Coughing

27th August 2025 By Simon

Words for cough and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷast- = cough
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cosachtach = act of coughing, cough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cosachtach = act of coughing, cough
Irish (Gaeilge)	casacht [ˈkɑsˠəxt̪ˠ] = cough casacht a dhéanamh = to cough casachtach [kəˈsˠɑxt̪ˠəx] = (act of) coughing, cough
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	casad [kasəd] = (act of) coughing, cough casadach [kasədəx] = cough, pertaining to or abounding in coughs casachd [kasəxg] = coughing, casachdaich [kasədɪç] = (act of) coughing, cough castaich [kasdɪç] = (act of) coughing, cough
Manx (Gaelg)	cassaght = cough cassaghtee = coughing
Proto-Brythonic	*pas = cough
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pas, pâs = cough peswch = a cough, a fit of coughing pessychu, pvssuvchv = to cough
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pas [paːs] = cough peswch [ˈpɛsʊχ] = a cough, a fit of coughing peswchboeri = to expectorate, hawk peswchboeriad = expectoaration, hawking pesychu [pɛˈsəχɨ̞] = to cough, fit(s) of coughing pesychfa = a (fit of) coughing pesych(i)ad = a coughing, cough pesychwr = one who coughs
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pas, pâz = cough
Cornish (Kernewek)	pas = cough pasa = to cough
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pas = cough
Middle Breton	pas = cough passat = to cough
Breton (Brezhoneg)	paz [ˈpɑːs] = cough, fart pasaat [paˈsɑ:t] = to cough pasadenn = fit of coughing pasaer = cougher

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kʷeh₂s- (to cough) [source]. Words from the same root include kollë (cough) in Albanian, hoest(en) ((to) cough) in Dutch, Husten (cough) in German, hoste (cough) in Danish, and kašel (cough) in Czech [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	trichem = cough
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	triuch = whooping cough trichem, trechem = cough, paroxism trichmech = fit of coughing
Irish (Gaeilge)	triuch [tʲɾʲʊx] = whooping cough tritheamh = fit, paroxysm tritheamh casachtaí = fit of coughing tritheamhach = convulsive
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	an triugh [ən̪ˠ truɣ] = whooping cough an triuth(ach) [ən̪ˠ truh(əx)] = whooping cough triuthar [truhər] = convulsion (esp. from whooping cough)
Manx (Gaelg)	truh = whooping cough

Etymology: unknown

Note: in North Wales, one word for to cough is tagu, which is related to words for to choke and choking in the other Celtic languages. See the post To Choke for more details.

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

Shameful Disgrace

20th August 202527th August 2025 By Simon

Words for shame, disgrace and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*meblā = shame, disgrace
Old Irish (Goídelc)	mebal, mebul [ˈmʲe.βal / ˈmʲe.βul] = shame, disgrace
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mebal, mebul, meabhal = (a cause of) shame, a disgrace, deciet, guile, treachery
Irish (Gaeilge)	meabhal = shame, disgrace, deceit, treachery meabhlach = shameful, disgraceful, deceitful, treacherous, deceptive, illusory, seductive, beguiling meabhlaigh = to shame disgrace, deceive, betray, seduce meabhlaire = deceitful, guileful person, deceiver, betrayer, seducer meabhlaireacht = (act of) deceiving, deceptiong, treachery meabhlú = deception, betrayal, seduction
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meabhal = perfidy, shame, reproach, fraud, deceit (archaic) meabhalach = deceitful, treacherous, fraudulent, shameful (archaic)
Proto-Brythonic	*meβl = shame, disgrace
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mefyl, mewil, meuil, meuel, meuyl, mefl = shame, disgrace, dishonour, reproach, insult meuyluethyant = shameful failing or fault meuylhaet = reproach, abuse mefylwr = scoundrel, rascal meuyllwryayth, mefylwryaeth = (cause of) shame, disgrace, dishonour
Welsh (Cymraeg)	mefl = shame, disgrace, dishonour, reproach, insult, blemish, blot, fault, flaw meflu = to disgrace, put to shame, stain, spoil, soil, foul meflfethiant = shameful failing or fault meflhau = to disgrace, put to shame meflus = faulty, imperfect meflwriaeth = (cause of) shame, disgrace, dishonour
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	meul, meaul = mischief, bad luck
Cornish (Kernewek)	mewl = bad luck, misfortune

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *mebʰ- (to blame). Words from the same root include αξιόμεμπτος (axiómemptos – reprehensible, blameworthy) and άμεμπτος (ámemptos – spotless, unblemished) in Greek [source].

