Disease

27th November 2024 By Simon

Words for sickness, disease, grief and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*galarom = a distressing or painful condition, such as disease, illness, grief, sorrow
Old Irish (Goídelc)	galar = disease, pain
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	galar, galur, gallra, galara = sickness, disease, (physical) pain, mental suffering, distress, grief
Irish (Gaeilge)	galar [ˈɡɑl̪ˠəɾˠ/ˈɡɔlˠəɾˠ] = sickness, disease, affliction, misery, diseased, miserable, worthless galrach = diseased, infected, sickly, morbid galrachán = sickly creature or thing galracht = sickliness, morbidity galareagla = hypochondria galareolaí = pathologist
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	galar [gal̪ˠər] = disease, illness, malady, ailment galar-eòlas = pathology galar-sgaoilte = epidemic galarach [gal̪ˠərəx] = diseased, infective galaraich = infect
Manx (Gaelg)	gorley = disease, festering, malady darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline gorley-oaylleeaght = pathology gorlagh = diseased, infectious ym-ghorley = epidemic
Proto-Brythonic	*galar = grief, sorrow
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	galar = mourning, grief, sorrow, longing (for a deceased person), lament(ation), sighing galargyrn = horn of mourning
Welsh (Cymraeg)	galar [ˈɡalar/ˈɡaːlar] = mourning, grief, sorrow, longing (for a deceased person), lament(ation), sighing galaraeth = grief, tribulation galaru = to mourn, grieve, lament, moan, weep, wail galaraidd = mournful galargan = elegy, lament galarnadus = lamented, lamentable, mournful, plaintive
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	galar = grief, sorrow, anguish, a pang, lamentation galarow = to weep for, bewail, lament
Cornish (Kernewek)	galar [daːr / dæːr] = grief galarek = miserable galari = to grieve, lament, mourn galarow = agony
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glachar = sorrow, afflication, pain
Breton (Brezhoneg)	glacʼhar [ˈɡlɑːɣar] = sorrow, affliction, pain glacʼhariñ [ɡlaˈɣɑː.rĩ] = to afflict, grieve glacʼharus [ɡla.ˈɣɑː.rys] = distressing, heartbreaking, desolate, painful (morally)

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰelH-ro-. Possibly related to the English word gall, and the Lithuanian word žalà (damage, harm) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ankus = slaughter
Old Irish (Goídelc)	écht = slaying, exploit
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	écht, echt, eacht = a slaying, slaughter, pity, grief, sorrow, mourning, exploit, prowess, deed of valour
Irish (Gaeilge)	éacht [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = killing, slaying, slaughter, feat, exploit, achievement éachtach = full of prowess, powerful, wonderful, extraordinary éachtaí = wondrousness, extraordinariness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	euchd [iəxg] = exploit, feat, deed euchdach [iəxgəx] = heroic, daring euchdmhor = abounding in achievements, deeds or feats
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	aeth = pain, woe, grief, sorrow, longing
Welsh (Cymraeg)	aeth = pain, woe, grief, sorrow, longing, fear, fright, terror, shock aethlyd = terrible, dreadful, hideous, horrible, grievous, painful

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *n̥ḱtu, from *neḱ- (to perish, disappear) [source]. Words from the same PIE roots include innocent, necropolis, nectar, noxious and nuisance in English, nuocere (to harm, injure, damage) in Italian, nuire (to harm, spoil) in French, anegar (to inundate, flood, drown) in Spanish, éag (Death, numbness) in Irish, angau (death, decease) in Welsh, and related words in the other Celtic languages [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, Dictionnaires bilingues de Francis Favereau / Edition Skol Vreizh, TermOfis

