Cheese

By Simon

Words for cheese and related words in Celtic languages.

Cheese

Old Irish (Goídelc) cáise = cheese
Irish (Gaeilge) cáis [kɑːʃ / kæːʃ] = cheese
cáiseoir = cheese-maker, cheese-monger
cáisiúil = cheesy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) càise [kaːʃə] = cheese
càisean, cùl-càise = cheese rind
brèid-càise, anart-càise = cheesecloth
Manx (Gaelg) caashey = cheese, cheesy
caasheydagh = cheesy
Proto-Brythonic *kọs = cheese
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) caws, caus = cheese
Welsh (Cymraeg) caws [kau̯s] = cheese, curds, a cheese
cawsa = to beg cheese, collect cheese
cawsai = cheese begger, one who makes cheese
cawsaidd = caseous, cheesy
cawsion = curd, curds, curdlings
cawslestr = cheesel, cheese vat/mould
cawslïain = cheese-cloth
cawsty = cheese house, dairy
cosyn [ˈkɔsɨ̞n / ˈkɔsɪn] = a piece of cheese
Cornish (Kernewek) keus [køːs] = cheese
keuswask = cheese press
Breton (Brezhoneg) keuz = cheese
keuzerezh = cheese factory

Etymology: from the Latin cāseus (cheese), from the Proto-Indo-European *kwh₂et- (to ferment, become sour) [source].

Middle Breton) fourondec, foulondec = cheese
Breton (Brezhoneg) formaj = cheese
fourmajerezh = cheese factory

Etymology: from the Latin Latin fōrmāticum (cheese), short for cāseus fōrmāticus (form cheese), from cāseus (cheese) amd fōrma (form, mold) [source]. More cheesy words in European languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Easter

By Simon

Words for Easter and related words in Celtic languages.

EE094

Old Irish (Goídelc) Cásc = Easter
Irish (Gaeilge) Cáisc [kɑːʃc / kæːʃc] = Easter
Domhnach Cásca,Cáisc Shona duit = Happy Easter
ubh Chásca = Easter egg
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) A’ Chàisg [əˈxaːʃgʲ] = Easter
Càisg nan Iùdhach = Passover
Dihaoine na Càisge = Good Friday
ugh na Càisge = Easter egg
A’ Chàisg sona = Happy Easter
Manx (Gaelg) Caisht = Easter
caisht ny hewnyn = Passover
Jerdein Caisht = Maunday Thursday
Jeheiney Caisht = Good Friday
Laa Caisht = Easter Day
Caisht sonney dhyt! = Happy Easter!
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) Pasc, Passc = Easter
Welsh (Cymraeg) Pasg = Easter, Passover
Pasg yr Wyau = Easter Sunday
wy’r Pasg = Easter egg
Pasg hapus = Happy Easter
Pasg yr Iddewon = Passover
Cornish (Kernewek) Pask [pʰaːsk, pʰask] = Easter, Passover
Pask Lowen = Happy Easter
Breton (Brezhoneg) Pask = Easter, Passover
Pask Seder = Happy Easter

Etymology: from the Late Latin pascha (Passover, Easter), from Ancient Greek πάσχα (páskha – Passover), from Aramaic פסחא‎ (paskha – Passover), from Hebrew פֶּסַח‎ (pesaḥ -Passover). [source].

Happy Easter in many languages

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Hillsides

By Simon

Words for hillsides, cliffs and related words in Celtic languages.

Snowdonia in the sun

Proto-Celtic *altos = height, cliff
Old Irish (Goídelc) alt, allt = height, cliff, valley, abyss
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) als = hillock
Irish (Gaeilge) ailt = steep-sided glen, ravine, height, cliff
ailteán = small ravine
alt = steep-sided ravine, hillock
altach = undulating (road), wavy (hair)
altán = streamlet, ravine, hillock
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) alt [al̪ˠd] = rugged/steep bank, precipice
allt [aul̪ˠd] = brook, burn, stream, brook, rill, river with precipitous banks
alltan = brook, little stream, streamlet
Manx (Gaelg) alt = mountain stream, glen in mountains, high place, altitude, alto
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) alt, allt = hill(side)
Welsh (Cymraeg) allt [aːɬt / aɬt] = hill(side), (steep) gradient or slope, steep road or path, (steep) ascent, cliff, woods, wooded slope
allt (o) goed = wood, grove
allt (y) môr, allt fôr = sea-cliff
yr allt bren = staircase, facet (“the wooden hill”)
Old Cornish als = cliff
Cornish (Kernewek) als [ɒlz / ælz] = cliff
Middle Breton a(o)ut = coast, shore, bank
Breton (Brezhoneg) aod = coast, shore
aod bili = pebble beach
aod vev = foreshore

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂eltós, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂el- (to grow, nourish) [source].