Proto-Celtic	*metom = blight, decay, shame, failure, error
Old Irish (Goídelc)	meth = blight, decay, decline, wasting
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	meth, meath = decay, blight, wasting, failure
Irish (Gaeilge)	meath = decline, decay, fail, deteriorate, to waste, fritter away meathán = weakling, sickly person, coward meathlaigh = to decline, decay, fail, deteriorate, degenerate meatacht = decline, decay, craveness, cowardice meathlaigh = to decline, decay, fail, deteriorate, degenerate meathlaíocht = decline, decay, failure
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meath [mɛ] = fading (away), degenerating, degeneration, taunting, jeering, jibing meathach [mɛ.əx] = degenerate meathaichte [mɛ.ɪçdʲə] = degenerate, decayed
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	meth = failure , failing, deficiency, fault, defect, error, mistake methyant, methiant = failure, mistake, error, failing, defect methu, methy = to fail, be unsuccessful, be mistaken
Welsh (Cymraeg)	meth [meːθ] = failure , failing, deficiency, fault, defect, error, mistake methadwy = faillible, perishable methfodd = failing, fault methiad = failure, insolvency methiant = failure, mistake, error, failing, defect methu = to fail, be unsuccessful, be mistaken
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	medh, mêdh = shame, bashfulness medha = to be ashamed
Cornish (Kernewek)	meth = shame perthi meth = to be ashamed (of) methardak = stalemate methek = ashamed, bashful, shy methus = embarrassing, shameful
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	meplaom = to be ashamed
Middle Breton	mezz, mez = shame mezeguez = confusion mezus = ashamed, shameful, disgraceful
Breton (Brezhoneg)	mezh [ˈmeːs] = shame mezhadenn = affront, insult, slight mezhañ = to intimidate, bully, cow mezhata = to confuse, confound, embarras mezhegezh = confusion mezhek [ˈmeː.zɛk] = ashamed, shameful, disgraceful mezhekadenn = humiliation mezhekaat = to humiliate mezhus [ˈmeː.zys] = ashamed, shameful, disgraceful

Etymology: uncertain – possibly from a non-Indo-European language, or related to maoth (tender, soft, weak) in Irish, which comes from Proto-Celtic *moytos (tender), from Proto-Indo-European *meyh₁- (mild, soft), from which we get mite (mild, moderate, meek) in Italian, and mitigation in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*nāryā = modesty, magnanimity
Old Irish (Goídelc)	náire [ˈn̪aː.ɾʲe] = shame, shyness, reluctance
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	náire, náre, naire = shamefacedness, bashfulness, diffidence, backwardness, reluctance, modesty, generosity náirech = diffident, shy, modest náiríne = shame, affronted modesty innáire [ˈin͈aːrʲə] = modesty, generosity
Irish (Gaeilge)	náire [ˈn̪ˠɑːɾʲə / ˈn̪ˠaːɾʲə] = shame, sense of shame, decency, modesty náireach [ˈn̪ˠɑːɾʲəx] = shameful, bashful, modest, diffident náireachán = bashful, diffident, person náirigh = to shame náiriú = shame, disgrace
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nàire [n̪ˠaːrʲə] = embarrassment, shame, disgrace, ignominy, bashfulness nàireach [n̪ˠaːrʲəx] = shameful, bashful, coy, modest nàireachadh [n̪ˠaːrʲəxəɣ] = (act of) shaming nàireil [n̪ˠaːrʲal] = disgraceful, shameful nàirich [n̪ˠaːrʲɪç] = shame, make ashamed!
Manx (Gaelg)	nearey = disgrace, shame nearaghey, naaraghey = to abash, disgrace, shame naareydagh = shameful, scandalous

Etymology: possibly related to Proto-Celtic *nāro- (noble, great-hearted), from Proto-Indo-European *h₂enr (manly strength) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	méla = disgrace, shame
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	méla, meala, mela = shame, disgrace, discomfiture, mortification mélach = ashamed, disappointed
Irish (Gaeilge)	méala [ˈmʲeːlˠə] = humiliation, ignominy, grief, sorrow méalach [ˈmʲeːlˠəx] = lamentable, lamenting, sorrowful, humiliating, fault-finding méalacht = (state of) sorrow, lamentation méalaigh = to humble, humiliate, bring to grief
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	mèala = reproach, grief