Teary Drops

30th October 2024 By Simon

Words for tear, drop and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	dakrū / dakrom = tear, drop (of liquid)
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dér, dǽr = tear, teardrop, drop
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dér, déor, deór = tear, drop dérach, derach = tearful, sad, lugubrious derchoínuid, derchoiniud (verbnoun) = despair, dejection, lamentation derchoíntech, dérchaintech (adjective) = despairing, tearful, sorrowful dérfadach = shedding of tears, weeping
Irish (Gaeilge)	deoir [dʲoːɾʲ/dʲɔːɾʲ] = tear(-drop), drop deoirfhliuch = tear-stained deoirghás = tear-gas deoirghinteach = lachrymatory deoircín = little drop, anecdote deoiríneacht = shedding tears, being tearfully sentimental, tearfulness, maudliness deorach = tearful, lachrymal deordradh = (act of) dripping deoraíl = (act of) weeping
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	deòr [dʲɔːr] = drop (of liquid), tear deur [dʲiər] = drop (of liquid), tear, small amount of liquid deurach [dʲiərəx] = tearful, weeping deuran [dʲiəran] = little drop, wee drop, wee tincture
Manx (Gaelg)	jeir/jëir = tear, teardrop, spot, lachrymal, lachrymatory jeir-phianaghey = to agonize jeiragh = tearful, lachrymal, mournful jeirnys = lamentation, weeping
Proto-Brythonic	*dėgr = tear (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	deigir, deigyr, deigrev = tear, teardrop, drop
Welsh (Cymraeg)	deigryn, deigr [ˈdei̯ɡrɨ̞n / ˈdei̯ɡrɪn] = tear, teardrop, drop, raindrop deigryniad = a distilling, dripping, trickling deigrynnu = to drip, trickle, distil, exude, ooze, shed tears, drizzle deigrynnol = apt to shed tears, lachrymose, tearful
Old Cornish	dacr-(lon) = tear
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dagren = a small drop, a tear
Cornish (Kernewek)	dagren [daːr / dæːr] = drop, tear dagrewi = to shed tears, weep derw = oak trees
Old Breton	dacrlon = tear, teardrop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	dar(rou) = tear(s), teardrop(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	daer [dɛːr] = tear, teardrop daeraouus = tearful daeraouiñ, daerin = to cry, be tearful daererezh = tearing

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European dáḱru (tear). Words from the same root include δάκρυ (dákry – tear) in Greek, tear and lacrimal/lachrymal (relating to tears, tearful) in English, tår (tear, drop) in Swedish, traan (tear, fish oil) in Dutch, Träne (tear) in German, lágrima (tear, teardrop) in Spanish, and zacchera (mud splash) in Italian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	bráen = rain, moisture, drop, precipitation
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bráen, bróin, bróen = rain, moisture, drop(s) bráenach, braonach = shedding drops, wet, moist, well-watered bráenaid = to wet, sprinkle, rain bráenán = drops, shower bráenfadach = foaming (of a waterfall) bráengal = shower, sprinkling
Irish (Gaeilge)	braon [bˠɾˠeːn̪ˠ / bˠɾˠiːnˠ] = (single) drop, gathering, pus braonach = dripping, misty, wet, tearful braonaíl = dripping, drops braonán = droplet
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	braon [brɯːn] = drop, drizzle braonach [brɯːnəx] = drizzly, dewy braonadh [brɯːnəɣ] = (act of) drizzling braonan [brɯːnan] = small drop (of liquid), dram
Manx (Gaelg)	brey = drop

Etymology: unknown. Possibly related to Ancient Greek βρέχω (brékhō – I send rain), Latin rigo (I water, moisten), and English rain [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bandyo- = drop
Old Irish (Goídelc)	banne = drop, pustule bannán = small drop, droplet
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bannae, bainne, banne = drop, pustule, milk
Irish (Gaeilge)	bainne [ˈbˠaɲə / ˈbˠan̠ʲə] = milk bainniúil = milky, milk-yielding bainniúilacht = milkiness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bainne = milk boinne [bɔn̪ʲə] = drop, small quantity, liquid measure boinneag [bɔn̪ʲag] = droplet, little/small drop, (alcoholic) drink boinnean [bɔn̪ʲan] = droplet, wee drop
Manx (Gaelg)	bainney [banʲə] = milk
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	ban = drop (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ban, banna, banné = drop, a jot, the smallest portion of anything
Cornish (Kernewek)	banna = bit, drop
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	banne, bannhe, bannech = drop, droplet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	banne [ˈbã.nːe] = drop, droplet, glass banneata = to drink shots

Etymology: uncertain. Possibly related to French bain (bath) in French, baño (bath, bathroom, toilet), bagno (bath, to swin, bathe, bathroom) in Italian, and bania (jug, can, container, churn) in Polish [source].

