaidd = meaty, fleshy, bloody, cruel, carnivorous, cigfa meat market, butcher’s shop, shambles, slaughter-house, carnage cigfran = raven cigog = meaty, fleshy cigydd = butcher
Old Cornish	cic, chic = meat, flesh
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cig, kig = meat, flesh cigliu = flesh-coloured cigver, kiguer = flesh-fork
Cornish (Kernewek)	kig = meat, flesh kiger, kigores = butcher kigereth = butchery, slaughterhouse kigliw = flesh (colour), pink kigti, kigva = butcher’s, butchery, slaughterhouse
Old Breton	cic = meat, flesh
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quic = meat, flesh quicguec = fleshy, muscled
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kig [kiːk] = meat, flesh kigder = overweight kigek = fleshy, muscular, plump kigenn [ˈkiːɡɛn] = complexion, muscule kigennan, kigennañ = to build muscule, to heal kigennek [kiˈɡɛnːek] = muscule kiger [ˈkiːɡɛr] = butcher kigerezh [ki.ˈɡɛː.rɛs] = butcher’s shop

Etymology: assumed to be of expressive/imitative origin [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	brollach = breast, bosom, chest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brollach, brothlach = breast, bosom, chest
Irish (Gaeilge)	brollach [bˠəɾˠˈl̪ˠax/ˈbˠɾˠɔl̪ˠəx] = breast, bosom, front, beginning, preface, prologue brollaiocht = close wrestling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brollach [brɔl̪ˠəx] = bosom, breast, bust, chest, brisket
Manx (Gaelg)	brollagh = bosom, breast

Etymology: related to the Old Irish bruinne (breast) and brú (belly) [source]. See also the post about Hills

Proto-Celtic	*weɸolis = flesh, meat (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	feóil, féuil [fʲeːu̯lʲ] = flesh, meat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	feóil, feól = flesh, meat feólaigid = to make or form flesh feólairecht = butchery, slaughter feólamail = the flesh, worldly feólmar = fleshy
Irish (Gaeilge)	feoil [fʲoːlʲ/fʲɔːlʲ] = flesh, meat feoilteach = carnivorous feoilteoir = carnivore feoilséantóir = vegetarian feoilaire = butcher feoilmhar = fleshy, fat, flabby
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	feòil [fjɔːl̪ˠ] = flesh, meat feòil-itheach [fjɔːl̪ˠ içəx] = carnivorous feòil-itheadair [fjɔːl̪ˠ içədɪrʲ] = carnivore feòil-sheachnair = vegetarian
Manx (Gaelg)	feill [feːlʲ] = flesh, meat feillagh = fleshy, meaty feill-eeagh = carnivorous feilleyder = butcher feill-haghnagh = vegetarian (adj) feill-haghneyder = vegetartian (person)

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	cnes = skin
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cnes, cnis, cneis, cneas = skin, surface, body, flesh, bosom, breast
Irish (Gaeilge)	cneas [cnʲasˠ/cɾʲasˠ] = skin, good appearance cneasach = covered with skin, cutaneous cneasaí = close companion, spouse, healer cneasaigh = to cicatrize, heal cneasluiteach = skintight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cneas [krʲẽs] = skin, bosom cneasachadh [krʲesəxəɣ] = (act of) squeezing, tightening, pressing, making slender, curing, healing
Proto-Brythonic	*knōto- = flesh (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	knaud, cnaut, knaỽt, knawt = flesh knowdio = to incarnate, gather flesh, be conceived knaỽtaỽl, knaỽdaỽl, knoawdol = bodily, carnal, physical, sensual, fleshy, plump
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cnawd [knau̯d] = flesh cnawdaidd = pertaining to the flesh, carnal cnawd(i)edig = fleshy, carnal cnawdiad = incarnation, putting on of flesh cnawdiaf, cnawdio = to incarnate, gather flesh, be conceived cnawdig = fleshy, carnal, fat, plump cnawdol = bodily, carnal, physical, sensual, fleshy, plump
Cornish (Kernewek)	kneus = skin
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kneud = carnality, fleshliness (?)

Etymology: possibly from PIE *kneu-t- [source].