Etymology: unknown

Ashen Embers

6th August 2025 By Simon

Words for ash, embers, cinders and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	loutus, loutwos, *loutwis = ash (from a fire)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lúaith = ashes, dust lúaithred = ashes, dust
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lúaith, luaith = ashes, dust lúaithne, luaithne = speck of ash lúaithred, luaithred = ashes, dust lúaithreda, luaitherda = dusty lúaithremail = ashen lúaithremán = creature of dust
Irish (Gaeilge)	luaith [l̪ˠuə(ç) / l̪ˠui̯] = ashes luaitheartha = ashen, dusty luaithghríosach = hot ashes luaithreach = ashes, dust luaithreadán = ashtray luaithreamhán = ashes, heap of ashes luaithrigh = sprinkle with ashes luaithriúil = ashy, ashen Céadaoin an Luaithrigh = Ash Wednesday
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	luath [ˈl̪ˠuə] = ash(es) luaithre [ˈl̪ˠuərʲə] = ash(es), dust luaithreach [ˈl̪ˠuərʲɪç] = ash(es), dust luaithreachadh = (act of) turning to ash luaithreadh = (act of) throwing ashes, turning to dust/ash(es), ash(es), dust luaithrich = turn to ash!
Manx (Gaelg)	leoie [ləːi̯] = ash, dross leoireydane = ashtray lorgaghey, shlig-leoie = to drive (on/along), to urge on, urging leoieagh = ashy leoiragh = ashy, dusty
Proto-Brythonic	*llʉdw = ash(es) (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	lludu, llvdw, lludw, llutw, llytw = ash(es), cinders, embers lludwaw, llutwaw = to reduce to ashes, burn down, incinerate
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llwdw, lludu [ˈɬɨ̞dʊ / ˈɬiːdu] = ash(es), cinders, embers, lava, ruins or remains, shattered hopes llwdwo, lludio = to reduce to ashes, burn down, incinerate llwdwog = full of ashes or embers, ashy llwdwol = ash-like, tending to reduce to ashes llwdw du coal dust llwdw sebonog = potash
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lusow, losow, lidzhu = ashes, or the remains of anything burnt
Cornish (Kernewek)	lusu = ash (from a fire) lusuegyn, lujuegyn = ashtray lusuen, lujuen = ember, piece of ash
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ludu = ash
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ludu [ˈlyːdy] = ash, fertilizer ludua = to buy / look for ash luduan, luduañ = to incinerate ludueg = ashtray, homebody luduek = covered in ash, ashen luduenn = Cinderella luduer = incinerator, ash merchant luduet = reduced to ashes

Etymology: uncertain, possibly from from Proto-Indo-European *lewh₃- (to wash), or from PIE *lew- (dirt) [source]

Old Irish (Goídelc)	smál, smól, smúal = ashes, ember, live coal, blemish
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smál, smól, smúal, smual = ember, glowing coal, fire, ashes, dross, blemish, taint
Irish (Gaeilge)	smól = live coal, ember, smouldering fire; a burnt-out or charred object smólachán = smouldering, charred, material smóladán = snuffers, lamp-scissors
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smal [smal̪ˠ] = blemish, stain, impurity, spot, speck, smudge smòlach = ember, thrush

Etymology: uncertain [source], possibly from Proto-Indo-European *melh₂- (to grind, crush). Words from the same roots in include melde (to announce, report, notify), молния (lightning, zip(per)), and Mjǫllnir, Mjollnir (the hammer of the Norse god Thor) [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	smúr = ashes, dust, dross, rust
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	smúr, smur = dust, dross, rust
Irish (Gaeilge)	smúr [ˈsˠmˠuːɾˠ] = ash, dross, dust, rust, soot, grime smúrabhán = soot, lampblack smúrach = dusty, sooty, grimy smúránta = dull, hazy (weather) smúrlach = snout, dirty, grimy face smúrlóg = grimy-faced girl, mudlark
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	smúr [smuːr] = dross, junk, rubbish, particle, blemish, drizzle smúrach [smuːrəx] = dross, junk, rubbish, crumbs, drizzle smúrag [smuːrag] = tiny particle, tiny bit smúran [smuːran] = small particle, mote, an iota, tiny bit (of)
Manx (Gaelg)	smarage = cinder, ember, live coal

Etymology: uncertain, possibly related to smother and smoulder in English, and smeulen (to smoulder) in Dutch [source], which all ultimately come from Proto-Indo-European *(s)meld- (to burn, smoulder, smoke; tar, pitch) [source].

