Sacks, bags & stomachs

15th November 201822nd October 2022 By Simon

Words for sack, bag, stomach in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*bolgos = sack, bag, stomach
Gaulish	*bolgā = sack, bag, stomach
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bolc = belly, stomach; bag, satchel; bellows
Irish (Gaeilge)	bolg [ˈbˠɔlˠəɡ] = belly, stomach, abdomen; bag; bulge, broad part, middle; bellows bolgach = big-bellied, bulging bolgadán = corpulent person or animal bolgán = bubble, bulb, air-bladder (of fish), puff-ball, windbag (of person) bolgchaint = ventriloquism
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bolg [bɔl̪ˠɔg] = blister, bulge, (light) bulb bolgach = abounding in bags/blisters, bellied, bulging, jutting, knobby bolgadh = billowing, puffing up/out, ballooning, swelling bolgan = (plant) bulb, lightbulb
Manx (Gaelg)	bolg [bolɡ] = stomach, abdomen, belly, tummy, corporation, bilge, bowl (of lamp) bolgagh = abdominal, bellied, billowy, blisterm bulging, puffy bolgan = bladder, blister, sac, vesicle, bubble
Proto-Brythonic	*bolɣ = sack, bag, stomach
Old Welsh	bolg = belly, stomach
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bol, boly = belly, stomach
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bol [bɔl] = belly, paunch, abdomen, stomach, bowels; tripe; appetite, desire, gluttony, liking; womb; swelling, bulge, surface, side bolio = to gorge, belly, swell, bulge, swagger boliog = (big-)bellied, corpulent, swollen, bulging, pregnant
Cornish (Kernewek)	bolgh [bɔlx] = breach, gap, opening bolghen = boll, capsule
Middle Breton	bolc’h = flax pod
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bolc’h = flax pod

Etymology
From Proto-Indo-European *bʰólǵʰ-os (skin bag, bolster), from *bʰelǵʰ- (to swell) [source].

English words from the same PIE root include bellows, belly, and bolster, via Old English and Proto-Germanic, billow via Old Norse and Proto-Germanic, foolish and folly via Old French and Latin [source], and bulge, budge and budget via Old French, Latin and Gaulish [source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

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

Brown & Dun

22nd October 20184th May 2024 By Simon

Words for brown, dun and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dusnos = dark brown
Old Irish (Goídelc)	donn [don͈] = brown, tawny, dun; hazel (eyes), chestnut (animals)
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	donn = dun, brown donnaid = to make brown or red
Irish (Gaeilge)	donn [d̪ˠɔn̪ˠ / d̪ˠuːn̪ˠ / d̪ˠəun̪ˠ] = brown, brown-haired, hard brown timber donnaigh = brown, tan, rust donnbhuí = yellowish brown, fallow, biscuit(-coloured) donnchiabhach = brown-haired donndearg = reddish brown donnfhionn = light brown donnroscach = brown-eyed donnrua = chestnut (colour), russet (cloth), bay (horse) strong>donnúchán = browning
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	donn [dɔun̪ˠ ~ dɯn̪ʲə] = brown, brown-haired, brunette donn-gheal = light brown, slightly tanned donn-ruadh = bay, chestnut (coloured) donn-uaine = olive(-brown) donnachadh [dɔ̪nˠəxəɣ] = browning, making brown, tanning
Manx (Gaelg)	dhoan, dhone, doan = brown, brown-haired, hazel, swarthy, dark-skinned dhoanaghey = brown, tan doan ruy = sepia dhone-ruy = bay (colour) dhoan-ruy = chestnut
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dwnn, dwn = dun, dark red, brown
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwn = dun, dark red, brown; swarthy, dark

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *dʰews-/*dʰewh₂- (smoke, mist, haze) [source]. Words from the same root possibly include dew, dun, dusk, dust and fume in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gelos = shining, white
Gaulish	*gelā
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gel = bright, clear, white gile = brightness, whiteness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gel, geal = fair, white, bright, shining gelach = moon gelaid = to make white, bleach, make fair gelaigid = to brighten, give light to gelán = brightness, a flash, whiteness gelcaid = to whiten geldae = fair, bright
Irish (Gaeilge)	geal [ɟalˠ] = white, bright, pure, glad, happy, dear, beloved, fond gealach [ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx] = moon gealacán = white (of egg/eye) gealachán = bleaching, clothes hung out to dry gealacht = brightening gealadh = dawning, dawn, bleaching, greying, lightening of colour, gladness, fondness gealán = gleam, flash, bright spell gealánach = gleaming, flashing, bright
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geal [gʲal̪ˠ] = white, fine gealach [gʲal̪ˠəx] = moon gealachd [gʲal̪ˠəxg] = whiteness gealadh [gʲal̪ˠag] = blight, whitening, fade-in gealaich [gʲal̪ɪç] = blanch, bleach, whiten gealaichte [gʲal̪ɪçdʲə] = blanched, bleached, whitened
Manx (Gaelg)	gial = bright, clear, white, shining, snowy, light-coloured, fulgent giallagh = moon gialan = egg white giallaghey = to blanch, bleach, brighten, whiten gillid = brightness, clearness, light, lustre
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gell = bay, brown, auburn
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gell = bay, brown, auburn, orange, yellow, tawny-coloured
Cornish (Kernewek)	gell [gɛl:] = (light) brown gellburpur = puce gellrudh = auburn, russet brown gellvelyn = tawny brown
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guel(l) = bay, fawn, red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gell [ˈɡɛlː] = bay, brown, ripe, exhausted gellaat [ɡɛˈlɑːt] = to make or become brown gellan, gellañ = = to brown, ripen gelleg = bay colour