More Celtic words for breast and meat can be found on the posts about Hills, Central Hearts, Baskets, Wings, Bones, Fatty Lard and Food

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, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Central Hearts

20th March 2024 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kridyom = heart, centre, focus, love, dear one, valour
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cride [ˈkʲrʲiðʲe] = heart,
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cride = heart, centre, middle part, focus, affection, love, dear one, valour cridecán = little heart, heartlet (term of endearment) cridech = stout-headed cridechair = benign, kind, beloved cridemail = hearty, courageous, kind cridén = dear one, heartlet (term of endearment) cridenas = heart-trembling, fright and terror cridiscél = moving tale, special wish, darling
Irish (Gaeilge)	croí [kɾˠiː] = heart croíán = gallant, playboy croíbhriseadh = heart-break croíbhriste = heart-broken, heart-breaking croíbhrú = contrition croídín = cuddle, little darling croíléis = light-heartedness, merriment, sport croíléiseach = light-hearted, merry, sportive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cridhe [krʲi.ə] = heart, courage, centre, middle cridheachan [krʲi.əxan] = small heart, chest brooch cridhealas [krʲi.əl̪ˠəs] = cheerfulness, hilarity, gaiety,jollity cridhean [krʲi.an] = small heart, gallant cridheil [krʲi.al] = cheerful, hearty, jolly cridhe briste = broken heart, broken spirit cridhe-leòn = heartache cridhe teòma = a tender heart
Manx (Gaelg)	cree [kriː] = heart, hub, core, centre creeoil = cheerful, hearty, inspiring, courage cree brisht = bleeding heart, heartbroken cree cloaie = hardhearted, stony, heart y chree = dearest, my heart, my sweetheart
Proto-Brythonic	*krėð = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	craidd = centre, middle, heart
Welsh (Cymraeg)	craidd [krai̯ð] = centre, middle, heart, kernel, essence craidd disgyrchiad, craidd disgyrchiant = centre of gravity pwnc craidd = core subject
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cres, crês, creys = middle, centre, midst, heart
Cornish (Kernewek)	kres = centre, middle, waist kresnna, kresedna = to centralise kresek = average, medium kresel = central kresen = centre kresfoesik = centrifugal kreshwilus = centripetal kresosel = medieval kresvorek = Mediterranean
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	creis, creiz, crais = centre, middle creisen = centre, central craisnos, crei-nos, creiss-noss = midnight, north
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kreiz [ˈkrɛjs] = centre, middle kreiznoz = midnight, north kreisteiz [krɛjs.ˈtɛjs] = noon, south kreizenn [ˈkrɛj.zɛn] = centre, central kreizennañ [krɛjˈzɛ.nːã] = centraliser kreiz-kêr [krɛjsˈkɛːr] = town/city centre

Etymology: from PIE *ḱr̥d- from *ḱḗr (heart) [source]. Words from the same roots include heart and cardiac in English, cor (heart) in Spanish, srdce (heart) in Czech and sirds (heart) in Latvian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*kalwond- = heart
Proto-Brythonic	*kalwon = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	callon, kallon = heart, bosom, breast gallondit, kalondit = courage, bravery, fortitude kallonni = to hearten, encourage, comfort callonnyawc, callonawc, calonnawg, kylonog = valiant, courageous
Welsh (Cymraeg)	calon [ˈkalɔn] = heart, bosom, breast, womb matrix, belly, entrails, centre, pith, core, essence, spirit, thought, intent, courage, confidence calondid = courage, bravery, fortitude, magnanimity, willingness, generosity, gentleness, mercy calonnaf, calonni = to hearten, encourage, comfort calonnog = valiant, courageous, plucky, hearty, willing, ready, enthusiastic, sincere, genuine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	calon = heart
Cornish (Kernewek)	kolon = heart kolonekter = courage, valour kolonnek, kolodnek = brave, cordial, courageous, fearless, hearty, kindly, genuine, sincere, truthful kolonnen = core
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	calon = heart
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kalon [ˈkɑː.lɔ̃n] = heart, soul, courage, chest, stomach, kindness kalonad = heartache kaloneg = cordial, courageous, warm, valiant kalonegezh [ka.lɔ̃.ˈnɛː.ɡɛs] = cordiality, courage, encouragement kalonek [ka.ˈlɔ̃ː.nɛk] = courageous, cordial, warm kalonekaat [ka.lɔ̃.ne.ˈkɑːt] = to encourage kalonenn = core, centre kalonour [kaˈlɔ̃ː.nur] = cardiologist kalonus = fortifying

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to colwedd (breast, heart) and/or coludd (bowels, intestines, guts) in Welsh [source].