Each & Every

24th July 2025 By Simon

Words for each, every, all and related things in Celtic languages.

Each & Every

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kʷākʷos = everyone, everybody, each, every
Transalpine Gaulish	papos = each, every (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cách, cach [kax] = each, every, all, everyone cach la céin = one at a time cechtar = both, each
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cach, cech [kax / kex] = each, every, all, cách, cach = the one, each, everyone, all, the rest cechtar = each (of), both (of), either (of)
Irish (Gaeilge)	gach [ɡax / ɡɑx] = every, each, everything gach rud = everything gach aon, gach uile = every gach aon duine = each, every, person, everybody gach bliain, gach uile bhliain = every year ceachtar [ˈcaxt̪ˠəɾˠ] = either, one or other of two
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gach [gax] = every, each, all, per gach a chèile = each other gach bliadhna = every year, annually gach dùrachd = best regards, yours sincerely gach pearsa = per capita gach ràith = every season, seasonally, every quarter, quarterly gach rud = everything gach uile [gax ulə] = every, each
Manx (Gaelg)	dagh [dax] = each, every, both, singular gagh = each, every dagh blein, gagh blein = annually, yearly dagh laa, gagh laa = daily, every day gagh-laa = ordinary dagh ooilley, dagh un = every dagh unnane = every one dagh ynnyd, dagh ooilley ard, dagh ooilley raad = everywhere dagh ooilley nhee = everything dagh ooilley phersoon = everybody dagh ooilley raad = everywhere cagh = all, everyone, everybody cagh elley = everyone else, rest cagh yt cheilley = reciprocal
Proto-Brythonic	pọb, pāpos = every, each (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	paup = every, each
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pop, pob = every, each, all, all manner of, every type of pobed = entirety pobua, pop wa, pob va = everywhere, every place pob uann, popmann, pop mann = everywhere, every place, every part pob un, pob vn, pobun everyone, everybody, each one, every (single) one, all
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pob [poːb] = every, each, all, all manner of, every type of pob dim, popeth = everything pobfa, pob fa = everywhere, every place pob lle poblle = every place, everywhere poblleath, pobmanrwydd = ubiquity, omnipresence pobman, pob man = everywhere, every place, every part pobun, pob un everyone, everybody, each one, every (single) one, all
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pép, péb = every one pob, póp, pôb, pôp, pûb, pûp = every, all pop, pób = every, each pepynag, pepenag = whatsoever, whatever
Cornish (Kernewek)	peub, pob = all, everybody, everyone pub = each, every pub eur = always pub huni = everybody, everyone pub le = everywhere pub pres, pub prys, pub termyn = always, all the time pub tra, puptra = everything pub dedhyek, pubdedhyek = daily pubonan, pubonen = everybody
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	pop = each, every
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pep = each, every pep vnan = each and every, everybody, everyone
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pep [pep] = each, every a bep eil = alternatively in turns bemdez [ˈbɛmde(s)] = every day bemnoz [ˈbɛmnos] = every night pep hini, pep unan = each and every, everybody, everyone (a) pep lec’h = everywhere pep tro = every time