Sufficiently Enough

23rd October 2024 By Simon

This post looks into words for enough, sufficient and related things in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	ɸroweros = many, enough, sufficient laweros = many, enough, sufficient
Old Irish (Goídelc)	lór = enough, sufficient, sufficiency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	lór, loor, lour, leór, lour = enough, sufficient, great, ample, adequate, competent; sufficiently
Irish (Gaeilge)	leor [l̠ʲoːɾˠ/l̠ʲɔːɾˠ] = sufficient, ample, go leor = enough, plenty leorchúiteamh = indemnification leordhóthain = sufficiency, plenty leorgnhíomh = full amends, reparation, restitution
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	leòr [̪lʲɔːr] = satiety, sufficency gu leòr [gə l̪ʲɔːr] = enough, sufficient(ly), galore leòr-ghnìomh = satisfaction leòrachd = amplitude
Manx (Gaelg)	liooar = sufficient dy liooar = adequate, ample, enough, galore, sufficient, umpteen
Proto-Brythonic	*llower =
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	llauer, llawer = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llauered, llawered, llavered = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance
Welsh (Cymraeg)	llawer [ˈɬau̯.ɛr] = many, lot, much, abundance, large quantity, frequent, numerous llaweredd = many, large number(s), lot(s), much, abundance llawerhau = to multiply
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	lower, = many, much
Cornish (Kernewek)	lower = many, much lower gweyth = often

Etymology: the reconstruction of the Proto-Celtic root is disputed – both possibilities are given. *laweros is possibly from *leh₂w- (to seize, to gain, benefit, prize) [source], which is also the root of the English word lucre (money, riches, wealth), the Swedish word lön (reward, salary, wage), the Irish word luach (value, price, reward), and the Welsh word golud (wealth, riches) [source].

The English word galore comes from Irish go leor and/or Scottish Gaelic gu leòr [source].

Proto-Celtic	sātis = sufficiency, fill sāss-ā- = to satisfy
Old Irish (Goídelc)	sáth [saːθ] = satiety sáith = fill (of food), sufficiency sáthech = sated, satiated, satisfied sáithigid = to satiate, satisfy
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	sáith, sáth, sāth = sufficiency, as much as one requires, fill (of food), customary meal, appetite sáthech, sathach, sāithech = satisfied, filled, content, flourishing sáithigid, saithigudh = to satiate, satisfy
Irish (Gaeilge)	sáith [sˠɑː(h)/sˠaːç] = (full) meal, feed, fill, sufficiency, enough sáithigh = to sate, satiate, saturate sáithitheach = saturating sáithiú = satiety, saturation
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	sàth [saː] = plenty, abundance, fill sàthach [saː.əx] = filling, satiating; satiated person, bellyful, plenty, enough sàthachadh [saː.əxəɣ] = (act of) sating sàthachd [saː.əxg] = satuaration
Manx (Gaelg)	saie = satiety, fill, satisfaction, replete, satiated saiaghey = to satisfy, saturate saieagh = satiating, satisfied saieid = satiation, repletion, glut saieys = satiety, repletion, sufficiency

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *seh₂- (to satiate, satisfy) [source], which is also the root of sad, satisfy and satiety in English; satt (not hungry, satiated, full, done) in German; zat (fed up, drink, sated, full) in Dutch; sazio (sated, full up) in Italian, and sāts (moderation, satiety, fill) in Latvian [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	doíthin = sufficency
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	doíthin, doéthain, deothin = a sufficiency, enough doíthenach = satiated, satisfied
Irish (Gaeilge)	dóthain [ˈd̪ˠoːhənʲ/ˈd̪ˠɔhənʲ] = enough, sufficiency dóthanach = satiated, fed up, tired dóthanacht = satiety
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	daothain [dɯː.ɪn̪ʲ] = sufficency, fill

Etymology: unknown [source].

Proto-Celtic	*dīkāneti = (?)
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	dicone = to do, make, act, perform
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	digaun, digawn, digaunt = enough, sufficiency, plenty diconher, digoni = to do, make, act, perform
Welsh (Cymraeg)	digon [ˈdɪɡɔn] = enough, sufficiency, plenty, abundance, adequate, plentiful, ample digoni = to do, make, act, perform, to satisfy, suffice, fill, satiate, digonol = adequate

Etymology: possibly from Proto-Celtic *dī- (from, of) and *kān- (sound) [source].

Breton words for enough, sufficient, etc include:

trawalc’h = enough (of), enough!
bast = sufficient
brasoni = sufficiency
sufis = sufficient, adequate

Etymology: unknown.