English words such as altitude, adult and old come from the same PIE root, as do alt (old, ancient, elderly) in German, oud (old) in Dutch, haut (high, tall) in French and alto (high, tall, deep, loud) in Italian [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Slieve League / Sliabh Liag

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Bridges

By Simon

Words for bridges and related words in Celtic languages.

Menai Bridge / Pont y Borth

Proto-Celtic *brīwā = bridge
Gaulish briua = bridge
Leptonic 𐌐𐌓𐌖𐌉𐌀𐌌 (pruiam) = funerary construction (perhaps a grave)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bʰerw/*bʰrēw (wooden flooring, decking, bridge), which is also the root of the English words bridge and brig [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc) drochet [ˈdroxʲed] = bridge
Irish (Gaeilge) droichead [ˈd̪ˠɾˠɛçəd̪ˠ] = bridge
droichead crochta = suspension bridge
droichead tógála = drawbridge
droichead meáite = weigh bridge
droichead veidhlín = bridge of a violin
droichead sróine = bridge of the nose
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) drochaid [drɔxɪdʲ] = bridge
drochaid air fleodradh = pontoon
drochaid-thogalach, drochaid-thogail = drawbridge
drochaid-choise = footbridge
drochaid-rathaid = road bridge, viaduct
drochaid-thionndain = swing bridge
Manx (Gaelg) droghad = bridge, bridge of ship, arch, gantry
droghad aae = viaduct
droghad cassee = swing bridge
droghad coshey = gangway, footbridge
droghad croghit = suspension bridge
droghad keesh = toll bridge
droichead meihaghey = weigh bridge

Etymology: from the Old Irish droch (wheel, circlet) and sét (path). [source].

Welsh (Cymraeg) pont [pɔnt] = bridge
pontio = to bridge (a gap), to transition
pont godi = drawbridge
pont grog = suspension bridge
pont trwyn = bridge of the nose
pont y glaw, pont law = rainbow
pont ysgwydd = collar-bone, clavicle
Cornish (Kernewek) pons = bridge
pons travalya = travelling bridge
Breton (Brezhoneg) pont = bridge, top of the furrow, culvert, trigger guard
pont-tro = swing bridge
pont hent-houarn = railway bridge
pont dilestrañ = bridge, deck (of ship)
pont kargañ = loading deck
pont-tro = swing bridge

Etymology: from the Latin pōns, pōntis (bridge, deck), from the Proto-Indo-European *pónteh₁s (path, road), from *pent- (path) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Peaks

By Simon

Words for peaks and tops and related words in Celtic languages.

View from Snowdon

Proto-Celtic *bandā = top, peak; horn
*benno- = peak, top
Gaulish benn/*bannā = peak
Old Irish (Goídelc) benn [bʲen͈] = mountain, crag, peak, point, crest, summit, pinnacle, spire; gable, corner, horn (of animal), drinking horn, prong, crest
bennán = horned animal, cow, calf; horned or peaked object
Irish (Gaeilge) beann = horn, antler; drinking horn; prong (of fork)
beannach = horned, antlered, pronged, peaked, gabled, angular
beannógach = peaked,angular
binn = peak; gable; cliff; corner, edge, margin; lap; side, portion
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) beann [bjaun̪ˠ] = horn, peak, top, corner, skirt
beinn [bein̪ʲ] = mountain, mount, high hill
beinn-theine = volcano
eigh-bheinn = iceberg
Manx (Gaelg) beinn = mountain, ben, summit, pinnacle, apex, tine of deer
beinn rioee = iceberg
Proto-Brythonic *bann = top, peak
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) bann = peak
Welsh (Cymraeg) ban [ban] = top, tip, peak, summit, crest, peak, beacon, height, pinnacle, turret, hill, mountain, bare hill; chief; drinking horn, horn (of animal); arm, branch, beam, point (of cross)
bannau’r byd = corners, quarters or regions of the world, the ends of the earth
ban caer, ban y gaer = rampart of a fort; top or height of a fortess
ban lleuad = quarters of the moon, new moon
Cornish (Kernewek) ban = prominence
Breton (Brezhoneg) bann = rising, uphill, upright, post, column