Etymology: either from Proto-Indo-European *kʷo-h₃kʷ-os, from *kʷós (which, what) and *h₃kʷ-os (to see), or from PIE *kʷeh₂-kʷos [Source]. Words from the same roots possibly include how in English, hoe (how) in Dutch, hve (how, like as) in Icelandic, con (with, together) in Italian, com (with, against, together) in Portuguese, cu in Romanian, and cual (like, as, in the manner of) in Spanish [Source].
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Proto-Celtic	*olyos = all
Gaulish	ollos = everything, everyone (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	(h)uile, (h)ule [(h)ˈulʲe] = all, whole
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	uile [ˈulʲə] = all, every, the whole, everyone
Irish (Gaeilge)	uile [ˈɪlʲə / ˈɛlʲə] = all, every, whole, wholly, entirely uilechoiteann = general, universal uilechumhachtach = omnipotent, almighty uilefheasach = omniscient uilefhóinteach = all-purpose uileghabhálach = comprehensive, compendious, exhaustive uileláithreach = omnipresent, ubiquitous uiliteach = omnivorous
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	uile [ulə] = all, every, entire, total uil-fhiosrach = all-knowing, omniscient uile-amasach [ɯl aməsəx] = all-purpose uile-bhiast = monster uile-chinnteachd = surety, certainty uile-choitcheann [ulə xɔhdʲçən̪ˠ] = universal uileas [uləs] = all, every
Manx (Gaelg)	ooilley [ulʲə / ulʲu] = all, whole, entire, everyone, everybody ooilley cooidjagh all together ooilley kiart = all right, alright, OK ooilley dy lieragh = altogether ooilley mygeart = all around, everywhere, round about, rampant ooilley-niartal = almighty ooilley smaghtagh = totalitarian
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	hol = all, the whole, everything, everyone
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	oll, holl = all, the whole, everything, everyone, holla()l hollaul, hollawl, hollaỽl = whole, complete, entire holl gyuoethaỽc, hollgyuoethauc, hollgyuoethawc = almighty, omnipotent, all-powerful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	holl, oll [hoːɬ] = all, the whole, everything, everyone, entire, complete, total, completely, entirely oll yn oll = all in all (h)ollfydol = cosmic, universal, global (h)ollgyfoethog = almighty, omnipotent, all-powerful (h)ollol = whole, complete, entire (h)olloldeb, hollolrwydd = universality, generality (h)ollwybodol = omniscient, all-knowing, know-alls (h)ollysydd = omnivore
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	oll, ol = all, every olgallusec, olgalluster = almighty
Cornish (Kernewek)	oll = all, every, entirely, everything oll termyn = enduring, etermal, everlasting olldalghus = comprehensive, global ollgallos = omnipotence ollgallosek, ollgallojek = almighty ollgemmyn, ollgebmyn = general ollgompassus = holistic ollvys, ollves = universe ollvysel, ollvesel = global, universal
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	oll = everything, everyone
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	holl, hol, oll = everything, everyone
Breton (Brezhoneg)	holl [ɔl] = everything, everyone, completely, totally holl-razh = completely hollad = total hollat = global, total hollbad = perpetual, permanent hollegezh = generality hollegour [ɔˈleːɡur] = generalist hollek [ˈɔlːek] = general, uncountable hollved [ˈɔlvet] = universe

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂olyos, from *h₂el- (beyond, other) [source]. Words from the same roots include altro (other, another, more, further) in Italian, autre (another) in French, otro (other, another) in Spanish, allur (all, everybody) in Icelandic, al (all, any) in Danish, and all and alter(native) in English [source]

Barrels, Tuns & Casks

16th July 2025 By Simon

Words for barrel and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bairille = barrel
Irish (Gaeilge)	bairille [ˈbˠaɾʲəlʲə] = barrel
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	baraill [barɪl̪ʲ] = barrel, cask barailte [barɪldʲ] = barrel, cask
Manx (Gaelg)	barrel, barril = barrel
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	baryl, baril, balir = barrel(ful), cask(ful), butt, belly barileit, barrileid = barrelful, caskful
Welsh (Cymraeg)	baril, barel = barrel(ful), cask(ful), butt, belly barilo, barelu = to barrel, cask, resemble a barrel, drink a barrelful barilaid, barelaid = barrelful, caskful barilaidd = barrel-like, barrel-shaped barilan, barilen = small barrel or cask, keg barilwr, barilydd = cooper, tippler
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	balliar = a hogshead, tun, barrel
Cornish (Kernewek)	balyer = barrel
Middle Breton	barill, baril = barrel bariillat = contents of a barrel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	barilh [ˈbɑː.rilj / ˈbɑː.riʎ] = barrel barilhad = contents of a barrel