Facing Opposition

10th November 202322nd March 2025 By Simon

Words for face, honour and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gnūstis = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gnúis [ɡnuːsʲ] = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gnúis = face, countenance, disc (of sun or moon), aspect, kind, form, species dognúisach = ill-featured, ill-favoured
Irish (Gaeilge)	gnúis [ɡn̪ˠuːʃ/ɡɾˠuːʃ] = face, mien, countenance, sour expression, frown, aspect, kind, form gnúiseach = well-favoured, good-looking. gnúiseachán = sour-faced person. gnúisgheal = bright-faced gnúis-searbh = sour-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gnùis [gruːʃ] = face, countenance, visage gnùis-dhreach = aspect gnùis-bhrat = veil samhla-gnùis = smiley ☺️, emoticon maise-gnùis = cosmetics ruadhadh-gnùis = blush
Manx (Gaelg)	grooish = countenance, visage, aspect grooish-volley = deceit, deceive geyre-ghrooishagh = sharp-faced sharroo-ghrooishagh = vinegar-faced
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gnis = jaw, chin, countenance, face
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gnis [miːl] = jaw, chin, countenance, face gnisiaf, gnisio = to low, neigh, sigh, pant, groan, grumble
Cornish (Kernewek)	greuv = face, front

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵneh₃- (to recognise, know) [source]. Words from the same roots include cognition, cunning, gnome, ignorant, know, noble and uncouth in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*enekʷos = face
Old Irish (Goídelc)	enech = face, honour, reputation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	enech, ainech = face, front, opposite, against, in opposition to enechgris = face-flushing enechlóg = honour-price
Irish (Gaeilge)	oineach = honour, good name, reputation, generosity, hospitality, bounty, favour oineachúil = generous, good-natured eineach = face (literary) eineachlann = ‘honour-price’, proportionate compensation, satisfaction for injury, etc eineachras = safeguard, protection
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eanach [ɛnəx] = honour, praise
Proto-Brythonic	*ėnib = face
Old Welsh	enep = face
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	wynep, wyneb, vynep = face wynebiat, wnepiat, wynepiat = surface, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion, wynebyon = surface, scum, froth,
Welsh (Cymraeg)	wyneb [ˈwɨnɛb / ˈwɨnab] = face, countenance, expression, grimace, surface, area, front, side, honour, respect, status, effrontery, impudence, audacity, cheek wynebaf, wynebu = to face, look towards, confront, oppose, encourage, support (g)wynebiad = surface, facing, behaviour, aspect wynebion = surface, scum, froth, head (of beer), cream (g)wynebol = honourable, worthy, facial, front, facing, promising, favourable, handsome, beautiful
Old Cornish	eneb = face
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	enep, enap = face, countenance, page (of a book)
Cornish (Kernewek)	enep = face, surface enebi = to face, oppose enebieth = opposition
Old Breton	enep = face
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enep = face, resistance, opposition, opposite
Breton (Brezhoneg)	eneb [ˈẽːnep] = face, opposite, honour enebenn [e.ˈneː.bɛn] = upper, front, page eneberezh = opposition enebiñ = to oppose

Etymology: from the PIE *h₁enih₃kʷos (face), from animālis (animate, living), from *h₁én (in) and *h₃ókʷs (eye), and okno (window) in Czech [source].

Words from the same roots include eye in English, acs (eye, vision, attention) in Latvian, akis (eye, loop) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*antonos = forehead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	étan, édan = front, brow, forehead étanán = frontlet
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠən̪ˠ/ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, flat surface, facet, table, end éadána = timid, diffident éadánacht = timidity, diffidence éadanchlár = fascia
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial, side aodannach [ɯːdən̪ˠəx] = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-coimheach = mask aodann creige = rockface, cliff-face
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = face, facade, feature, front, apron, dial, impudence, cheek eddinagh = facial

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (face, forehead, front). Words from the same roots include answer, end in English, and anë (side, edge, verge, brink) in Albanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	agad [ˈaɣəð] = face, honour, surface
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	agad, aiged = face, countenance, surface, front
Irish (Gaeilge)	aghaidh [əiɟ/ai/əi̯] = face, front, aspect, dial (of clock), obverse (of coin) aghaidhbhéasach = civil-looking aghaidh-dhána = bold-faced
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aghaidh [ɤː.ɪ] = face, visage, facade, front, facing, cheek, impudence, nerve aghaidheachd [ɤː.ɪjəxg] = resistance aghaidhich = oppose, face, confront, affront aghaidhichte = opposed, opposing, fronting, facing, confronted
Manx (Gaelg)	oai = countenance oaie = dial, exposure, facade, face, facial, front, frontage oaieagh = blasphemous, sepulchral

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to the Old Irish aigid (to drive), from Proto-Celtic *ageti (to drive), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂éǵeti (to be driving) [source].

Proto-Celtic	drikā = face, front ɸaredrikā = face, front
Old Irish (Goídelc)	drech = face
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	drech, dreach = face, countenance, front, surface drechach = fair, comely, graceful, shapely
Irish (Gaeilge)	dreach [dʲɾʲax] = facial appearance, look, expression, aspect, face, surface dreachadh =delineation, portrayal, make-up dreachadóir = delineator dreachúil = good-looking, comely
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dreach [drɛx] = figure, form, shape, appearance, complexion dreachmhor [drɛxvər] = comely, handsome, a healthy complexion dreachadh [drɛxəɣ] = portraying, shaping, adorning dreachail [drɛxal] = handsome, personable dreachalachd [drɛxəl̪ˠəxg] = handsomeness
Manx (Gaelg)	dreagh = expression
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dyrch = face drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrich, edrych = to look, view, observe
Welsh (Cymraeg)	drych [drɨːχ / driːχ] = mirror, looking-glass, reflection, example, magnifying-glass, glasses, countenance, appearance, aspect drachaf, drychu = to mirror, see, make apparent drychiolaeth = apparition, ghost, spectre, phantom edrych = regard, appearance edrych(af) = to look, view, observe, watch, search
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	derch = shape, aspect, appearance

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dr̥ḱ-eh₂ from *derḱ- (to see) [source]. Words from the same roots include dragon, drake and tarragon in English [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	onóir = honour
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	onóir, anóir = honour, respect, dignity
Irish (Gaeilge)	onóir = honour onórach = honourable, upright, honoured, esteemed, honorary onóraigh = to honour onórú = honouring, reverence, worship
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	onair [ɔnɪrʲ] = honour, respect, honesty onaireach [ɔnɪrʲəx] = honourable, honest
Manx (Gaelg)	honor, onnor = honour onnoragh, onneragh = honest, honorary, creditable, worshipful onnoraghey = to honour onnorey = to honour onnoroil = honourable, upstanding
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	anaỽr, anhaur, anawr = honour, praise, might, force, vigour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	anawr = honour, praise, might, force, vigour
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	enor, onour = honour enorif, enoraff = to honour
Breton (Brezhoneg)	enor [ˈẽː.nɔr] = honour enoriñ = to honour enorus = honourable

Etymology: from Anglo-Norman honur (honour), from Old French honor (honour), from Latin honor (honour, esteem, dignity, reputation, office), from Old Latin honōs (honour, etc), of unknown origin [source].

Words from the same roots may include honour and honest in English, onore (honour, reputation, credit) in Italian, honneur (honour) in French, and honrar (to honour) in Spanish [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

Beaks and Snouts

22nd July 202325th May 2024 By Simon

Words for beak, snout and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*gobbos = muzzle, snout, beak
Gaulish	*gobbos [ˈɡob.bos] = mouth
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gop = beak, snout, muzzle
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gop, guib, guip = muzzle, snout, beak, point/head of a spear, thin-mouthed, sharp-pointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	gob [ɡɔbˠ/ɡɞbˠ/ɡʌbˠ] = beak, bill, tip, point, projection gobach = beaked, long-billed, sharp (expression), pointed, lipped (jug) gobachán = sharp-featured person, beak-nosed person, sharp-tongued person, inquisitive/interfering person, chatterer, gossip gobadh = protrusion, shooting, springing, sprouting gobaí = bird with a long beak, person with pointed features gobaireacht = picking, pecking, chattering, chatter, gossip gobán = (small) tip, point, gag, dummy goblach = beakful, mouthful, morsel, lump, chunk
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gob [gob] = beak, bill, gob, pointed/sharp end, corner, spit (of land), point (of a fishing hook) gobachadh = pecking, rising (wind), poking through gobad [gobag] = talkative female, little bill, cabin hook goban = small mouth, small beak gobaire = chatterbox, chattterer, tell-tale gobach [gobəx] = beaked, snouty, cheeky, chatty
Manx (Gaelg)	gob = apex, headland, hook, jet, jut, nose(piece), point, prominence, promontory, beak, nib, spout, mouth, muzzle, bow (of ship) gobbagh = beaked, billed, nibbed, prominent, salient gob-rollian = talkative person