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *bn̥dʰéh₂ from *bendʰ- (pin, point). The Scots word ben (mountain, hill) comes from the Scottish Gaelic beinn. From Gaulish we get the Catalan words banya (horn) and banyut (horned, unfaithful), and the Occitan bana (horn), and the English word pin comes 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, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis

Water

By Simon

Words for water and related words in Celtic languages.

There are several words for water in Proto-Celtic: *akʷā-, *boglo-, *dubro-, *iskā-, *lawo-, *udeskio-, *utso-, *φeno-, *φono- and *stagro-. Only a few of them have descendents in the modern Celtic languages.

Afon Ogwen River

Proto-Celtic *dubros = water, dark
*dubrokū = otter (“water dog”)
*dubro-jarā = water-hen
Gaulish uerno-dubrum = name of a river
Old Irish (Goídelc) dobur [ˈdovur] = water, river
doburchú [ˈdovurˌxuː] = otter (“water dog”)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) dobrán = water
Irish (Gaeilge) dobhar = water; flood, torrent; darkness, dullness, obscurity
dobhartha = watery, wet; dull, gloomy.
dobharchú = otter (“water dog”)
dobharchlog = water clock
dobhardhroim = watershed
dobhareach = hippopotamus
dobharlí = water-colour
dobhrán = otter; dull-witted, stupid, person
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) dobhar [do.ər] = water (archaic)
dobhar-chù [do.ərxu] = otter, beaver (“water dog”)
dobhar-lus [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = (water)cress
dòbhran [dɔːran] = otter
Manx (Gaelg) dooarchoo = otter, beaver (“water dog”)
doour = reservoir, dam
Proto-Brythonic *duβr = water
*düβrgi = otter
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) dwfyr [ˈduvər] = water
Welsh (Cymraeg) dŵr [duːr], dwfr [dʊvr] = water; urine; pus
dyfrgi, dwrgi = otter (“water dog”)
dyfrgiad = watering, irrigation, urination
dyfrio, dyfru = to water, to irrigate, to run, to urinate
dyfrig = dripping, foaming (of a horse)
dyfraidd = aqueous, waterish, aquatic
Cornish (Kernewek) dowr [doʊɹ] = water; river
dowrgi = otter (“water dog”)
dowra = to water
dowrhe = to irrigate
dowrvagh = hippopotamus
dowrliw = water-colour
Middle Breton dour = water
Breton (Brezhoneg) dour [ˈduːr] = water; rain, tears, sweat, saliva
dourgi = otter (“water dog”)
douraerouant = hydra
dourliv, dourlivadur = water-colour
dournijerez = seaplane, flying boat, hydroplane

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubrós (dark) from *dʰewb- (deep) [source].

Proto-Celtic *udenskyos = water
Old Irish (Goídelc) uisce [ˈusʲkʲe] = water
Irish (Gaeilge) uisce [ˈɪʃk̟ɪ] = water; rain, tears, saliva
uisceadán = aquarium
uiscebhealach = waterway
uiscedhath = watercolour
uiscedhíonach = waterproof
uisce-obach = watertight
uiscerian = aqueduct
uiscigh = to water, irrigate
uisciú = irrigation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) uisge [ɯʃgʲə] = water; rain; river (in place names)
uisgeadan [ɯʃgʲədan] = aquarium; body of water
uisge-dhath, dath-uisge = watercolour
uisge-dhìonach = waterproof, impervious; watertight
uisgrian = aqueduct
fuar-uisge = cold rain, cold water
slighe-uisge = waterway
uisgich [ɯʃgʲɪç] = to water, irrigate
uisgeachadh [ɯʃgʲəxəɣ] = watering, irrigation
Manx (Gaelg) ushtey [ˈuʃtʲə] = water
ushteydane = aquarium
bollagh ushtey, coorse ushtey, raad ushtey = waterway
ammyr ushtey, droghad ushtey = aqueduct
ushtaghey = to water, irrigate, steep, watering irrigation

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *udén, from *wódr̥ (water) [source].