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelh₂os, from *ǵʰelh₂- (to shine) [source]. English words from the same PIE roots include arsenic, gall, gild, gild, gold and yellow [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gurmos = dun, dark, blue
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gorm = blue, dark, green
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gorm = (deep) blue, green, dark, swarthy, black
Irish (Gaeilge)	gorm [ˈɡɔɾˠəmˠ] = blue, dyeing-blue; azure, dark-blue; livid, purple goirme = blueness gormaigh, gormú = to colour blue, become blue gormchló = blue-print gormghlas = blue-green, sea-green, aquamarine gormroscach, gormshúileach = blue-eyed
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	gorm [gɔrɔm] = blue; green, verdant; green, inexperienced, wet (behind the ears) gorm-ghlas = azure, cerulean, dapple grey (horse) gorm_shùileach = blue-eyed (person) gorm-uaine = blue-green gormachadh [gɔrɔməxəɣ] = making blue or grey gormailean = blue-eyed person, highly naive person muc-ghorm = blue whale
Manx (Gaelg)	gorrym = blue, black, dark-skinned gormaghey = blue, cyanosis gorrymaghey = blue gorrym dorraghey = dark blue bane-ghorrym = light blue doo-ghorrym = navy blue
Proto-Brythonic	*gurm = dun, dark, blue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gurum, gurim, gwrym, gurem = brown, dark-brown gwrymde, gurym de = dark-blue, greyish-blue, swarthy, wearing mourning gwrymseirch, gwrmseirch, gurumseirch = dark-blue armour or harness, horse-trappings, traces
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwrm, gwrwm = brown, dark-brown, reddish, greyish-brown, dark-grey, dark, dusky, black, dark-blue, blue gwr(w)mder = blackness, duskiness, murkiness, mist gwr(w)mdde = dark-blue, greyish-blue, swarthy, wearing mourning gwr(w)mddu = dusky, blackish, black garment gwr(w)mseirch, gwrymseirch = dark-blue armour or harness, horse-trappings, traces
Cornish (Kernewek)	gorm [gɔrm] = (dark/dull) brown
Old Breton	uurm-haelon = with dark brows

Etymology: uncertain – possibly from a non-Indo-European substrate [source]

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

Red

21st October 201813th February 2024 By Simon

Words for red in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*dergos = red, crimson
Old Irish (Goídelc)	derg [dʲerɡ] = red dergaid = to redden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	derg, derc = red, ruddy, bloody, sanguinary, red-hot, incandescent dergadas = to redden dergaid = to redden, make red, kindle, burn dergaide = reddish derge = redness, ruddiness, flushing dergthach = red, ruddy, hot, reddish
Irish (Gaeilge)	dearg [ˈdʲaɾˠəɡ / ˈdʲæɾˠəɡ] = red, rouge, red ink, glowing, raw, bloody deargadh = reddening, blushing, glow(ing), light(ing), bloodying, wounding, chafing, soil-turning, digging deargán = red matter or object, chafed, patch, glow dearglasta = blazing, red-hot
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dearg [dʲɛrɛg] = red, ruddy, flamming, red-hot dearg-amadan = bloody fool, complete idiot dearg-bhuidhe = orange dearg-lasrach [dʲɛrɛg l̪ˠasrəx] = flaming red, red hot deargachadh [dʲɛrɛgəxəɣ] = reddening, making an impression, blushing, drawing blood dearg-ruadh = bright red (hair, wool, etc)
Manx (Gaelg)	jiarg = red, sanguine, ruddy, bloodshot, rouge, gules, glowing, stark, florid, live, burning, abandoned, fair (intensive), turned (land) jiargey = chafe, sore, red jiargaghey = to blush, flush, glow, redden, blushing, glowing jiargid = grossness, reddishness, redness jiarg-bwee = orange jiarg-cheh = red hot jirgid = blush, glow, reddness, ruddiness

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *dʰerg- (to dim, darken) [source]. The English word dark comes from the same root [source].