Etymology: from Middle English barrel(l) (barrel), Anglo-Norman baril (small barrel), or Old French bar(e)il (barrel), which is of uncertain origin [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tunna = barrel, cask
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tunna, tonna = tun, cask, barrel tunnaid = to store in casks
Irish (Gaeilge)	tonna = tun
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tunn [tũːn̪ˠ] = tun, barrel, put into a barrel, decant tonnadair [tɔn̪ˠədɪrʲ] = tunner, barrel funnel tunnadh [tun̪ˠəɣ] = (act of) tunning, barrelling, putting into a barrel, decanting
Manx (Gaelg)	tun = tun tunning = tun, tunning thunney = ton, tun
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	twn = tun tunnell, tynnell, tunel = tun, large cask, large barrel, vat tunellho, tunella = to tun, barrel, cask
Welsh (Cymraeg)	twn = tun tunnell = tun, large cask, large barrel, vat, ton(ne) tunnellu, tunellio = to tun, barrel, cask tunnelliad = a tunning, barrelling, casking
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tonnel = a cask
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	tonell = tun, barrel
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tonell = tun, barrel, belly tonellad = contents of a tun or barrel toneller = cooper tonellerezh = cooperage

Etymology: from Latin tunna (tun, box), probably from Gaulish *tondā, from Proto-Celtic *tondā (surface, skin) [source].

A tun in English is a large cask, an oblong vessel bulging in the middle, like a pipe or puncheon, and girt with hoops; a wine cask or fermenting vat. Related words include tonne (1000kg) in English, ton (tun, barrel, cask) in Dutch, Tonne (tun, barrel, drum) in German, and tonneau (ton, barrel) in French [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	casc = cask
Irish (Gaeilge)	casca = cask
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	casg [kasg] = cask
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	casc = cask
Welsh (Cymraeg)	casg(en) [kasɡ] = cask casgennu = to cask casgennaid = caskful, contents of a cask

Etymology: from English cask (tun, box), from Middle French casque (helmet, hard hat), from Spanish casco (surface, skin), from cascar (to split), from Latin quassō (to shake, quake, wave), from quatiō (I share or agitate), from Proto-Italic *kʷatjō (to shake) [source].

Memorable Memories

27th June 202527th June 2025 By Simon

Today we’re looking at the words for memory, to remember and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kom-men- = memory
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cuimne = memory cuimnigidir = to remember, recall cuman = remembered, memorable
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cuimne, cumhna, coimne = memory, remembrance, memorial cuimmech, cuimhneach, cuimneach = mindful, remembering, aware, remembered, memorable, famous cuman, cumhuin = remembered, memorable
Irish (Gaeilge)	cuimhne [ˈkiːnʲə / ˈkɨ̃vʲnʲə] = memory cuimhneach = recollective, reflective, thoughtful cuimhneachán = commemoration, memento, souvenir cuimhneamh [ˈkiːnʲəvˠ] = remembrance, recollection, thought, conception, plan cuimhnigh [ˈkivʲnʲə / ˈkiːnʲɪɟ] = to remember, consider, think, remind, conceive cuimhnitheach = memorial díchuimhne = forgetfulness díchuimhneach = forgetful
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cuimhin [ku.in̪ʲ] = memory cuimhine [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲə] = memory, recollection, remembrance cuimhneach [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəx] = mindful cuimhneachadh [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxəɣ] = (act of) remembering, minding, remembrance, commemorating cuimhneachan [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxan] = memorial, keepsake, memento, souvenir, commemoration, reminder cuimhneachd [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲəxg] = mindfulness cuimhnich [kɯ̃ĩn̪ʲɪç] = (to) remember, mind, commemorate dìochuimhnich [dʲĩə̃xənɪç] = (to) forget
Manx (Gaelg)	cooinaght = memory, mind, memorial, remembrance, reminiscence, commemoration cooinaghtyn = to remember, commemorate cooinaghan = memorandum cooinaghtane = keepsake, memento, reminder, souvenir
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cob, cov, cow, cof = memory, mind, sense, remembrance, record, recollection, memorial, regards, mindful cofiad remembrance, memory, record, memorial, mind, thought
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cof [koːv] = memory, mind, sense, remembrance, record, recollection, memorial, regards, mindful cofair = record, memorial, motto, mnemonic cofeb = memorial, petition, memorandum, souvenir, memoir cofgar = mindful, having a retentive memory cofiad remembrance, memory, record, memorial, mind, thought cofio = to remember, remind, mention anghofio = to forget
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cof, côf = remembrance, recollection, memory
Cornish (Kernewek)	kov [koːv] = memory, recollection kova = to remember kovadh = chronicle, record kovadha = to record kovnotya = to minute (a meeting) kovro = keepsake, memento, souvenir kovskrif = archive kovskrifa = to register
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	com, cam = memory
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	coff, couff, coun, coûn = memory, remembrance, recollection, mind couffhat, confat, coufat = to remember, recall, recollect
Breton (Brezhoneg)	koun [ˈkɛm.bɛr] = memory kounaat = to remember, recall, recollect kounadur = mention, reference, commemoration kounaer = memoirist kounerezh = = memory, the ability to remember