Slieve League / Sliabh Liag

Proto-Celtic *sālos = saltwater
Old Irish (Goídelc) sál [saːl], sáile [ˈsaːlʲe] = salt water, brine, seawater; sea, ocean (poetic)
Irish (Gaeilge) sáile [ˈsˠɑːlʲə] = sea water, sea, salt water, brine
Manx (Gaelg) sailley = salt water
Proto-Brythonic *salī = salt, sea water
Welsh (Cymraeg) hâl [haːl] = salt, salty, saline, akaline
heli = brine, salt water, pickle, sea-water, sea
Cornish (Kernewek) hyli = salt water
Breton (Brezhoneg) hal = salt water, salt
hili = brine, strong sauce

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *séh₂ls (salt) [source].

Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) bùrn [buːr̪ˠn̪ˠ] = (fresh) water, amount of water, (act of) raining
bùrn-éirigh = spring water
bùrn-iarainn = mineral water
bùrn mìn = fine drizzle

Etymology from the Scots burn (a small river), from the Middle English bourne (small stream), from the Old English burne, burna (spring, fountain), from Proto-Germanic *brunnô (stream, brook). the Proto-Indo-European *bʰrun- (a bubbling forth; a fountain, wellspring, source) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau

Frosty Ice

By Simon

Words for frost and ice and related words in Celtic languages.

A cold and frosty morning / Bore oer a rhewllyd

Proto-Celtic *ɸreswos = frost
Old Irish (Goídelc) réúd [r͈ʲeːu̯ð] = frost
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) reód = frost
Irish (Gaeilge) reo [ɾˠoː / ɾˠɔː] = frost
reodóg = icicle
reoigh = to freeze, congeal, solidify
reoiteach = frosty, chilling
reoiteacht = frostiness
reoiteog, uachtar reoite = ice cream
reomhar = frigid
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) reòth [r̪ˠɔː] = frost, freeze, become frozen, congeal
reòite [r̪ˠɔːdʲə] = frozen, frosty, icy
reòthtach [r̪ˠɔːhdəx] = freezing, frosty
reòthadh = freeze
reòthadair [r̪ˠɔ.ədɪrʲ] = deep-freeze, freezer
stob reòta, caisean-reòta, boidean-reòthaidh = icicle
Manx (Gaelg) rio = frost, freezing, ice
riojey = to freeze, ice up
rioeeagh = freezing, frosty
rioeeaght = frostiness
rioghar, bwoid rioee, kibbin rioee = icicle
riojag, key riojey, key riojit = ice-cream
rio-stroo, awin rioee = glacier
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) rew, reo, rev = frost
Welsh (Cymraeg) rhew [r̥eːu̯ / r̥ɛu̯] = (hoar-) frost, ice
rhewaidd = freezing, frosty, icy
rhewedig = frozen, icy, extremely cold
rhewi = to freeze, preserve; anaesthetize, make numb
rhewiadur = refrigerator
rhewin = frosty weather
rhew bargod = icicle
rhew du = black ice
gwŷn rhew = frost-bite
rhedlif rhew = glacier
Old Cornish reu = ice, frost
Cornish (Kernewek) rew = ice, frost
rewer = freezer
rewi = to freeze
rewys = frozen
downrewi = deep-freeze, freezer
dehen rew = ice cream
furvell rew = ice tray
kub rew = ice cube
skes rew = ice skate
Breton (Brezhoneg) rev = frost, freezing, freeze
rev du = black ice
rev noz = night frost

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *prews- (to freeze, frost), which is also the root of the word frost in English [source].