Deeply Profound

16th October 202416th October 2024 By Simon

This post peers into the depths of some deeply profound words in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	dubnos (adj) = deep dubnos (noun) = world Dubnowalos = a male given name* – “world prince / chief” Dubnogenos = a male given name* – “world born / family”
Gaulish	dumnos = deep Dubnorīx = a male given name – “world king”
Primitive Irish	ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚓᚅ (domngen), ᚇᚑᚋᚅᚌᚔᚅᚅ (domnginn) = male given names
Old Irish (Goídelc)	domain = deep, profound, depth(s), sea-floor fudumain = profound(ity), depth Domnall = a male given name Domaingen = a male given name
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	domain, doimin, domun, domuin = deep, profound, intense, thoughtful, depth(s) doimnigid = to deepen, lower domne, domnae = depth(s) domun = the world, the earth Domnall = a male given name
Irish (Gaeilge)	domhain [d̪ˠɑinʲ/d̪ˠoːnʲ] = depth, deep, abyss, inmost part, profound, sunken, hollow, low-pitched, far, late domhainiascaireacht = deep-sea fishing domhainmhachnamh = deep thought, deep reflection doimhneacht = depth, deep place doimhnigh = to deepen doimhniúchan = (act of) deepening domhan = earth, world Domhnall, Dónall = male given names
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	domhain [dõ.ɪn̪ʲ] = deep, profound domhaineachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲəxg] = depth, deep, deepness, profundity domhainteachd [dõ.ɪn̪ʲdʲəxg] = abstruseness domhan [dõ.an] = universe, world Dòmhnall = a male given name
Manx (Gaelg)	dowin = deep(ly), deep-rooted, involved, low, profound, secretive, thorough, penetrating diunaghey = to deepen diunid = deep, depth, gulf, rootedness dowan = world, earth, universe, cosmos
Proto-Brythonic	duβn/dumno = deep Duβnowal = a male given name* Duβnoɣen = a male given name*
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	duuin, dofn = deep Dumnagual = a male given name
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dowyn, duvin, dwvyn, dwfyn, dwuyn = deep, dense dyfnu, dyfnaf = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with) dyfyn(n)der, dyuynder, dewfynder = depth(s), deepness dyfnddysc = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyuynvor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfynhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyuynwal, Dyvynwal, Dyfynwal = male given names*
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dwfn, dyfn [dʊvn] = deep, dense, mysterious, intense, serious, profound; depth(s), deep waters, abyss, void; world, earth dyfnu = to become accustomed (to), be familiar (with), suck dyfnder = depth(s), deepness, bottom, thickness, abyss dyfnddysg = erudite, profound, erudition, deep learning dyfnfor = deep sea, main, ocean dyfnhau = to deepen, dig, excavate, intensify Dyfnaint = Devon Dyfnwal = a male given name Dyfnien = a male given name
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	down = deep, profound, low downder = depth
Cornish (Kernewek)	down = deep downder = depth downfria = to deep-fry downhe = to deepen downrewi = to deep-freeze
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	dumn = deep
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	doun, don = deep dounhat = to deepen do(u)nder = depth
Breton (Brezhoneg)	don [dɔ̃ːn] = deep, hollow (plate, dish), serious (air) donaat = to deepen donañ [ˈdɔ̃ː.nã] = to deepen donded [ˈdɔ̃n.det] = depth donder [ˈdɔ̃n.dɛr] = depth Dunvel = a male given name

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dʰubʰnós (deep), from *dʰewbʰ- (hazy, unclear, dark, deep) [source]. Words from the same roots include deep and dip in English, tief (deep, low) in German, dopen (to dip, immerse, name) in Dutch, dùgnas (bottom, background) in Lithuanian, дно [dno] (floor, bed, bottom) in Russian, and words for black in Celtic languages

The names Donald and Dunaldur (used in Faroese) come from the Proto-Celtic name *Dubnowalos [source].