Proto-Celtic	*roudos = red
Gaulish	*roudos = red
Old Irish (Goídelc)	rúad [r͈uːa̯ð] = red, reddish rúadnaid = to redden forrúad = red, russet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	rúad = red, brownish, dark red, strong, mighty rúadnaid = to make red, redden
Irish (Gaeilge)	rua [ɾˠuə] = red, reddish-browm, russet, copper-brown; wild, fierce; rough, strong ruachan = reddening, rusting (vegetation ruachorcra = puce ruacht = redness (of hair) ruafholtach = red-haired
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ruadh [r̪ˠuəɣ] = (browny) red, rust-coloured, ginger, russet, red colour, redness; strength; red deer ruadhachadh [r̪ˠuə.əxəɣ] = reddening, making red ruadhan [r̪ˠuəɣan] = reddishness, overcooked good, tea which has been boiling all day ruadh-bhuidhe = auburn
Manx (Gaelg)	ruy [rɛi/riː] = red, ginger, tan, copper-complexioned, red-haired, foxy, sandy ruyagh = reddish ruyghey = bronze, brown, redden, tan(ned) ruyid = brownness, reddishness, redness, tan ruissagh = florid, reddish, rose-coloured, rosy, ruddy ruissaght = reddishness, rosiness, ruddiness
Proto-Brythonic	*rʉð = red
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	rud = red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	rud, rut, rhudd = red, ruddy rudit, rutaỽ, rudaỽ, rhuddo = to make or become red, crimson or violet rudell, ruddell = red, reddish rutem, rud em, rudem = ruby, garnet, ruby-coloured rudcoch, rruddgoch, rudgoch = red, crimson, purple, blood-red, bloody ruddlas, ryddlas = reddish-blue, purple, violet
Welsh (Cymraeg)	rhudd = red, ruddy, purplish, bay, tawny, brown, bloody, covered with blood, scorched, crimson, violet, purple rhuddaf, rhuddo = to make or become red, crimson or violet rhuddel(l) = red, reddish, brown, bay, red ochre, red colour rhuddem = ruby, garnet, ruby-coloured rhuddgoch = red, crimson, purple, blood-red, bloody rhuddiad = becoming red or pink, blushing, redness rhuddlas = reddish-blue, purple, violet
Old Cornish	rud = red
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	rudh, rud, rûdh ruydh = red, crimson
Cornish (Kernewek)	rudh [ry:ð / ri:ð] = ginger, red rudh min = lipstick rudhek = robin rudhel = auburn, russet red rudhem = ruby rudhgogh = blood-red rudhik = reddish rudhlas = purple, reddish purple rudhlasdu = crimson rudhlos = greyish red, russet rudhvelyn = orange, reddish orange rudhwyn = gay, pink, reddish pink rudhya = to blush, redden
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	rud = red
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ruz, ru, rus = red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ruz = red ruzded = redness ruzdu = brown ruzellat = to glow ruzian, ruziañ = to blush

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₁rewdʰ- (red). Words from the same root include red, robust, ruby, ruddy, russet and rust in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	kokko-/kokki = red
Proto-Brythonic	*kox = red
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	coch = red cochi, kochi = to make or become red, redden, brown, scorch, blush cochder, cochter, kochder = redness, ruddiness, flush kochdduy, coch-ddu, cochddû = reddish-black, russet, brown cochliw = red-coloured, bloody, redness, ruddiness kochwen = reddish-white, pink coghyn, kochyn, cochen = red-haired person, hare
Welsh (Cymraeg)	coch [koːχ] = red, redness, ruddy, scarlet, bloody; ginger (hair); brown; poor, feeble, unskilful cochaf, cochi = to make or become red, redden, brown, scorch, blush cochaidd = reddish, ruddy, bloody cochder = redness, ruddiness, flush cochddu = reddish-black, russet, brown cochfelyn = copper-coloured, reddish yellow cochlas = purple, violet, reddish blue cochliw = red-coloured, bloody, redness, ruddiness cochliwaf, cochliwio = to paint red cochrudd = crimson, ruddy cochwyn = reddish-white, pink cochyn = red-haired person, hare
Middle Cornish (Cernewec / Kernuak)	coch, couch = red, bloody
Cornish (Kernewek)	kogh = blood-red, crimson, scarlet

Etymology: from the Latin coccum (a scarlet berry), from the Ancient Greek κόκκος (kókkos – berry). This is also the root of coccinus (scarlet, scarlet-dyed), from which comes the English word cochineal, and related words in other languages [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wlannos = blood red
Old Irish (Goídelc)	flann = red, blood-red
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	flann, fland [flan͈] = red, blood-red, blood
Irish (Gaeilge)	flann = (blood-)red, bloody, sanguinary, blood (poetic) flannbhuí = orange (colour) flanndearg = vermilion flannrua = blood-red
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	flann [fl̪ˠaun̪ˠ] = blood (archaic) flann-dhearg = blood-red (archaic)

Etymology from Proto-Indo-European *welh₃- (to strike, hit, wound). Words from the same roots include vulnerable, valkyrie and Valhalla in English [source] and words for blood in Celtic languages.

Yellow & Gold

18th October 20184th March 2024 By Simon

Words for yellow and gold and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*bodyos = yellow
Gaulish	Bayos = proper name* Bodyokasses = Baiocasses (a Celtic tribe of Gallia Lugdunensis*)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	buide [ˈbuðʲe] = yellow, yellowness, buttercup, honey, pollen
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	buide = yellow, yellowness, yellow hue buidecán, buigheacan = (egg) yolk buidecht = yellowness buidid = to become yellow buidigid = to make yellow
Irish (Gaeilge)	buí [bˠiː] = yellow, sallow, tan buíbhallach = spotted with yellow buíbhán = light yellow, cream-coloured buíbreac = speckled with yellow buígh = yellow, tan buíochan = yellowing buíochán = jaundice buíochánach = jaundiced buíocht = yellowness, sallowness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	buidhe [bujə] = yellow, golden buidhe-dhonn, buidhe-ruadh = auburn buidhe-shoilleir = amber buidheagan [bujagan] = (egg) yolk buidhich [bujɪç] = ripen (of cereals)
Manx (Gaelg)	buigh, bwee = yellow, jaundiced, tan, sallow, fair headed buighaghey = to yellow, jaundice buighaghey = yellowing, jaundice

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bodyos (yellow) [source]. Related to the English word bay (tree, leaf) ( [source].

Proto-Celtic	*melinos = yellow
Proto-Brythonic	*melino- = yellow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	melen, melin, melyn = yellow, golden, gold; yellow-haired, blond melynu = to be or become yellow or golden melynoc, mylynog = yellowhammer, yellow bunting, goldfinch, linnet melyn wy, melyn wi = yolk
Welsh (Cymraeg)	melyn [ˈmɛlɨ̞n / ˈmɛlɪn] = yellow, golden, (made of) gold; yellow-haired, blond; light-bay (horse); yellow, sallow, livid, or brown (skin); brown (sugar); deadly, implacable, unpleasant melynaf, melynu = to be or become yellow or golden melynaidd = yellowish, golden, sallow melynddu = yellowish-brown, dark yellow, tawny, russet, roan, swarthy, dusky melynog = yellowhammer, yellow bunting, goldfinch, linnet, canary melynwy = yolk
Old Cornish	milin = yellow
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	melyn, melen, milin = yellow, the colour of honey melynoy = egg yolk
Cornish (Kernewek)	melyn [‘mɛlɪn / ‘mɛlən ] = yellow, fair, blonde melyn oy = egg yolk melynrudh = orange, yellowish orange
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	melen = yellow, blonde melen vy = egg yolk
Breton (Brezhoneg)	melen = yellow, blonde melen-vi = egg yolk melenaat = to become / make yellow, to turn blond melenadur = yellowing melenard = a person with a yellow complexion melenin, meleniñ = to yellow

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mélit (honey) [source], words from the same PIE root include mulch and melleous (pertaining to honey) in English, and words for honey in Celtic and other European languages [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	ór = gold ordae = golden
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	ór = gold órda, órdae = made of gold, golden, resembling gold
Irish (Gaeilge)	òr [oːɾˠ] = gold óraigh = to gild órbhuí = golden (colour) órbhuille = gold leaf órghréas = (gold) filigree órphlátáilte = gold-plated
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òr [ɔːr] = gold òir-cheàrd = goldsmith òr-bhuidhe = gold-coloured, auburn òr-ubhal = orange (fruit) òradh [ɔːrəɣ] = gilding, gilt, gold digging òrail / òra [ɔːral/ɔːrə] = gold(en), gilded
Manx (Gaelg)	airh = gold, bullion, gilt oar = gold airhey = to gild; gilt, gilt-edged, golden airh ghlen = pure gold airhoil = auriferous, aurous, looking like gold
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	eur, aur = gold(en) eurir, eurha, euraw = to gild, adorn with gold, make golden eureyt, eureit, euraid = golden, brilliant, splendid, glorious, precious
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aur [aɨ̯r/ai̯r] = gold, gold money or coin(s), wealth; gold (colour); gold(en) euraf, euro = to gild, adorn with gold, make golden euraid = golden, brilliant, splendid, glorious, precious euraidd = golden, precious, illustrious, refined, virtuous
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	our = gold ourlyn = silk
Cornish (Kernewek)	owr [ɔʊr] = gold, red-gold owraval = orange owrbesk, owrbysk = goldfish owrek = golden owrlin = silk
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	aour = gold aourek = (deposit of) gold aourfebrer = goldsmith aourin, aouriñ = to brown aourra = to look for gold aourraer = gold panning
Breton (Brezhoneg)	aour = gold aourek = (deposit of) gold aourfebrer = goldsmith aourin, aouriñ = to brown aourra = to look for gold aourraer = gold panning

Etymology: from Latin aureus (gold, golden, gilded), from aurum (gold), from Proto-Italic *auzom (gold), from PIE *h₂é-h₂us-óm (gold), from *h₂ews- (to dawn, become light, become red). Words from the same PIE roots include air, aura, auriferous (gold-bearing), aurora, Australia, and east in English [source].

Silver & Money

18th October 201827th February 2024 By Simon

Words for silver, money and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*argantom = silver
Gaulish	*arangto- / argantom** = silver
Celtiberian	arkanta / arkato- = silver
Old Irish (Goídelc)	argat [ˈarɡad] = silver, money airgdide = silver
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	argat = silver, currency, money airgdide = (made of ) silver airgetlach = mine
Irish (Gaeilge)	airgead [ˈaɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ / ˈæɾʲɪɟəd̪ˠ] = silver, money, sum of money airgeadaí = financier airgeadaigh = to silver, electroplate airgeadaíocht = monetary policy, management airgeadas = finance airgeadóir = cashier, (bank) teller airgeadra = currency airgeadúil = silvery, financial, moneyed, profitable
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	airgead [ɛrʲɛgʲəd] = money, silver, cash, currency airgead-beò = mercury (Me), quicksilver airgead-làimhe = cash airgead-urrais = insurance airgeadach [ɛrʲɛgʲədəx] = silver(y), well-off, moneyed, lucrative airgeadachadh = silvering, silverplating, monetizing airgeadaichte [ɛrʲɛgədɪçdʲə] = silvered airgeadas [ɛrʲɛgʲədəs] = finance airgeadra [ɛrʲɛgʲədrə] = currency
Manx (Gaelg)	argid = money, silver, coinage, wages, finance, exchequer argidagh = fiscal, moneyed, financier, (the) rich, silver(ed) argidaghey = silver, silver plate argid-roie, argid cadjin = currency argideyr = cashier, financier, teller argidoil = financial, monetary argidys = finance
Proto-Brythonic	*arɣant [arˈɣant] = silver, money
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	argant = silver
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aryant, ariant, arian = silver arandûy, ariandy = bank arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna, aryanna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance aryanheyt, areanneit, aryaneit = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	arian [ˈarjan] = silver, silvery; silver vessel; money, coin(s), coinage, currency, wealth arianllais = (having) a clear or melodious voice or sound arianna = to collect or accumulate money, beg for (money) ariannaf, ariannu = to give money to, fund, finance, silver, inlay, plate ariannaid = silvered, silver-plated, make of silver, silvery, wealthy, rich, moneyed arianneg = financial management, finance Ariannin = Argentinia, Argentinian ariannog = wealthy, rich, moneyed, silver(y) ariannwr, ariannydd = cashier, financier, banker, sponsor
Old Cornish	argan, arʒant, argans = silver
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	archans, arhans, arrans = silver
Cornish (Kernewek)	arghans [‘arhans / ‘ærhɐnz] = money, silver arghans bew/byw = quicksilver arghansek = financial, silvery arghanser, arghansores = banker arghans-gweres = subsidy arghanti = bank Arghantina = Argentina
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	argant = silver
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	archant = silver
Breton (Brezhoneg)	arc’hant [ˈar.ɣãnt] = silver, money arc’hantadur = silvering arc’hantaj = silverware arc’hantan, arc’hantañ = to silver, realize (in money), capitalize, sponsor, convert arc’hantek = silver (adj) arc’hanter = silverer arc’hantiri = silverware arc’hantus = money-producing, lucrative, capitalizable