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *kom- (with) and *men- (to think), from Proto-Indo-European *kom- (with) and *men- (to think, mind) [source]. Words from the same roots include monitor, money, mint, minion, monster and admonish in English, moneda (coin, currency) in Spanish, and μνήμη (mními – memory) in Greek [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	mebair = memory
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	mebair, mebar, memur, memor, mebur = recollection, memory, remembered mebrach, meabhrach = remembering, mindful, intelligent, quick-witted mebraigid, memraigh, meabhraigh = to commit to memory, to learn, rehearse, recite, record devise ainmebair = forgetfulness coimmebair = commemoration
Irish (Gaeilge)	meabhair [mʲauɾʲ / mʲoːɾʲ] = mind, memory, consciousness, awareness, reason, sensation, feeling, sense, meaning meabhrach = mindful, reflective, thoughtful, intelligent, conscious, aware meabhrachán = memorial, record meabhraigh = to commit to memory, remember, meditate, reflect, perceive, sense meabhraíocht = consciousness, awareness, thought, intelligence meabhrán = memorandum meabhránaí = day-dreamer, registrar meabhrú = memorization, meditation, reflection, perception, feeling
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	meomhair [mjo.ɪrʲ] = memory, memorandum, (act of) thinking meòmhraich [mjɔːrɪç] = (to) ponder, think of something, consider, contemplate, deliberate meòmhrachadh [mjɔːrəxəɣ] = pondering, thinking, considering, contemplating, deliberating meòmhrachan [mjɔ̃ːrəxan] = memo(randum), note meòmhrachail [mjɔ̃ːrəxal] = comtemplative

Etymology: from Latin memoria (memory, remembrance), from memor (mindful, remembering), either from Proto-Indo-European *(s)mer- (to think, remember), or from Proto-Italic *memnos, from Proto-Indo-European *me-mn-os-, from *men- (to think, mind, spiritual activity) [source].

Credible Belief

12th June 202512th June 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*kreddīti = to believe
Old Irish (Goídelc)	creitid [ˈkʲrʲedʲiðʲ] = to believe creitem = belief, faith
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	creitid, craitid = to believe, trust, give allegiance creitem = (act of) believing, being converted; belief, faith, religion; credit, credibility, good standing
Irish (Gaeilge)	creid [cɾʲɛdʲ / cɾʲɪdʲ] = to believe, give credence to, suppose creideamh = belief, faith, religion, creed creidiúint = credit creidiúnach = creditable, reputable, respectable creidiúnacht = creditableness, respectability creidiúnaí = creditor creidmheach = believer, believing, faithful creidte = credible
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	creid [krʲedʲ] = (to) believe, suppose creideadh [krʲedʲəɣ] = belief, creed, faith creideamh [krʲedʲəv] = belief, creed, faith creideas [krʲedʲəs] = faith, credit, credibility, credence creideasachd [krʲedʲəsəxg] = credibility creideasaiche [krʲedʲəsɪçə] = creditor creidmheach [krʲedʲvəx] = believer
Manx (Gaelg)	cred [kredʲ] = to believe credjuagh = believer, disciple, believing, believable credjue = belief, creed, conviction, faith, religion
Proto-Brythonic	*krėdid = to believe
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cred, cret, kred = belief, creed, religion, faith credaduy, credadwy = credible, trustworthy, genuine, authentic, certain sure, believed credaw, credu, credv = to believe, have faith in, trust
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cred = belief, creed, religion, faith, trust, oath, promise, integrity, fidelity, credit credadwy = credible, trustworthy, genuine, authentic, certain sure, believed crediniaeth = belief, opinion, religion, creed, faith, confidence, credulity credu [ˈkrɛdɨ̞ / ˈkreːdi] = to believe, have faith in, trust, give credit, be disposed, feel inclined
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cred, crêd, cresy, cregy = belief, faith credgyans, credzhans, cregyans = the Creed, belief
Cornish (Kernewek)	krysi, kreji = to believe, think krysadow, kryjus = credible kryjans, krejyans = belief, religion kryjyk = religious
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	critim = to believe
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	cridiff, credyt, credaff = to believe
Breton (Brezhoneg)	krediñ [ˈkreː.dĩ] = to believe, dare kredad = credit kredañ = credenza, wardrobe kredapl = believable, likely kredekaat = to credit kredenn = belief, superstition kreder = believer, creditor kredig, kredik = credulous kredoniezh = caution

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ḱreddʰh₁-éh₂ / *ḱréddʰh₁eti (to believe, trust) from *ḱḗr (heart) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include credible, credenza, credit, credo and incredible, in English, credere (to believe, think) in Italian, croire (to believe) in French, and creer (to believe, think, reckon) in Spanish [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].

Spring Fountains

21st May 2025 By Simon

Words for spring, fountain, well and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with an * are reconstructions.

Old Irish (Goídelc)	topur, topar [ˈto.bər] = source, well, spring tipra = fountain, spring, well
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	topar, tobar, sopar = well, spring, baptismal font, source tipra, tiprait = fountain, spring, well, source
Irish (Gaeilge)	tobar [ˈt̪ˠɔbˠəɾˠ / ˈt̪ˠʌbˠəɾˠ] = well, fountain, spring, source
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tobar [tobər] = well, spring, source tobar na h-òige = the fountain of youth tobar-mhiann = wishing well tobar naomh = holy well tobar-sràide = hydrant
Manx (Gaelg)	tubbyr = font, fountain, laver tubbyr niaghan = washtub tubbyr oonlee = bathtub

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *ber- (to carry, bear), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰéreti (to be carrying), *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source].

Proto-Brythonic	*funtọn = spring, well, fountain
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	finnaun, fynnaun = spring, well, fountain
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ffynnawn, ffynnon = spring, well, fountain ffynnonell, ffynhonnel = source, spring, fount, origin, source fynhonic = small spring, source, issue fynonvs, ffynnhonvs, fynhonus = springing, welling, bubbling, gushing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ffynnon [ˈfənɔn] = spring, well, fountain, source, origin, issue, gland ffynonellu = to spring, originate ffynhonni, ffynhonna = to well, spring, gush, visit a medicinal spring ffynhonnell = source, spring, fount, origin, (historical or literary) source ffynhonnol = original ffynhonnus = springing, welling, bubbling, gushing
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	fenten, funten = well, fountain
Cornish (Kernewek)	fenten = fountain, well, spring
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	funton = fountain, spring, font
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	feunten = fountain, spring, font
Breton (Brezhoneg)	feunteun [ˈfœ̃ntœ̃n] = fountain, spring, font feunteunier = font maker

Etymology: from Late Latin fontāna (spring, source, fountain), from Latin fons (spring, well, fountain, font, origin, source), from Proto-Italic *fontis (spring, well), from *θontis, possibly from Proto-Indo-European *dʰónh₂-ti-s, from *dʰenh₂- (to flow) [source]. Words from the same roots include font (a receptacle in a church for holy water, especially one used in baptism) in English, fonte (source, spring) in Italian, and fuente (spring, fountain, source, bowl) in Spanish [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg)	(y)stifflog [əsˈtɪflɔɡ] = cuttlefish, squid ystiff(i)o = to scour, spurt, jet
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	stifac = cuttlefish
Cornish (Kernewek)	stifek = squid stifella = to spray stifjyn = jet engine stiflinder = jet lag stifliv = jet stream stifya = to spray
Breton (Brezhoneg)	stivell [sti:vɛl] = fountain, gushing spring, water jet, wash house stivelleg = squid stivellat = to spring forth (by gushing out), to stick out one’s head

Etymology (Breton): from stiv (spring, source, wash house), perhaps from Latin *stuba, from Proto-Germanic *stubō (room, heated room, living room), which is also the root of the English word stove [source].

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Verbs

Coughing

Shameful Disgrace

Ashen Embers

Each & Every

Barrels, Tuns & Casks

Memorable Memories

Credible Belief

Particularly Special

Captive Hostages

Spring Fountains