Ice cave on Franz Josef Glacier

Proto-Celtic *yegis = ice
Old Irish (Goídelc) aig [ˈaɣʲ] = ice
Irish (Gaeilge) oighear [əiɾʲ] = ice
oighear dubh = black ice
oighreach = glacial
leac oighir = (sheet of) ice
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) eigh [ej] = ice
eigh-bheinn = iceberg
eigh-shruth = glacier
leac-eighe = ice-floe
linn-eighe = ice age
pac-eigh = pack ice
taigh-eighe = ice house
Proto-Brythonic *jaɣ = ice
Welsh (Cymraeg) iâ [jaː] = ice, (hoar-) frost
hufen iâ = ice cream
glaw iâ = frozen rain
Gwlad yr Iâ = Iceland
llen iâ = ice sheet
mynydd (o) iâ = iceberg, ice-mountain, ice-hill
Old Cornish iein = ice
Cornish (Kernewek) yey = ice
Middle Breton yen = ice

Etymology from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁yeg- (ice, frost), which is also the root of the English word icicle [source].

Another word for ice in Breton is skorn – etymology unknown.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau

Heavenly Sky

By Simon

Words for sky and heaven in Celtic languages.

Cymylau

Proto-Celtic *nemos = sky, heaven
Old Irish (Goídelc) nem [n͈ʲeṽ] = heaven, sky, radiance
Irish (Gaeilge) neamh [nʲavˠ / n̠ʲavˠ / n̠ʲaw] = heaven, sky, firmament
neamhaí [n̪ʲial̪ˠ] = heavenly, celestial; droning, monotonous, apathetic
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) nèamh [n̪ʲɛ̃ːv] = heaven; firmament, the skies
nèamhaidh [n̪ʲɛːvɪ] = heavenly, celestial
Manx (Gaelg) niau = heaven
niauagh = heavenly, celestial
niauoil = divine, heavenly
Proto-Brythonic *neβ̃ [ˈnɛːβ̃] = heaven, sky
Old Welsh nem = heaven
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) new, nym, nef = heaven
Welsh (Cymraeg) nef [neːv] = heaven, paradise; God, providence; sky, firmament
nef a daear = heaven and earth
Old Cornish nef = heaven
Cornish (Kernewek) nev = heaven
Old Breton nem = heaven
Middle Breton neff = heaven
Breton (Brezhoneg) neñv [ˈnẽ(w)] = sky, heaven

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *nébʰos (cloud, mist, moisture) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg) spéir [ˈsˠkamˠəl̪ˠ] = sky,
Irish (Gaeilge) spéir [spʲeːɾʲ] = sky, air; airiness, brightness, light; sphere, circle, orbit
spéirbhean = beautiful woman, fair lady (‘sky-woman’)
spéirghealach = ‘sky-brightness’, starry light
spéirghlan = clear-skied
spéirghorm = sky-blue
spéirléas = skylight
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) speur [sbiər] = the sky, firmament, heavens, heights
speur-bhean = beautiful woman (usually in myths)
speur glan = clear skies
speur-eòlas = star-gazery
speur-shiubhal = space travel
bàta-speur = airship
bun-speura = skyline
sgoil-speur = astronomy
Manx (Gaelg) speyr = sky, climate
speyr-ghorrym = sky-blue, cerulean
speyr-oaylleeaght = aerology
speyr voorjeenagh =angry (sky)
speyr vreck = mackerel sky
corpane speyr(ey) = heavenly body
Welsh (Cymraeg) sffêr [neːv] = sphere, ball, globe, heavely body, sphere (of the sky)
Breton (Brezhoneg) sphère, sfer = sphere, globe

Etymology from the Latin sphēra / sphaera (ball, globe, sphere), from the Ancient Greek σφαῖρα (sphaîra – ball, globe) [source].

  • Another word for sky, and air, in Welsh is awyr [ˈau̯.ɨ̞r / ˈau̯.ɪr], from the Latin āēr (air)
  • The Cornish word sky is ebron
  • Another word for sky, and heavens, in Breton is oabl [ˈwɑːpl]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionaire Favereau

Cloudy Mist

By Simon

Words for clouds and mist in Celtic languages.