Darkness

8th October 2024 By Simon

Words for dark, gloom and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*temeslos = darkness
Old Irish (Goídelc)	teimen = dark, obscure teimel, teimne [ˈtʲeβ̃ʲel] = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	teim. tem = dark teimen, temen, teimean = dark, obscure teimel, temel, temul = darkness, gloom, dejection, stain, blemish, fault, death
Irish (Gaeilge)	teimheal = darkness, gloom, tarnish, stain, smudge, trace, sign teimhleach = dark, gloomy, tarnished, stained teimhleacht = spottiness, smudigness teimhligh = to darken, obscure, tarnish, stain teimhlitheach = tarnishing, staining teimhneach = dark, opaque teimhneacht = darkness, opacity
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teamhall [tʲiəv] = slight swoon, stun
Proto-Brythonic	temēl(os) = darkness tɨβ̃uɨl = darkness
Old Welsh (Kembraec)	timuil = darkness, gloom
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	tywyll, tyỽyll = dark, opaque tywyllu, tyỽylla = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tewyllvc = to darken, grow dim tyỽyllỽc, tywyllỽc, tywylluc, tywyllwc = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness
Welsh (Cymraeg)	tywyll [ˈtəu̯.ɨ̞ɬ/ˈtəu̯.ɪɬ] = dark, opaque, blind, dim (of sight), obscure, neutral, darkness, gloom tywyllu = to make or become dark, darken, make or become blind tywyllhau = to darken, grow dim tywyllwch [ˈtwəɬʊχ/ˈtʊɬʊχ] = darkness, opacity, blindness, dim-sightedness, eclipse
Old Cornish	tiwoulgou = darkness
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tewal = dark, dusky, obscure tewlder, tulder = darkness tewolgow, tiwulgou = darkness, obscurity
Cornish (Kernewek)	tewal, tewl = dark, gloomy, murky, sombre tewlder = darkness, gloom tewlhe = to darken tewlwolow = dusk, half-light tewolgow = darkness
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	temoel = dark, gloomy
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	teffoal, teffal, teual = dark, gloomy teffalhat = to darken, obscure
Breton (Brezhoneg)	teñval [ˈtẽː.val] = dark, gloomy, sad, dreary, suspicious, deaf, unintelligible, incomprehensible teñvalaat [tẽvaˈlɑːt] = to darken, obscure teñvalded [tẽˈval.det] = darkness teñvalijenn [tẽ.vaˈliː.ʒɛn] = darkness, shadow teñvalus [tẽˈvaːlys] = dark, obscure, mysterious, sombre

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *témHos (darkness), from *temH- (dark) [source]. Words from the same roots include temerity, tenebrous (dark, gloomy, obscure) in English, tamsa (darkness) in Lithuanian, finster (dark, gloomy) and Dämmerung (twilight) in German, tenebre (darkness, obscurity) in Italian, and tiniebla (shadow) in Spanish [source].

Old Irish (Goídelc)	dorchae [ˈdorxɘ] = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaide = dark, dense dorchatus = darkness
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dorcha(e) = dark, gloomy, obscure, morose dorchaigid = to grow dark, eclipse, darken, obscure dorchatu, dorchato = darkness
Irish (Gaeilge)	dorcha [ˈd̪ˠɔɾˠəxə] = darkness, obscurity, dark, obscure, blind, secretive dorchacht = dark state, darkness dorchadas = darkness, secrecy, reserve dorchaigh = to darken, become secretive, reserved
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dorch [dɔrɔx] = dark, black, dusky, mysterious, obscure dorcha [dɔrɔxə] = dark, dusky, sombre, murky dorchadas [dɔrɔxədəs] = darkness, obscurity, mysteriousness dorchaich [dɔrɔxɪç] = darken, make dark
Manx (Gaelg)	doorey = obscurity, shade, eclipse dorraghey = dark, dusk(y), gloomy, enigmatic, mysterious, obscure dorraghys = blackness, darkness, obscurity

Etymology: uncertain [source].

Fish

25th October 202014th October 2024 By Simon

Words for fish and related things in the Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*ɸēskos = fish
Old Irish (Goídelc)	íasc = fish íascach = fish, fishing
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	íasc, iasc, īesc, éisc, escc = fish íascach, iasccach = abounding in fish íascaire, iscaire = fisherman íasmar, iascchmar = full of fish, productive in fish
Irish (Gaeilge)	iasc [iəsˠk] = fish, to fish iasc = fishing, fishery iascaire = fisherman iascaireacht = fishing, fishery iasceolaíocht = ichthyology (scientific study of fish) iasciteach = fish-eating, ichthyophagous iascúil = abounding in fish, easy to fish, good at fishing
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	iasg [iəsg] = fish, Pisces iasgach [iəsgəx] = fishing, angling, fishery iasgachadh [iəsgəxəɣ] = (act of) fishing iasgadair [iəsgədɪrʲ] = fisher(man) iasgail [iəsgal] = fishy, pertaining to fish, good for fishing iasgan [iəsgan] = small fish, mussel
Manx (Gaelg)	(y)eeast = fish eeastagh(ey) = to angle, to fish, angling, fishing eeasteyr = fisherman eeasteyraght = fishery, fishing eeasteyrys = fishing eeastoil = abounding in fish, fishy eeast-oaylleeaght = ichthyology
Proto-Brythonic	uisk = fish Uɨsk = fish, river name (originally meaning “abundant in fish”)
Welsh (Cymraeg)	Wysg [uːɨ̯sk / ʊi̯sk] = Usk (a river and town in south Wales) Caerwysg = Exeter