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *h₂erǵn̥tom (silver), from *h₂erǵ- (white, glittering) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include Argentina and argentous (of, pertaining to or containing silver) in English, արծաթ (arcatʿ – silver) in Armenian, argento (silver) in Italian, argent (silver, money, cash) in French [source].

Blue / Green / Grey

12th October 20185th June 2024 By Simon

Words for blue, green, grey and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*glastos = green, blue
Gaulish	*glastom = green, blue
Old Irish (Goídelc)	glas [ɡlas] = green, greenish (esp of growing things); blue, green-blue, grey-blue; metallic (colour); ice/frost colour; grey; wan (complexion); bluish, livid, discolored; faded
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	glas = green, greenish (esp of growing things), blue, greenish blue, greyish blue, wan (complexion), livid, discoloured, faded (of garments) glasaid = to grow pale or livid, to become yellow, to make green glase = greenness, blueness, steel-colour
Irish (Gaeilge)	glas [ɡlˠasˠ] = green (grass, politics), grey (horses, cloth, eyes), blue, pale, pallid, immature, unseasoned, raw inexperienced glasaigh = to become green, sickly, grey, raw or chill, to make green glasra = green, garden, stuff, vegetable, vegetation glasrachán = pale, sickly-looking, person. glasta = shiny, glossy
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	glas [gl̪ˠas] = grey-green, pale, wan, sallow, green, unripe glasadh, glasachadh = greying, dawning glasail [gl̪ˠasal] = greyish, pale, wan glasraich [ɡl̪ˠasrɪç] = vegetable(s), greens glasraichear [ɡl̪ˠasrɪçər] = vegeratian
Manx (Gaelg)	glass = green (of nature), verdant, soft, pale, pasty, ashen (colour), grey (of animal), raw, unfledged, sappy, callow (of youth) glassrey = vegetable, to vegetate glassoil = greenish glassaghey = greying, pale
Proto-Brythonic	*glas = green, blue
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	glas, glâs = blue, greenish blue, sea-green glasu, glassu = to (turn) pale, turn grey, burnish, polish glasỽellt, glaswellt = grass, green grass or pasture glaswyn, glaswen = light blue, pale blue
Welsh (Cymraeg)	glas [ɡlaːs] = blue, azure, sky-blue, greenish blue, sea-green, green, grass-coloured, bluish green, verdant, unripe (of fruit), greyish-blue, slate-coloured, livid, pallid, pale, grey, silver glasaf, glasu = to (turn) pale, turn grey, burnish, polish glasddu = dark blue, deep blue, violet glasgoch = blue tinged with red, purple, violet, puce glaswellt = grass, green grass pr pasture glaswelltir = glassland, pasture glaswyn = light blue, pale blue
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	glas, glâs = blue, azure, sky coloured, gray, ash coloured, verdant, green glase = to become blue, to grow pale, to be green, to flourish glasygyon = a green, green plot
Cornish (Kernewek)	glas [ɡla:z /ɡlæ:z] = blue, green, grey, sea colour glasdu = dark blue glasik = blueish glasneth = vegetation, uncultivated land glasrudh = blueish purple, purple, violet glaswr, glaswyrdh = sea green, turquiose glaswyn = light blue, sky blue
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glas = blue, green, azure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glas/glaz [ɡlɑːs] = blue, green (nature), grey (horse), raw & salty, fresh, bitter, pale glasaat = to green, freshen up glasded = greenness glasdu = dark blue glasvez = greenery glaswenn = light blue

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰl̥h₃stós, from *ǵʰelh₃- (to flourish, green, yellow) [source]. Words from the same roots include chlorine, gall, gild, glow, gold, yellow in English, gul (yellow) in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, and words for clean and pure and words for white, bright and fawn in Celtic languages [source].

White

9th October 20184th May 2024 By Simon

Words for white in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*windos [ˈwin.dos] = white
Gaulish	*windos/uindos = white
Old Irish (Goídelc)	finn [fʲin͈] = white, bright, blessed
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	finn = white, bright, lustrous, fair, light-hued (complexion, hair, etc), handsome, blessed, fair, just, true finnaid = make white, becomes white finne = fairness, brightness finnemail = whitish
Irish (Gaeilge)	fionn [fʲũːn̪ˠ/fʲɨ̞n̪ˠ] = white, fair-haired, blond, bright, clear; to whiten, make white, clear, brighten, scorch, singe, set alight finne = whiteness, fairness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fionn [fjũːn̪ˠ] = white, fair, pale; sincere, true, certain; small; fine, pleasant; wan; lilac; resplendent, bright; prudent finne [fin̪ʲə] = whiteness, fairness, fair maiden
Manx (Gaelg)	fynn = blond(e), fair (hair, skin), pure white, sprite; cataract fynnid = whiteness
Proto-Brythonic	gwinn [ˈɡwɨnː] = white (m) gwenn = white (f)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guin(n), gỽynn, gwyn(n) = white (m) guenn, gwenn = white (f) gwyn(n)der, gỽynnder = whiteness, pallor gwyndawd, gwyndawt = felicity, bliss, happiness, success, gain, good gwynhaa, gwynhau = to whiten, bleach, blanch
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwyn [ɡwɨ̞n / ɡwɪn] = white (m), greyish-white, pale; light, shining, bright; brilliant, white-hot; silver; amber-coloured; fair-haired, fair-faced, of fair complexion; holy, blessed, beatific, good, happy; splendid, excellent, beautiful, fair, pleasant; favourite, darling, white-headed gwen = white (f) gwynder = whiteness, pallor, brilliance, brightness, radiance gwyndod = felicity, bliss, happiness, success, gain, good gwynhaf, gwynhau = to whiten, bleach, blanch
Old Cornish	guyn = white
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	gwyn (m)= white, fair, pleasant, glorious, blessed gwen = white (f) gwynna = to make white, whiten
Cornish (Kernewek)	gwynn/gwydn [gwɪn:] = white, fair, pale, blessed gwynnik = whitish gwynnrudh = pink, whiteish pink gwynnvys = blessed, fortunate, lucky
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	guinn = white, pale
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guen(n) = white, blond guenna, gwenna = to whiten guender = whiteness
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gwenn [ɡwɛnː] = white, pale, pure, bright, sacred, useless, vain gwennañ [ˈɡɥɛnː.ã] = to whiten, planing (wood), exonerate gwennder [ˈɡwɛn.dɛr/ˈɡɥɛn.dɛr] = whiteness gwennerezh = laundry

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-Etymology *weyd- (to see) [source]. English words from the same roots include advice, clairvoyant, druid, guide, history, idea, wit, wise and wisdom [source].

Proto-Celtic	*banos = white
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bán [baːn] = white, pure
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bán = white, fair, bright, pure, holy, blessed, blank bánad = act of turning pale, the paleness of death bánaid, bánaigid = turns pale, whitens
Irish (Gaeilge)	bán [bˠɑːn̪ˠ / bˠæːn̪ˠ] = white, white-headed, fair, pale, blank, empty, idle, wild crazy bánach = fair-haired person, white person bánaí = albino (person) bánaigh = to whiten, bleach, blanch, dawn, clear out, empty bánú = whitening, dawning, clearance, dispersal
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàn [baːn] = fair(-haired), white (haired); blank, empty, unoccupied, vacant; pallid, pale; fallow bànachadh [baːnəxəɣ] = (act of) whitening, making pale bànachd [baːnəxg] = whiteness, paleness bànaich [baːnɪç] = whiten, make pale, vacate
Manx (Gaelg)	bane = white, blank, fair, blond(e), pallid; fallow, unbroken (ground) banee = albino, pale, white baneid = whiteness, blankness, paleness, lightness baneaghey = whiten, whitening
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bân [baːn] = white, whitish, grey, pale (borrowed from Irish)

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *bʰeh₂- (to shine) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include beacon, buoy and phantasm in English [source].

Proto-Celtic	*gelos = shining, white
Gaulish	*gelā
Old Irish (Goídelc)	gel = bright, clear, white gile = brightness, whiteness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	gel = fair, white, bright, shining gelach = moon gelaid = to make white, bleach, make fair gelaigid = to brighten, give light to gelán = brightness, a flash, whiteness gelcaid = to whiten geldae = fair, bright
Irish (Gaeilge)	geal [ɟalˠ] = white, bright, pure, glad, happy, beloved, fond gealach [ɟəˈl̪ˠɑx] = moon gealacht = brightening gealán = gleam, flash, bright, spell gealánach = gleaming, flashing, bright gealas = gleam of light, brightness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	geal [gʲal̪ˠ] = white, fine gealach [gʲal̪ˠəx] = moon gealachd [gʲal̪ˠəxg] = whiteness gealadh [gʲal̪ˠag] = blight, whitening, fade-in gealaich [gʲal̪ɪç] = blanch, bleach, whiten gealaichte [gʲal̪ɪçdʲə] = blanched, bleached, whitened
Manx (Gaelg)	gial = bright, clear, white, shining, snowy, light-coloured, fulgent giallagh = moon gialan = egg white giallaghey = to blanch, bleach, brighten, whiten gillid = brightness, clearness, light, lustre
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	gell = bay, brown, auburn
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gell = bay, brown, auburn, orange, yellow, tawny-coloured
Cornish (Kernewek)	gell [gɛl:] = fawn, light brown, tan gellburpur = puce gellrudh = auburn, russet brown gellvelyn = tawny brown
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	guel(l) = bay, fawn, red
Breton (Brezhoneg)	gell [ˈɡɛlː] = bay, brown, ripe, exhausted gellaat [ɡɛˈlɑːt] = to make or become brown gellan, gellañ = = to brown, ripen gelleg = bay colour

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Old

7th October 201823rd December 2023 By Simon

Words for old and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*senos = old
Gaulish	*senos = old
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sen = old, ancester, old person, sendatu = longevity, old age senóir = elder, old person, senior senórdacht = elderliness, old age sentonn = old woman sentu = old age
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sen = old, ancient, long-standing, ancestor sendatu = old age, long life senóir, seanóir = senior, elder, old person senórdacht, senordacht = old age, seniority sentonn, sentuinne, sentain = old woman sentu = old age
Irish (Gaeilge)	sean [ʃanˠ] = old, aged, mature; senior, ancestor; long-established, old fashioned; great, exceeding seanaimsir = old times seanaois = old age seanársa = primitive seanda = old, aged, ancient, antique, stale seanóir = old person, senior, elder
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sean [ʃɛn] = old, aged, elderly; former seanachd [ʃɛnəxg] = ancientness, oldness seanair [ʃɛnɪrʲ] = grandfather, elder, ancestor seanmhair [ʃɛnɛvɪrʲ] = grandmother, grandma seannda [ʃãũndə] = ancient, old-fashioned seanndaidh [ʃãũn̪ˠdɪ] = ancient, old-fashioned, infirm, frail seantaidh [ʃan̪ˠdɪ] = primeval, primitive, shanty
Manx (Gaelg)	shenn = old, stale, aged, former, time-fusty, inveterate, ancient, vintage, veteran, old-established, olden, antiquarian, worn, elderly, consecrated, archaic, ex, senile, long-standing shennaghys = annals, antiquity, history, story-telling, tradition shennayr, shaner = ancestor, father, forebear, grandfather shenndeeagh = ancient, historical
Proto-Brythonic	*hen = old
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	hen = old henadur, henadûr = alderman, elder, presbyter, (church) father, senior in rank henv, henu, hena = to grow old or decrepit, weaken, deteriorate, fail henaidd = oldish, old, aged, ancient, archaic, antiquated heneint, henaint = old age, oldness, antiquity, the aged
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hen [heːn] = old, aged; ancient, antique, pristine, former; inveterate, chronic; original; senior, elder; stale, mouldy, musty, fusty henadur = alderman, elder, presbyter, (church) father, senior in rank henaf, henu = to grow old or decrepit, weaken, deteriorate, fail henaidd = oldish, old, aged, ancient, archaic, antiquated henaint = old age, oldness, antiquity, the aged
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	hen, hén, hên = old, ancient, antique hendas = grandfather hengog = great great grandfather
Cornish (Kernewek)	hen [hɛ:n / he:n] = old, archaic, long-standing henavek, henavoges = elder(ly), senior, older hendas = ancestor, forefather hendedhyow = the olden days hendheskonieth = archaeology henedh = generation hengov = tradition henlavar = proverb
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	hen = old, ancient henaff = elder, senior henavelezh = birthright, right of primogeniture
Breton (Brezhoneg)	hen = old, ancient henadur = = archaism henamzer = antiquity henañ = elder, senior henanded = primogeniture henavelezh = birthright, right of primogeniture

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *sénos (old) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include senate and senior in English, sens (ancient, old) in Latvian, sẽnas (old) in Lithuanian [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Young

7th October 201818th November 2023 By Simon

Words for young in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*yowankos = young
Gaulish	Iouinca = name (?)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	óc [oːɡ] = young, young man, warrior ócbad = young people, youths óclach = young man, warrior, servant
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	óc = young, young man, warrior, poet ócbad, ócbud = young folk, youths, youth óclach, ócleach = young man, warrior, attendant, servant, vassal
Irish (Gaeilge)	óg [oːɡ/ɔːɡ] = young (person, animal, bird), youth, junior, minor, new, fresh, early ógánach = young man, youth, crafty person, boyo, trickster óigeanta = youthful, youthful-looking óigeantacht = youthfulness óglach = young man, (young) warrior), attendant, servant, vassal, volunteer óglachas = manhood, warriorship, armed service, vassalage ógra = young people, youths
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	òg [ɔːg] = young, youthful ògail [ɔːgal] = adolescent, youthful ògalachd [ɔːgəl̪ˠəxg] = youthfulness, youth, youthful conduct ògan [ɔːgan] = tendril, twig, seedling, lambkin òganach [ɔːganəx] = youth, young man, bough òganta [ɔːgən̪ˠdə] = juvenile
Manx (Gaelg)	aeg [ɛːɡ] = young, adolescent, immature, juvenile aegey = young, juvenile aegid = adolescence, immaturity, young people, youth aeglagh = adolescent, juvenile, young ones, youth aegoil = youngish, youthful
Proto-Brythonic	*jowank = young
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ieuangc, yeueing, yeuejg, yefeink, ieuanc, ieueinc = young, juvenille, unmarried ieu, iau = younger yeuhaf, yeuaw, ieuhaf, ieuaf = (the) youngest euectyt, euenctit, ieuegtit, ieuengtit = youth, adolescence
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ifanc [ˈɪvaŋk / ˈiːvaŋk] = young, youthful, adolescent; inexperienced, immature; recent; unmarried, newly wed iau, ieuach, ifach = younger, not as old ieuaf, i(e)faf = (the) youngest, the younger (of two), junior ieuant = young person, youth, adolescence ieuenctid = youth, adolescence
Old Cornish	iouenc, youonc = young
Middle Cornish	yowync, iouenc, youonc = young, youthful yonc = young, youthful, juvenile yowyncneth = youth, youthfulness
Cornish (Kernewek)	yowynk, yonk [‘jɔwɪŋk/jɔˑŋk] = juvenille, young, youthful yowynka, yonka = younger yonker, yonkores = youngster, youth yowynkneth, yonkneth = youth
Middle Breton	youanc, ioanc, iouanc = young yaouancquat, youancat, youanchat = to rejuvenate yaouanctet, iaouanctet = youth(fulness)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yaouank = young yaouankaat = to rejunvenate yaouankadur = rejunvenation yaouank(t)iz = youth yaouankted = youth(fulness)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂yuh₁n̥ḱós (young), from *h₂yéwHō (young), from *h₂óyu (long time, lifetime) [source].

Words from the same roots include young and youth in English, jeudg (youth) in Dutch, Jugend (youth) in German, jeune (young) in French and joven (young(ster), youth(ful), young person) in Spanish [source].

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, Online Manx Dictionary, Teanglann.ie, eDIL – Electronic Dictionary of the Irish Language, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old Irish glossary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Lexicon Cornu-britannicum: A Dictionary of the Ancient Celtic Language of Cornwall, Dictionaire Favereau, TermOfis, Le dictionnaire diachronique du breton, Etymological Dictionary Of Proto Celtic

Fresh & New

7th October 20182nd January 2023 By Simon

Words for fresh and new in Celtic languages.

Words for new in Celtic languages

Proto-Celtic	*ɸūros = new
Old Irish (Goídelc)	úr = fresh, new
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	úr = fresh, new, bright, noble, generous, fair, active, recent
Irish (Gaeilge)	úr [uːɾˠ] = fresh; free, liberal, moist úrach = green timber úraigh = to freshen, scour, cleanse, become moist, damp úras = new milk úrchneasach = fresh-complexioned
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	ùr [uːr] = new, fresh ùrachadh = refreshing, renewing, renovating, renewal ùr-ghnàthaich = innovative, innovatory ùr-ghnàthaichear = innovator ùrad = degree of newness, novelty
Manx (Gaelg)	oor = new, sweet, novel, sappy, crisp, span, fresh, hour, raw ooragh = hourly, refreshing ooraghey = to freshen, purify, refresh, relieve, sweeten ooraghtoil, oorey = refreshing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ir [iːr] = verdant, green, juicy, sappy, moist, succulent, not withered, not dried up or coagulated, fresh, undried; mild; alive, thriving, lively, vigorous; new, fresh, young, unripe iraidd = fresh, verdant, green, juicy, sappy, moist, liquid
Cornish (Kernewek)	yr [ɪ:r/iːr] = fresh

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *puHrós (wheat), possibly from *pewH- (to be clean, pure) [Source].

Words from the same PIE roots include pure in English, პური (ṗuri – bread, wheat) in Georgian, and պուրի (puri – a type of bread) in Armenian [Source].

Proto-Celtic	*nouyos = new
Gaulish	novios = (used in place names*)
Celtiberian	nouiza = new
Old Irish (Goídelc)	núa [n͈uːa̯] = new
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	núa(e) = new, recent, fresh, lusty, vigorous, fair, clear, bright, lately, anew, again, recently
Irish (Gaeilge)	nua [n̪ˠuə / n̪ˠuː] = new, fresh, recent, novel; newness, new thing nua-aimseartha = modern nuachan = novation nuacht = news, novelty nuachtóir = reporter, journalist
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	nuadh [nuəɣ] = new, fresh, recent, novel, modern, unfamiliar a-nuadh = anew nua-aimsireach = modern, up to date nua-fhasanta = newfangled nuadhachadh = renewing, renovating nuadhachas = novelty, innovation
Manx (Gaelg)	noa = fresh, modern, new, novel, original, recent, unused noa-emshiragh = modern noaght = freshness, modernity, newness, novelty noaid = freshness, innovation, newness, novelty, originality aanoaghey = to rejuvenate, renew, renovate
Proto-Brythonic	*newɨð = new
Old Welsh	neguid = new
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	newyt, newyd = new, recent, modern, late, novel newydhau, newyddhau = to renew, renovate, restore
Welsh (Cymraeg)	newydd [ˈnɛu̯.ɨ̞ð/ˈnɛu̯.ɪð] = new, recent, newly-grown, modern, late, novel, changed, different; new (moon), unused, fresh newyddaf, newyddu = to renew, renovate, restore, be renewed or restored, replace, change, reform, modernize, innovate newyddaidd = newish, new, modern, newfangled, fresh, renewed newyddair = neologism, new word or spelling newyddeb = novelty, innovation newyddiadur = newspaper newyddiadura = to be a journalist newyddiadureg = jouralese, journalism
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	newydh, nowydh, nowedh = new, fresh, late, recent
Cornish	nowydh = fresh, new, novel, newly, just nowydh flamm = brand new nowydh genys = newborn
Old Breton	nouuid = new
Breton (Brezhoneg)	nevez [ˈne.ve] = new nevezadeg restoration campaign nevezadenn = innovation nevezadenniñ = to innovate nevezadur = innovation, updating, actualisation nevezer = innovator

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *néw(y)os (new) [Source]. The town of Noia in A Coruña in Galicia in the northwest of Spain probably gets its new from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly via Celtiberian [Source].

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Category: Gaulish

Sacks, bags & stomachs

Brown & Dun

Red

Yellow & Gold

Silver & Money

Blue / Green / Grey

White

Old

Young

Fresh & New