Clouds

Words for cloud, mist and fog in Proto-Celtic:

  • *moudo, *neglo = cloud
  • *dumāko = mist
  • *dengwo = mist, smoke
  • *kewok / kiw-o- = fog
Old Irish (Goídelc) nél [n͈ʲeːl] = cloud
Irish (Gaeilge) néal [n̠ʲeːlˠ] = cloud; depression; fit, spasm; nap, snooze; dazed condition; swoon, trance
néaladóir = cloud-watcher, weather observer; look-out man; furtive person, sneak, spy
néaladóireacht = cloud-watching, weather-reading; sneaking, snooping, around, prying furtively, spying
néalmhar = nebulous, nebular; clouded, gloomy; sleepy
néaltach = cloudy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) neul [n̪ʲial̪ˠ] = cloud; hue, complexion; swoon, fainting fit
neulach = cloudy, nebulous; obscure; ghostly, sickly
neulag = small cloud; slow women, dimwit
Manx (Gaelg) niaul = cloud
neeal = cloud, nebula, swoon, nap, ashen (colour), faint
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) nywl = mist, fog, haze
nywlawc [nɪu̯l] = foggy, misty
Welsh (Cymraeg) niwl [nɪu̯l] = fog, mist, vapour, haze, cloud(s), obscured eyesight
niwlen = (thin) mist, patch of mist or haze, cloudy film, cloudiness, cataract
niwlio = to be(come)/make misty, foggy or cloudy
niwlog [ˈnɪu̯lɔɡ] = foggy, misty
Cornish (Kernewek) niwl = fog, haze, mist
niwlek = misty, hazy, vague
niwlvlok = smog
Breton (Brezhoneg) nivlenn = mist, fog

Etymology: from the Vulgar Latin *nibulus, a modification of nūbilus (cloudy), from the Proto-Germanic *nebulaz (fog, mist, darkness), from the Proto-Indo-European *nébʰos (cloud, mist, moisture) [source].

Irish (Gaeilge) scamall [ˈsˠkamˠəl̪ˠ] = cloud
scamallach = cloudy, clouded
scamallaigh = to cloud (over), mist, obscure
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) sgòth [sgɔː] = cloud (bank)
sgòthach [sgɔː.əx] = cloudy

Etymology unknown

Proto-Celtic *kiw-o- = fog
Old Irish (Goídelc) ceó = mist, fog
Irish (Gaeilge) ceo [kʲoː / kʲɔː] = fog, mist, haze; cloud; vapour; blog blemish
ceobháísteach = heavy drizzle, Scotch mist
ceobhrán = light drizzle, mist haze; thin layer
ceobhránach = misty, drizzly
ceoch = foggy, misty, clouded
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) ceò [kʲɔː] = mist, fog, smoke, vapour
ceò-mara / ceò na mara = sea fog
ceò-uisge = drizzle
ceòban = small drizzling rain accompanied by mist
ceòbhran [kʲɔːran] = drizzle, drizzling rain
ceòthlach [kʲɔːl̪ˠəx] = thin mist; light drizzle
Manx (Gaelg) kay [kʲeː] = fog, haze, cloud, top (of milk), blur (on a mirror)
kyeoh [kʲoː] = fog
kayeeagh / kayagh = hazy, misty, nebulous, foggy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *(s)kew- (to cover, hide, cloud). The English word sky comes from the same root, via the Old Norse ský (cloud), as does the Old English word sċēo (cloud), via the Proto-Germanic *skiwô/skiwją (cloud, cloud cover, haze) [source].

Proto-Brythonic *kuml = cloud
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) cwmwl = cloud
Welsh (Cymraeg) cwmwl [ˈkʊmʊl] = fog, mist, vapour, haze, cloud(s), obscured eyesight
cymylog [kəˈməlɔɡ] = cloudy, overcast; sad; obscure, lacking clearness
cymylu [kəˈməlɨ / kəˈməli] = to cloud (over), become overcast; darken,; overshadow, obscure, dim
Cornish (Kernewek) kommol = fog, haze, mist
komolek = misty, hazy, vague
Breton (Brezhoneg) koumoul [ˈku.mu] = mist, fog
koumoulek = cloudly

Etymology: from the Latin *cumulus (heap, pile, surplus, summit), from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱewh₁- (to swell) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek

Life and Soul

By Simon

Words for soul / spirit / life in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic *anaman = soul, spirit
Old Irish (Goídelc) ainimm [ˈanʲimʲ], anim [ˈanʲim], ainim, anaim, anaimm = soul, life, living creature, animal
Irish (Gaeilge) anam [ˈɑn̪ˠəmˠ / ˈanˠəmˠ] = soul, life, liveliness, spirt, breath
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) anam [anam] = soul, mind, spirit, life, breath
Manx (Gaelg) annym = soul, psyche, spirit
Proto-Brythonic *anati̯o- = soul, spirit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) eneid, eneit = soul, spirit
Welsh (Cymraeg) enaid [haːv / haː] = soul, spirit
Cornish (Kernewek) enev / ena = soul
Middle Breton eneff = spring
Breton (Brezhoneg ene = soul

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂enh₁mos (soul, spirit), or from the Latin anima (soul, spirt, life) [source].

Here are some examples of how these words are used:

Irish

  • anam an duine = the human soul
  • duine gan anam = unfeeling/lifeless person
  • Tá a hanam istigh ann = she is devoted to him
  • Dia le m’anam! = God bless my soul!
  • Dar m’anam! = Upon my soul!
  • Lán d’anam = in high spirits

Scottish Gaelic

  • a Dhia m’anam! = God preserve us!
  • m’anam = (my) goodness!
  • anam caillte = a lost soul
  • na gabh d’ anam … = don’t you dare to …
  • air m’anam! = upon my soul!
  • cha robh anam beò ann = there wasn not a living soul there

Manx

  • annym-charrey = spiritual adviser
  • corp as annym = body and soul
  • Dar m’annym = Upon my soul!
  • gyn annym = spiritless, flat (mood), inanimate, soulless
  • M’annym da’n jouyll! = Well, I’m damned!
  • Cha row annym vio ayn = there wasn not a living soul there
  • Shee Yee da’n annym echey = may he rest in peace

Welsh

  • ymroi i rywbeth gorff ac enaid = to throw oneself body/heart and soul into sth
  • â’m holl enaid = with my whole soul
  • hi oedd enaid y parti = she was the life and soul of the party
  • enaid hoff cytûn = soul mate
  • miwsig yr enaid / canu’r enaid = soul music

Cornish

  • daskor y enev = to give up one’s ghost

Breton

  • peoc’h d’e ene = may he rest in peace

Old Irish (Goídelc) spiurt / spirut [ˈspʲirud] = spirit, incorporeal being, angel, ghost, apparition, soul, life
Irish (Gaeilge) spiorad = spirit, spiritedness, courage
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) spiorad [sbirəd] = spirit (of mind, ghost, liqueur), mind, vigour, heart
Manx (Gaelg) spyrryd = esprit, ghost, morale, spirit, psyche
Proto-Brythonic *spïrïd = spirit
Middle Welsh (Kymraec) yspryt / yspryd = spirit
Welsh (Cymraeg) ysbryd [ˈəsbrɨ̞d / ˈəsbrɪd] = spirit, soul; ghost, spectre, genius, temperament, disposition, mood, emotion, feeling, liveliness, vivacity, breath
Old Cornish spirit = spirit
Cornish (Kernewek) sperys / spyrys = spirit
Middle Breton speret = spirit
Breton (Brezhoneg spered = spirit

Etymology, from the Latin spīritus (air, breath, spirit), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)peys- (to blow, breathe) [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Here are some examples of how these words are used:

Irish

  • An Spiorad Naomh = the Holy Spirit
  • spiorad an duine = the human spirit
  • spiorad na haoise = the spirit of the age
  • tá an spiorad ullamh = the spirit is willing

Scottish Gaelic

  • An Spiorad Naomh = The Holy Spirit
  • deagh-spiorad = good spirit
  • droch-spiorad = evil spirit, the Devil
  • spiorad-iùil = guiding spirit

Manx

  • drogh spyrryd = demon
  • gyn spyrryd = feckless, craven, boneless
  • Spyrryd Noo = Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost
  • spyrryd parteeagh = party spirit

Welsh

  • Ysbryd Glân, Glân Ysbryd = Holy Spirit/Ghost
  • gwendid ysbryd = melancholy, depression

Breton

  • Spered Santel = Holy Spirit/Ghost
  • droukspered = evil spirit, demon
  • spered-krouiñ = creativity
  • spered a gevezerez = spirit of competition

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek