Pithy Marrow

24th October 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

Awls & Bodkins

11th October 2025 By Simon

Words for awl, bodkin and related things in Celtic languages.

An awl [ɔːl/ɔl] is a pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler’s awl, shoemaker’s awl, etc. The word comes from Middle English a(u)l (awl), from Old English æl (awl, hook, fork), from Proto-West Germanic *al (awl), from Proto-Germanic *alaz (awl), from Proto-Indo-European *h₁ólos (awl) [source].

A bodkin [ˈbɒdkɪn] is a small sharp pointed tool for making holes in cloth or leather. A blunt needle used for threading ribbon or cord through a hem or casing. A hairpin. A dagger, or a sharp tool, like an awl, formerly used for pressing down individual type characters (e.g. letters) from a column or page in making corrections. It comes from Middle English boydekin (dagger) and possibly has Celtic roots [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*minaweto- = awl
Old Irish (Goídelc)	menad = awl
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	menad, menadh, menath, meanadh = awl, borer or pointed instrument used for drilling holes
Irish (Gaeilge)	meana [ˈmʲan̪ˠə] = awl, bradawl, bodkin
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	minidh, meanaidh [minɪ] = shoemaker’s awl, small awl
Manx (Gaelg)	mennee = awl, bradawl, pricker, stiletto
Proto-Brythonic	*mɨnawed = awl (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	mynawyd, minawed = awl, bradawl, bodkin
Welsh (Cymraeg)	myn(i)awyd = awl, bradawl, bodkin (also written bin(i)ewid, binawad or byniawid) bwyta uwd â mynawyd = to attempt the impossible (“to eat porridge with an awl”) mynawydu, mynawydo = to pierce with an awl mynawydaidd = awl-shaped
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	benewes = awl
Cornish (Kernewek)	menowes = awl
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	menauet = awl, bodkin, punch
Breton (Brezhoneg)	minaoued = awl, bodkin, punch minaoueder = maker of awls, bodkins or punches minaouediñ = to punch

Etymology: unknown; possibly a substrate word [source].

Proto-Celtic	*brazdos = thorn
Old Irish (Goídelc)	brot = goad
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	brot, brud, brod = brotad = act of goading, urging
Irish (Gaeilge)	brod [bˠɾˠod̪ˠ] = goad broideadh = to prod, nudge, bite
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	brog [brog] = awl brogan [brogan] = small awl, probe, poker
Manx (Gaelg)	brod = goad, jab, nudge, prick, spur, stimulus, poker

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰresdʰ-, from *bʰers- (top, tip, point). Words from the same roots include barley, bristle and brush in English, barr (pine needles) in Icelandic, bara (bread) in Welsh, Cornish and Breton, farina (flour, meal) in Italian, and harina (flour) in Spanish [source].

Another word for bodkin in Manx is burkan. Not sure where it comes from. A bodkin in Welsh is also a bwytgyn or botgyn, which come from Middle English boytekyn / boydekin (dagger, bodkin).

Sticky Glue

2nd October 2025 By Simon

Words for glue and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*gloidos = glue, lime
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gláed [ˈɡlaːi̯ð] = glue
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláed, glaed, glaedh, glaod = glue, birdlime gláedamail = glutinous, viscous gláedid = to adhere, hold fast gláeta = stuck, glued
Irish (Gaeilge)	glae = glue, gluey, sticky, substance, slime glaeigh = to glue glaeúil = gluey, slimy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glaodh [gl̪ˠɯː] = comb, cud, honeycomb glaodhach [gl̪ˠɯː.əx] = gluey, pasty, (act of) gluing glaodhadh [gl̪ˠɯː.əɣ] = (act of) gluing, (act of) pasting glaodhte [gl̪ˠɯːdʲə] = glued, pasted
Manx (Gaelg)	gleiy = glue, adhesive, gum, jelly, mucilage gleihagh = jelly, jellylike gleighaghey = to (turn to, make) jelly
Proto-Brythonic	*glʉd = glue (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glut, glud, glvd = glue, gum, birdlime glud, glut = sticky, adhesive, glutinous, viscious, tenacious glvdio, gludio = to glue, glum, paste, solder, fasten securely, cling, adhere, stick
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glud [ɡlɨːd / ɡliːd] = glue, gum, birdlime, paste, mess, gluten glud [ɡlɨːd / ɡliːd] = sticky, adhesive, glutinous, viscious, tenacious, constant, diligent, stubborn glud(i)aidd = sticky, viscid, gluey, clammy gludedd = tenacity gludiad = a gluing together, agglutination, cohesion, glutinousness glud(i)o = to glue, glum, paste, solder, fasten securely, cling, adhere, stick glud(i)og = gluey, glutinous, gummy, viscous, sticky, clammy glutgaul, glutgawl = jelly llud = slime
Old Cornish	glut = glue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	glut = glue, viscous matter, paste
Cornish (Kernewek)	glus = glue, adhesive, gum, resin glusa = to glue glusek, glujek = adhesive, sticky
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glut = glue gludaff = to glue
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glud = glue gludañ = to glue gludegezh = viscosity gludek = sticky, viscous gludenn = sticky matter, glue gludennerezh = viscosity

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gleyH- (to smear, to stick, glue, putty) [source].

Words from the same PIE roots include gluten, glue, clay and cloth in English, kline (to smear) in Norwegian, hlína (earth, soil, clay) in Czech, liiv (sand) in Estonian, Klei (clay) in German [source].

Proto-Celtic	*glinati = to adhere
Old Irish (Goídelc)	glenaid [ˈɡʲlʲe.nəðʲ] = to stick (to), cling, adhere
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gláedid = to adhere, hold fast, stuck, glued
Irish (Gaeilge)	glean = to stick, adhere, agglutinate
Proto-Brythonic	*glɨnad = to stick (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glynu = to adhere, cleave, cling, stick, keep close, bind firmly
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glynu [ˈɡlənɨ̞ / ˈɡləni] = to adhere, cleave, cling, stick, keep close, bind firmly glynedig = stuck, sticking, sticky, adhesive, attached, connected glyniad = adhesion, adherence, attachment glynllyd = sticky glynol = clinging, adherent, tenacious, sticky, adhesive, infectious
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gleny, glyné = to cling to, cleave to, adhere, stick
Cornish (Kernewek)	glena (orth) = to adhere (to), stick (to) glenus = adhesive glenysen = sticker
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glenaff = to stick englenaff* = to stick

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *gli-né-H-ti, from *gleyH- (to smear, to stick, glue, putty) [source].

Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gliú = glue, adhesive stuff
Irish (Gaeilge)	gliú [ɟlʲuː] = glue gliúáil = to glue gliúch = gluey
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gluimh
Manx (Gaelg)	glooie = glue, adhesive, slime
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gliw = glue gliwaidd = gluey, sticky gliwio = to glue

Etymology: from English glue, or from Middle English glew [ɡliu̯] (glue, birdlime, tar, resin), from Old French glu (glue, birdlime), from Late Latin glūs, from Latin glūten (glue), from Proto-Italic *gloiten, from Proto-Indo-European *glóh₁ytn̥, from *gleyH- (to smear, to stick, glue, putty) [source].

Nests

10th September 202510th September 2025 By Simon

Words for nest and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*nizdos = nest
Old Irish (Goídelc)	net = nest
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	net, neid, nead, (n)nit = nest
Irish (Gaeilge)	nead [nʲad̪ˠ] = nest, bed, lair, snug abode, home, den, close group, gang neadaigh = to nest, nestle, bed, set, lodge, settle neadaím = to nestle neadaireacht = nesting, nest-buildling neadú = nesting, settling, nestling, bedding
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nead [n̪ʲed] = nest, circular hollow neadach = abounding in nests neadachadh [n̪ʲedəxəɣ] = (act of) nesting neadaich [n̪ʲedɪç] = nest!, to nestle, house, lie, build or make a nest neadan [n̪ʲedan] = little nest
Manx (Gaelg)	edd = nest, hat, cap
Proto-Brythonic	*nɨθ [ˈnɨːθ] = nest
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	nyd, nyth, nŷth = nest nythaid, nytheid = nestful (of chicks, etc), brood nythu = to nest, nestle, lie snugly
Welsh (Cymraeg)	nyth [nɨːθ, niːθ] = nest nythaid = nestful (of chicks, etc), brood nythfa [ˈnəθva] = a colony (of birds or insects) nythiad = nesting nythle = nesting place, shelter, pigeon-hole, box nythu [ˈnəθɨ̞, ˈnəθi] = to nest, nestle, lie snugly
Old Cornish	neid = nest
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	nyth, nŷth, neith = nest
Cornish (Kernewek)	neyth = nest neythik = alcove
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	nith = nest
Middle Breton	nez = nest
Breton (Brezhoneg)	neizh, nezh [ˈnɛjs] = nest neizhadur = nesting neizhiad [ˈnɛjzjat] = nested neizhiañ [ˈnɛj.zjã] = to nest, to live neizhiata = to look for nests neizhiet = niche, recess

Note: the Manx word edd was probably nedd originally, but the n was rebracketed as belonging to the definite article, so y nedd became yn edd, just as a napron became an apron in English [source].

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *nisdós, from *ni (down) & *sed (sit) = “where [the bird] sits down” [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include neth (sprout, bud) in Albanian, նստել [nəsˈtel] (to sit, sink, fit, shrink) in Armenian, lizdas (nest) in Lithuanian, hnízdo (nest) in Czech, नीड़ (nīṛ – nest) in Hindi, nest, nidate (to become implanted in) and niche in English, Nest (nest, small village) in German, and nido (nest, home, nursery school) in Italian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	fóir = nest, lair, den
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	fóir, foir = site, area, confine, abode
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáir = hen’s nest, bed, lair fáireog = (little) nest (for hen)

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Winnowing Wheat

4th September 2025 By Simon

Words for wheat, winnow and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	nixtos = (something) winnowed, wheat uɸo-nixtos = (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	necht = (?) cruithnecht* = wheat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cruithnecht, cruithneachd = wheat cruithnechtach, cruithneachtach = abounding in wheat cruithnechtdae = relating to wheat
Irish (Gaeilge)	cruithneacht [ˈkɾˠɪ(h)nʲəxt̪ˠ] = wheat
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cruithneachd [krɯn̪ʲəxg] = wheat, best of somethign cruithneachd-choitcheann = common / bread wheat (triticum aestivum) cruithneachd-Innseanach = maize, corn (zea mays) cruithneachd nan gaisgeach = the greatest of heroes
Manx (Gaelg)	curnagh(t) = wheat
Proto-Brythonic	niθ = (something) winnowed, wheat gwöniθ = wheat *niθjɨd = to winnow
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	gueinth = wheat
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guenith, gwenith, gỽenith = wheat gwenithaidd = excellent, fine, of the purest, wheaten gwenythdyr, gwenithdir = land under wheat, land suitable for wheat-growing gwenithuein, gwenithfaen = granite gwenith gwrwf, gwenithgwrw = wheat-ale nithiau, nithiaw, nithio = to winnow, sift nithydd, nithiwr = winnower
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwenith [ˈɡwɛnɪθ / ˈɡweːnɪθ] = wheat, good people, excellence, purity, fine man or woman, one of the best, a real good sort gwenithaidd = excellent, fine, of the purest, wheaten gwenithlyd, gwenithog = abounding in wheat gwenithol = wheaten, fine, of the highest quality, pure nithio = to winnow, sift nithiedig = winnowed, sifted nithiol = winnowing, sifting nithiwr, nithydd = winnower, winnowing machine
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwaneth = wheat nothlen = a winnowing sheet
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwaneth [ˈɡwanɛθ] = wheat gwanethek = wheat field gwanethen = (ear of) wheat gwanettir = wheat land notha, nothya = to winnow
Middle Breton	guiniz = birch niza = to winnow
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwinizh [ˈɡɥĩːnis] = wheat gwinizheg [ɡwĩ.ˈniː.zɛk] = wheat field gwinizhenn = stalk of wheat gwinizhus = abundant in wheat nizh, nizhadeg, nizherezh = winnowing nizhañ = to winnow nizher = winnower

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *nik-tó-s, from *neyk- (to winnow) & *-tós (creates verbal adjectives from verb stems) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include λίκνο (líkno – cradle) and λιχνίζω (likhnízō – to thresh) in Greek, niekoti (trifle) in Latvian, and niekāt (nothing) in Lithuanian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	tuirenn = wheat
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tuirenn, tuirinn = wheat
Irish (Gaeilge)	tuireann = (lit.) wheat, faithful following, band, company
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	tuireann [tɯrʲən̪ˠ] = wheat (genus triticum)

Etymology: unknown, possibly related to tuireann (a spark of fire from an anvil) [source]

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

Swearing Oaths

13th August 202514th August 2025 By Simon

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

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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].

First Things First

31st July 202531st July 2025 By Simon

Words for first, before, previous, and related things in Celtic languages.

first things first

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	kentus = first kentuslongos = early meal kentusamonyos, kintusamīnos, kintusamonis = beginning of summer, May kentusedom = first seat
Gaulish	cintus = first (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	cét- [ˈkʲeː.d] = first cétaín [ˈkʲeː.dai̯nʲ] = Wednesday (“first fast”) cétmuinter = spouse, wife cétnae = first, same cétóir = first time, beginning
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	cét- [kax / kex] = first, early, primary, former cétad = seat, couch cétaín [ˈkʲeː.dai̯nʲ] = Wednesday cétlongad = fasting
Irish (Gaeilge)	céad [ciːa̯d̪ˠ / ceːd̪ˠ] = first Céadaoin [ˈceːd̪ˠiːnʲ] = Wednesday céalacan = moring fast
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ciad [kʲiad] = first ciadaineach [kʲiədɪn̪ʲəx] = pertaining to Wednesday, falling on a Wednesday DiCiadain [dʲɪˈkʲiədɪn̪ʲ] = Wednesday
Manx (Gaelg)	kied = first, primary, senior chied = first, initial, primary kied chouyr = first aid Crean = Mercury, Wednesday
Proto-Brythonic	kɨnt = earlier, sooner, before, former, previous kɨntüheð = porch, entry, court (?) *kɨntühaβ̃in = beginning of summer, first month of summer, May (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	cin, kin, kyn(n), cynn = before, previous to, preceding cynda(i)d = ancestor, forefather kynt, cynt = earlier, sooner, former(ly), previous(ly), before, quicker, faster, swifter, rather (than) kyn(n)hayaf, kynhaeaf, cynhaeaf = harvest(-time), autumn kantaf, kyntaf, kyntaw, kentaf = swiftest, quickest, fastest, fleetest, first, foremost, chief, principal cyntedd = porch, lobby, vestibule, entry, court, forecourt kintevin, kynteuin, kyntefin = beginning of summer, first month of summer, May, spring, summer kythlwng = fasting, hunger
Welsh (Cymraeg)	cyn [kɨ̞n / kɪn] = before, previous to, preceding cynt [kɨ̞nt / kɪnt] = earlier, sooner, former(ly), previous(ly), before, quicker, faster, swifter, rather (than) cyntaf = swiftest, quickest, fastest, fleetest, first, foremost, chief, principal cynhaeaf = harvest(-time), autumn cyntedd [ˈkəntɛð] = porch, lobby, vestibule, entry, court, forecourt cyntefin [kənˈtɛvɪn] = beginning of summer, first month of summer, May, spring, summer cythlwng = fasting, hunger
Old Cornish	kyniaf = harvest(-time), autumn
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	cyn, cen, ken = first, before (that) cens, kens = before, formerly, rather cenzhoha, kenzhoha = the morning cynsa, censa, kensa = the first, chief cyniaf, kyniaw, cidniadh, cidniaz = autumn, harvest, time (“before winter”)
Cornish (Kernewek)	kyns, kens = former, previous, sooner, earlier, formerly, rather, before kyns ena, kens ena = previously, before then kynsa, kensa = first, initial kynser(es) = apprentice kynserneth = apprenticeship kynsistorek = prehistoric
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	quent = before quentaff = first
Breton (Brezhoneg)	kent [ˈkɛ̃nt] = before, previously, rather, preferably, prevous, prior kantad = ancestor kantael = primitive, primary kantaenn = principle kantañ [ˈkẽn.tã] = first, main, next, soon kentannezer = pioneer, pathfinder kentanv = first name kentocʼh [ˈkẽntɔx] = rather, instead kerkent [ˈkɛrkɛnt] = immediately, as soon as

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *kéntus, from *ken- (to arise, begin) [Source]. Words from the same roots possibly include begin, recent in English, beginnen (to begin, commence, start) in German, cenau (cub, pup, whelp, rascal) in Welsh, cana (cub, whelp) in Irish, szczenię (puppy, cub) in Polish, and reciente (recent) in Spanish [Source].
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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]

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Tag: Scottish Gaelic

Pithy Marrow

Awls & Bodkins

Sticky Glue

Nests

Winnowing Wheat

Shameful Disgrace

Swearing Oaths

Ashen Embers

First Things First

Each & Every