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵebʰ- (jaw, mouth). Words from the same Proto-Celtic root include gober (to swallow hole) and gobelet (goblet, cup, beaker) in French, and gob (a slang word for mouth) and goblet in English, [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bekkos = beak, snout
Gaulish	*bekkos = beak, snout
Proto-Brythonic	*bek = beak, snout
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	becq, beeg, bêg, beg = mouth, beak, snout, point, cape, summit
Breton (Brezhoneg)	beg = beak, mouth, point, mouthpiece, embouchure beg-douar = point beg-hir = dolphin

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *bak- (peg, club) [source].

Words from the same roots, via the Gaulish *bekkos and the Latin beccus (beak, bill), include bec (beak, bill, mouth) in French, beco (beak, mouthpiece, burner) in Italian, bico (beak, bill, snout, rostrum) in Portuguese, pico (beak, sharp point, pickaxe, peak, spout) in Portuguese, bek (beak, snout, mouth) in Dutch, and beak in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	gulbā, gulbīnos = beak, bill
Gaulish	*gulbiā = beak, bill
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gulban, gulpan = bird’s beak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gulba = beak, mouth, jaw gulban = beak, sting gulbanda = beaked, piercing gulbnech = beaked, sharp-beaked gulbnén = small beak gulbnide = biting gulbniugad nibbing, biting
Irish (Gaeilge)	gulba = beak, bill, tip, point, projection guilbneach = (sharp-)beaked, curlew guilbnéan = little beak guilbnigh = to peck
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gulb [gul̪ˠub] = beak, nose gulban [gul̪ˠuban] = beak, nose guilbneach [gulubnəx] = curlew
Proto-Brythonic	*gulbino- = beak, snout
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gilb = sharp point, beak, bill, snout
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gelef, gylyf = sharp point, beak, bill, snout gilbin, gyluin, gylfin = bird’s beak, snout gylfinir, gelvinir, gylfinhir = curlew
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gylf, glyfyf = sharp point, sharp-pointed instrument, knife, bird’s beak, bird’s bill, snout, nose, grimace gylfin = bird’s beak, bill, snout, sharp-pointed nose, mouth, lip gylfinaid = beakful, mouthful gylfinir = curlew gylfinog = beaked, rostrated, wild daffodil, narcissus
Old Cornish	geluin = beak, bill
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinac, gylvinac = curlew
Cornish (Kernewek)	gelvin = beak, bill gelvinek = curlew
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwlib, glawlib = curlew, whimbrel (?)

Etymology: probably of non-Proto-Indo-European origin. Words from the same root, via Gaulish *gulbiā and the Latin gulbia (piercer, chisel), gulbia (gouge) in Galician, gubia (gouge) in Spanish, gorbia (ferrule) in Italian, and gouge in English and French [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Foreheads

2nd December 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at words for foreheads, brows and related things in Celtic languages.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	étan = brow, forehead
Irish (Gaeilge)	éadan [ˈeːd̪ˠənˠ] = front, face, forehead, flat surface, facet, end éadanán = headstall éadanchlár = fascia in éadan = against, opposed to as éadan = one by one, in (rapid) succession, indiscriminately
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	aodann [ɯːdən̪ˠ] = face, front, dial aodannan = little face, mask, frontispiece aodann-clò = typeface aodann-fuadain = mask dà-aodannach = two-faced, double-skinned (in architecture)
Manx (Gaelg)	eddin = apron (of a dam), rockface, countenance, dial, disc, facade, face, facet, facial, fascia, front, frontage far-eddin = mask eddin harroo = sour-faced

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ent- (forehead) [source].

Words from the same root include end, answer and antimony in English, and ante (before, earlier, instead of) in Italian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*talu = front, forehead
Gaulish	*talu = ?
Celtiberian	talukokum = ?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tul, taul, tel, til = protruberance, projecting part, swelling, boss of a shield
Irish (Gaeilge)	tul = protuberance, prominence, front, forehead tulach = low hill, hillock, mound tulán = protuberance, mound, knoll, hummock
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tul [tul̪ˠ] = face
Manx (Gaelg)	tool = ? tool-vuilley = forehand stroke
Proto-Brythonic	*tal
Old Welsh	tal = end
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tal = end
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tâl [taːl] = end (of an object), gable end, extremity, top, side, edge, rampart, front, face (of shield), forehead, brow, head tâl bainc, talbainc = end of bench, place of honour, best kind, first class ar dâl = at the top, end, by the side, near talaith = state, province, district, area, principality talar = headland (of ploughed field), boundary talaraf, talaru = to reach the headland, set a boundary
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tal = the front, forehead, end, top
Cornish (Kernewek)	tal = brow, forehead, front, temple talar = headland talgamma = to frown plegya tal = to frown, knit one’s brows
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tal = forehead taleg = sb with a big forehead
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tal = face, forehead

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *telh₂- (ground, bottom), or from *teHlu- [source].

Heels

28th October 202229th October 2022 By Simon

Words for heel and related words in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	stātlā / stādlā = heel
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sál [saːl] = heel
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáil [sˠɑːlʲ/sˠæːlʲ] = heel sáilchaite = down at heel sála arda = high heels
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàil [saːl] = heel, boot, trunk (of car) sàileach [saːləx] = heel-like, having heels, heeled sàil bhiorach = high heel gu mo shàil = (come to) heel! (dog command)
Manx (Gaelg)	saayl = heel, tree, tip, sale, skid saayltrey = to heel in, trampling, treading saayltraghey = to tread on with heel saayl-cheaut = down at heel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	saudel = heel oet = time, period
Welsh (Cymraeg)	sawdl [sau̯dl/ˈsau̯dʊl] = heel soldlaf, sodli, sodlu, sodlo = to heel (a shoe or sock), trip (sb) up, take to one’s heels, run (away), go sodliad = a kick with the heel, tripping sodlog = (high-)heeled sodlwr, sawdlwr = heeler (of shoes), shadower, one who follows at the heels sodlau uchel = high heels disodli = to displace, supplant
Cornish (Kernewek)	seudhel [ˈsœðɛl / ˈzɛðɐl] = heel seudhelyow ughel = high heels
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	seuzl = heel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	seul = heel seulad = substrate seulañ = to heel seulenn = heel pad seuler = hooker seul an dorn = heel of the hand seul pik = stiletto heel seulioù uhel = high heels

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *stéh₂tleh₂ / *stéh₂dʰleh₂ (that which is used for standing), from *steh₂- (to stand) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bundos = foot, hoof, sole
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bonn = foot, hoof, sole
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bonn = sole of the foot, foot, hoof
Irish (Gaeilge)	bonn [bˠoun̪ˠ/bˠuːn̪ˠ/bˠʌn̪ˠ] = sole (of foot), footing, foothold, base, foundation, footmark, spoor, tyre, backing bonnaigh = to walk, trot bonnaire = walker, trotter, footman, foot messenger bonnaireacht = walking, trotting
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bonn [bɔun̪ˠ] = base, bottom, foundation, lowest, part, sole (of a shore), foot (of a hill) bonntachadh [bɔun̪ˠdəxəɣ] = (act of) basing, establishing, consolidating, base, foundation, farmstead, homestead bonntaichte [bɔun̪ˠdɪçdʲə] = based, established, consolidated
Manx (Gaelg)	boyn = heel, walker, foot of sail, tread of shoe, basement, medal

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰudʰmḗn (bottom), from *dʰewbʰ-/*dʰubʰ- (deep) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include fund in English; fondo (bottom, fund, background); and fond (back, bottom, fund, foundation) in French [source].

Surfaces

11th September 202214th September 2024 By Simon

Words for surface, skin and related things in Celtic languages:

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*tondā = surface, skin
Gaulish	*tondā = surface, skin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tonn, tond = surface, skin
Irish (Gaeilge)	tonn [t̪ˠɑun̪ˠ / t̪ˠuːn̪ˠ / t̪ˠʌn̪ˠ] = surface, skin faoi mo thoinn = under my skin, within me
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tonn [tɔun̪ˠ] = skin, hide
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tonn, ton, ton(n)en = ley, unploughed land
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ton [tɔn] = ley, unploughed land, turf, sod, sward, green, lawn, (earth’s) surface’ skin, rind, crust, peel, appearance, look tonnen = skin, rind, crust, peel, surface, sod, sward, bog, swamp, quagmire tondir = ley, lea-land toniaraf, toniaru = to cover with planks, boards, etc
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ton = unploughed land, meadow, lay
Cornish (Kernewek)	tonn = grass
Old Breton	tonnenn = rind, surface
Middle Breton	ton = rind, surface
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tonn = rind, surface

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *tend- (to cut off). Words from the same Gaulish / Proto-Celtic roots include tonne in English and French, tunna / tonna (tun, box) in Latin, and tona (surface, kin, bark) in Galician [source].

Proto-Celtic	*krokkeno- = skin
Old Irish (Goídelc)	croiccenn [ˈkrokʲen͈] = skin, hide, bark, husk
Irish (Gaeilge)	craiceann [ˈkɾˠacən̪ˠ / ˈkɾˠæcən̪ˠ] = skin, surface cruachraicneach = hide-bound
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	craiceann [krɛçgʲən̪ˠ] = skin, parchment craiceannaiche = skinner far-chraiceann = epidermis fo-chraiceann = hypodermic pàipear-craicinn = parchment
Manx (Gealg)	crackan [ˈkraːɣən] = skin, pelt, fur, hide, rind, peel, slough crackanagh = (of the) skin, cutaneous aachrackan = veneer fochrackanagh = hypodermic crackan screeuee = parchment
Proto-Brythonic	*krʉn = skin
Old Welsh	groen = skin
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	croen, cruyn, croyn, crwyn = skin, hide, pelt
Welsh (Cymraeg)	croen [kroːɨ̯n / krɔi̯n] = skin, hide, pelt, peel, rind, surface, crust; film; a crusty or contemptible fellow croeni, croenio = to form skin, skin over, heal up croendenau = thin-skinned, sensitive, easily hurt, touchy croendew = thick-skinned, insensible, insensitive, callous croenen = thin skin, cuticle, pellicle, film
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crochen = skin
Cornish (Kernewek)	kroghen = hide kroghen lagas = eyelid kroghendanow = sensitive
Middle Breton	kroc’hen, krec’hen, krec’hin = skin, crust, membrane
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kroc’hen [ˈkʁoːχɛn] = skin, crust kroc’henenn = membrane

Etymology: probably loaned from a non-Indo-European substrate language [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	pell = animal skin, rug
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	pell, peall = (animal) skin, fur, rug, blanket
Irish (Gaeilge)	peall [pʲaul̪ˠ/pʲal̪ˠ] = pelt, skin, hide, rug, blanket, piece of coarse cloth peallach = hairy, matted, coarse-spun peallóg = (piece of) coarse cloth, woman dressing rough clothing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	peall [pjaul̪ˠ] = shaggy hide/skin, mat, rough cloth/sheet, bunch of matter hair
Proto-Brythonic	*pall = (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pall = cloak, curtain, covering, pall, tent, tabernacle, throne, bed of state
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pall [paɬ] = cloak, curtain, covering, pall, tent, tabernacle, throne, bed of state
Cornish (Kernewek)	pall = mantle

Etymology: from Latin palla (cloak, mantle), from pellis (skin), possibly from Proto-Indo-European *pel- (to cover, to wrap, skin, hide, cloth), or possibly a substrate loan. Words from the same roots include camouflage, film, muffle, pall and pelt in English, piel (skin, fur) in Spanish, and peau (skin, hide, fur) in French [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, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Blood

6th September 20226th September 2022 By Simon

Words for blood and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	wolis, weli- = blood
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fuil [fulʲ] = blood, wound
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fuil [fulʲ] = blood, wound
Irish (Gaeilge)	fuil [fˠɪlʲ / fˠɨ̞lʲ] = blood fuilaistriú = blood transfusion fuilbheartach = sanguinary, bloody-minded fuilchill = blood cell fuilchíocrach = bloodthirsty fuilchoirpín = blood corpuscle fuildoirteadh = bloodshed fuiligh, cuir fola = to bleed cú fola = bloodhound
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fuil [ful] = blood, family, tribe, kindred fuileachdach = bloody, bloodthirsty fuil-mìos = menstruation, period brùthadh-fala = blood pressure cion-fala = anæmia iomlaid fala = blood transfusion marag-fhala = black pudding ruith-fala = haemorrhage, haemorrhoids, piles
Manx (Gaelg)	fuill [fuɪlʲ] = blood, breeding, kindred fuill-vreck = bloodstained coo folley = bloodhound lhiggey fuill, roie folley = to bleed mooinjer folley = blood relation ym-roie folley = hemophilia
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gweli, gwely, gueli = wound, cut, gash
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gweli [ˈɡwɛli] = (bleeding) wound, cut, gash, ulcer, sore gweli angheuol mortal wound gwelïaf, gwelïo = to wound, injure, hurt, exulcerate; to fester gwelïog = fulls of wounds, sores, ulcers, wounded, bruised
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	goly = wound, mark, hurt guli = wound
Cornish (Kernewek)	goli = injury, wound goli bew/byw = ulcer golia = to wound goliesiges = casualty
Middle Breton	gouli, goulyow = wound, injury
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gouli = wound, injury

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *welh₃- (to wound, strike) [source]. Words from the same root include vulnerable, valkyrie and Valhalla [source].

Proto-Celtic	krū- = blood krowos = blood *krowdi- = rude
Old Irish (Goídelc)	crú = gore, blood
Irish (Gaeilge)	cró [kɾˠoː / kɾˠɔː] = blood, gore
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	crò [krɔː] = blood, gore, blood oath crò-dhearg = crimson
Proto-Brythonic	*krow = blood
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	crev, creu = blood
Welsh (Cymraeg)	crau [kraɨ̯ /krai̯] = blood, gore, carnage, bloody creulon = bloody, cruel, fierce, brutal
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	crow = gore, blood, death
Cornish (Kernewek)	krow = bloodshed, gore

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *kréwh₂s (blood) [source]. English words from the same root include crude and raw [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wayos = blood
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guayt, guaed, gwaet = blood. gore, juice, sap
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwaed [ˈɡwaːɨ̯d /ˈɡwai̯d] = blood. gore, juice, sap gwaedlyf haemorrhage gwaedlyd = bloody, sanguinary gwaedlyn = lymph gwaedogen = black pudding gwaedlyn = lymph gwaedu = to bleed
Old Cornish	guit = blood
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gois, goys, goos, gos = blood gosys = bloody
Cornish (Kernewek)	goos [ˈɡuːz] = blood, bloodline devera goos = to bleed, lose blood gwaskedh goos = blood pressure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwad [ˈɡwaːt] = blood, essence gwadañ = to bleed gwadegenn = black pudding, blood sausage gwadgi = bloodhound gwadorged = incest

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Corners

2nd February 20222nd February 2022 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for corners, backs and related things in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*kūlos = corner
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cúl [kuːl] = back, rear iarcúl = remote place
Irish (Gaeilge)	cúl [kuːlˠ] = back, reserve, support, rear, reverse (of coin), counter cúlaí = back (in rugby, etc) cúlaigh = to back, move back, reverse, retreat cúláire = recess, nook, back of throat cúlaistín = backer, henchman cúlsráid = back street iargcúil = remote corner, backward, out-of-the-way place, isolated
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cùl [kuːl̪ˠ] = back, hind part, tress, shadow cùl-fraon = background cùl-chainnt = backbiting, slander, defamation, calumny cùl-taic = patron, supporter, patronage, support, (military) reserves cùl-shràid = back street
Manx (Gaelg)	cooyl = back, behind, astern, reverse cooyl-charrey = backer cooyl-eaishtagh = to eavesdrop cooyl-pholt(al) = backfire cooyl-raad = back street
Proto-Brythonic	*kil = corner, angle
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	kil = corner, angle
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cil [kiːl] = corner, angle, back, nape of the neck, retreat, flight, recess, covert, nook, eclipse, wane cilaidd = retiring, elusive, furtive cilio = to retreat, withdraw, depart, recede, retire, pass away
Old Cornish	chil = back
Cornish (Kernewek)	kil = back, nape of the neck, book, reverse kilans = recession kilden = retreat kildenna / kildedna = to back off, withdraw kildennans / kildednans = withdrawal
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kil = back, reverse, lapel, neck, heel kiladenn = reverse kilañ = to return kilober = feedback kilseller = retrospective

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)kewH-lo-, from *(s)kewH- (to cover, conceal, hide). The English words such as hide, hose, house and sky come from the same PIE root [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, logainm.ie, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Gerlyvyr Cernewec, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Geriafurch, English – ProtoCeltic WordList (PDF), Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Parts of the body

Light Lungs

Meaty Flesh

Central Hearts

Facing Opposition

Beaks and Snouts

Foreheads

Heels

Surfaces

Blood

Corners