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *pisḱ-/peysḱ- (fish) [source]. The name of the river Exe in Devon comes from the same root, as does Exmoor, where the river rises, Exmouth, where it meets the sea, and Exeter, which stands on the river. The rivers Esk (North Yorkshire, Cumbria, Dumfries and Galloway, and East Lothian) and Axe (one in Dorset, Somerset, Devon; and another in Somerset) get their names from the same root [source].

Proto-Brythonic	pɨsk [pɨsk] = fish pɨskọd [pɨˈsˑkɔːd] = fish (pl)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	pisscaud, psycgaut, pesgod = fish(es), Pisces pysgodfwyd = ichthyophagous, piscivorous, fish-eating, fish-meal pysgodlyn, pyscotlyn = fish-pool, fish-pond peskod ha, pyscotta, pyscota = to fish, angle, fishing pyscodwr, pyscod-wr, pyscottwr = fisherman, fisher
Welsh (Cymraeg)	pysgod [ˈpəsɡɔd] = fish(es), Pisces pysgodaidd = fishy, piscine, piscatory, piscatorial pysgodfwyd = ichthyophagous, piscivorous, fish-eating, fish-meal pysgodig = full of fish pysgodlyn = fish-pool, fish-pond pysgota = to fish, angle, fishing industry pysgotwr = fisherman, fisher, angler, kingfisher, fishmonger
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	pisc, pysc = fish piscadur, pysgadyr = fisherman pisclin = fishpond pisgetta, pysgetta = to fish
Cornish (Kernewek)	pysk [pɪːsk] / pesk = fish pyskador, peskador = fisherman pyskadores, peskadores = fisherwoman pyskessa, peskecha = to fish pysklyn, pesklyn = fishpond pyskva, peskva = aquarium
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	pesq(uet) = fish
Breton (Brezhoneg)	pesk(ed) [ˈpes.k(et)] = fish pesker [ˈpeskɛʁ] = fishmonger, fisher(man) pesketa [pɛs.ˈke.ta] = to fish pesketaerezh [pɛs.ke.ˈtɛː.rɛs] = fishing, fisheries

Etymology: from the Latin piscātus, past participle of piscor (to fish), from piscis (fish), from Proto-Indo-European *péysks (fish) [source]. Words from the same PIE root include peshk (fish) in Albanian, pesce (fish) in Italian, poisson (fish) in French, fish, piscine (pertaining to fish), Pisces in English, and fisk (fish, Pisces) in Danish [source].

Interesting idioms related to fish:

Irish: Iasc as uisce i do bhéal! = Restrain your tongue! (“Fish out of water in your mouth”)
Irish: Ar iascadh libh? = Did you catch fish / succeed in your quest
Irish: Ar iascach ar dhuine = to fish information from sb
Scottish Gaelic: gaoth an iar, iasg is bainne = wind from the West, fish and milk
Welsh: pysgota mewn dŵr llwyd = to fish in troubled waters (“to fish in grey water”)

Deer

7th April 20208th May 2022 By Simon

Words for deer in Celtic languages. There were several different words for deer in Proto-Celtic: *wēdus, *karwos, *ellan(t)ī-, *danī- and *yorkos, and also *sidos (stag). They may have referred to different types of deer, but it is not certain which types, apart from *yorkos, which is a roe deer.

Proto-Celtic	*wēdus [ˈweː.dus] = wild
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fíad [fʲiːa̯ð] = wild animals, game, especially deer
Irish (Gaeilge)	fia [fʲiə] = deer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fiadh [fiəɣ] = deer
Manx (Gaelg)	feeaih = deer

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weydʰ- (wood, wilderness) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*karwos = deer, stag
Gaulish	caruus / carvos = deer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	carbh = deer
Irish (Gaeilge)	carria / cairrfhiadh = deer, stag
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	cair-fhiadh / carbh-fheadh = hart, stag
Manx (Gaelg)	çharroo = stag
Proto-Brythonic	*karw = deer, stag
Old Welsh	*caru = deer
Middle Welsh (kymraec)	caru, carv, carw = deer, hart, stag
Welsh (Cymraeg)	carw [ˈkaru / ˈkaːru] = deer, hart, stag; lord, nobleman, patron
Old Cornish	caruu = stag
Middle Cornish	carow = stag
Cornish (Kernewek)	karow = stag
Middle Breton	caro, qaro = deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	karv = deer

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *ḱerh₂wós, from *ḱerh₂- (horn) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*sidos = stag
Old Irish (Goídelc)	séd = deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	hydd = stag, hart
Breton (Brezhoneg)	heizes = roe-deer, venison, intrepid boy

Etymology: uncertain

Proto-Celtic	ellan(t)ī- / agliones = deer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	ag [aɣ] = bullock, cow, ox; deer, stag
Irish (Gaeilge)	agh = cow, ox agh alla = deer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	agh [ɤɣ] = heifer, hind
Welsh (Cymraeg)	eilon/eilion = stag, hart

Etymology: possible from the same root as the English word eland (a type of antelope found in South Africa), which from the Dutch eland (elk), from the Old High German elent.

Proto-Celtic	*ou̯ījkā = ?
Gaulish	cerua = ?
Old Cornish	euhic = hind, deer
Old Welsh	eguic = hind, deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	ewig = hind, doe, roe; graceful light-footed woman; deer, hart

Etymology: possibly from the Proto-Indo-European *h₂ówis (sheep) [source]

Proto-Celtic	*yorkos = roebuck, deer
Gaulish	iorkos = deer
Proto-Brythonic	*jorx = deer, stag
Welsh (Cymraeg)	iwrch [jʊrχ] = roe-deer, roebuck
Old Cornish	yorch = roe-deer
Cornish (Kernewek)	yorgh = roe-deer
Old Breton	iorch = roe-deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	yourc’h = roe-deer, venison, intrepid boy

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *york- (antelope, gazelle) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*danī- = deer
Welsh (Cymraeg)	danas = deer, fallow deer
Breton (Brezhoneg)	demm = deer, fallow deer

Etymology: related to the French daim (hind, doe), from the Latin dāma (fallow deer, buck, doe) [source]

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Sources: Wiktionary, Am Faclair Beag, MacBain’s Dictionary, In Dúil Bélrai English – Old-Irish Glossary, teanglann.ie, On-Line Manx Dictionary, Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru, Gerlyver Kernewek, Dictionnaire Favereau

Oak (trees)

21st August 201923rd November 2024 By Simon

Words for oak (tree) and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	*daru [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Gaulish	Dervo = used in placenames
Old Irish (Goídelc)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	dair, daur = an oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbre, dairbhre = an oak, oakling, a grove of oak grees, an oak wood dairde, daurde = oaken dair-ḟid, dauruth = an oak wood
Irish (Gaeilge)	dair [d̪ˠaɾʲ] = oak, the letter D in the Ogham alphabet (ᚇ) dairbhre = oaks, oak-grove daireach = planted with / full of oaks doire [ˈd̪ˠɛɾʲə] = oak-wood; wood, grove, thicket
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	dair [darʲ] = oak (archaic), the letter D, ᚛ᚇ᚜ in Ogham dairbhre = oak, nursery or grove of oaks darach [darəx] = oak, oaken, made of oak; ship (poetic) darag [darag] = small/dwarf oak, stunted/branchy tree (which is not useable for working)
Manx (Gaelg)	darragh = oak, oaken, oak grove, oak wood darrag = oak, beam, cast (fishing), snood, hairline darree = oak
Proto-Brythonic	*dar [ˈdar] = oak tree
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	dar, dâr = oak derwd(y) = oak house, oratory, prayer house, coffin derwin, deruin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber
Welsh (Cymraeg)	dâr [ˈdaːr] = oak tree, foremost warrior, leader, mighty lord derw = oak trees derwen [ˈdɛrwɛn] = oak tree derwin = make of oak, oaken, abounding in oaks, strong, robust, oak timber der(w)lwyn = oak grove, oak wood
Old Cornish	dar = oak
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	dar = an oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	dar [daːr / dæːr] = oak derwen = oak tree derw = oak trees
Old Breton	daeru = oaks
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	deru = oaks
Breton (Brezhoneg)	dar [dɑːr] = oak derv [ˈdɛrw/ˈdɛː.ro] = oaks dervenneg = with oak trees dervoed [dɛʁwət] = oak grove, oak wood

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *dóru (tree) [source].

Words from the same Proto-Celtic root possibly include làrix (larch) in Catalan, lariks (larch) in Dutch learag (larch) in Scottish Gaelic, larch in English, Lärche (larch) in German, and lærk (larch) in Danish [source].

Words from the same PIE root include δόρυ (dóry – spear) in Greek, dervà (tar, resin) in Lithuanian terva (tar) in Finnish, dearbh (sure, certain) in Irish, tree, trim, and trough, true in English, and trä (wood) in Swedish [source].

Proto-Celtic	*tannos = green oak
Gaulish	*tannos = oak
Old Irish (Goídelc)	tinne = holly, elder
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	tinne = holly, elder, the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Irish (Gaeilge)	tinne = the letter t in the Ogham alphabet (ᚈ)
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	teine/tinne [tʲenə] = gorse, whin, furze (archaic), the letter t (ᚈ) in Ogham
Welsh (Cymraeg)	taneru, tener(i)o = to tan (hide) tanerdy = tannery tanerwr = tanner (of hides)
Old Cornish	tannen = oak (?)
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	tonnen = bark glastanen, glastennen, glastan = (scarlet) oak
Cornish (Kernewek)	glastanen gelyn = holly/holm oak glastanen gork = cork oak
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	glastann(enn) = holm oak(s)
Breton (Brezhoneg)	tann [tānː] = sessile oaks tannañ = to tan glastann = holm oaks

Note: the Welsh words were borrowed from English tanner, which ultimately comes from Proto-Celtic *tannos, via French, Latin and Gaulish.

Etymology: from Proto-Celtic *(s)tannos, the Proto-Indo-European *(s)dʰnwos/*(s)dʰonu (fir). Words from the same Proto-Celtic roots, via Gaulish and Latin tannum (oak bark), include tan (pulped oak bark used in the tanning process of leather) in French, tano (stem, slip) in Galician, tanería (tannery), Tannenbaum (fir tree, Christmas tree) in German, θάμνος (thámnos – bush) in Greek, and tan, tannery, tannin (tannic acid) in English.

Words from the same PIE roots include thanë (cranberry bush) in Albanian, and धनु (dhanu – bow) in Sanskrit. [source].

Death

8th July 201929th November 2024 By Simon

Words for death and related things in Celtic languages.

Words marked with a * are reconstructions.

Proto-Celtic	bāstom / bāssom = death bayeti = to die batom = death, pestilence dībatom = extinction, extinguisment
Gaulish	dib = ?
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bás [baːs] = death baïd [ˈba.əðʲ] = to die bath = death díbad = extinction, quenching, estate of deceased
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	bás(a), báas = death básaid, basat = to kill, put to death básaigid, bäsaiged = to kill put to death, slay básaire = executioner básamuil = mortal bath, baath, báth = death, destruction díbad, dibud, dibath = destruction, extinction, quenching
Irish (Gaeilge)	bás [bˠɑːsˠ / bˠæːsˠ] = death básachán = dying, feeble, creature básadóir = executioner básaigh = to put to death, execute, die básmhaireacht = mortality básmhar = mortal básúil = deathlike, deadly díobhadh = elimination, extinction díobhaí = without issue, extinct
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàs [baːs] = death, fatality, decease, demise bàsachadh [baːsəxəɣ] = (act of) dying, expiring bàsail [baːsal] = deadly, fatal, death-like bàsaire [baːsɪrʲə] = executioner bàsmhor [baːs(v)ər] = mortal, deadly, fatal, lethal bàsmhorach [baːsvərəx] = mortal bàsmhorachd [baːsvərəxg] = mortality, deadliness, lethalness diobhadh† = destruction, death, inheritance
Manx (Gaelg)	baase [bɛːs] = death baasoil = deadly, deathlike, fatal baasoiley = deadly baasoilid = deadliness, mortality
Proto-Brythonic	*bad = ?
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bad, bat = plague, pestilence, death
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bad = plague, pestilence, death
Old Cornish	badus = lunatic
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	badus = lunatic
Cornish (Kernewek)	badus = lunatic
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	bat = ?
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	bad(ou) = dizziness badet = dazzled
Breton (Brezhoneg)	bad [bɑːt] = daze badañ = to daze badet = stupefied

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷeh₂- (to go, step, stand) [source].

Proto-Celtic	marwos = dead marwāti = to die, kill marwonatus, marwonatā = elegy, eulogy
Gaulish	*maruos = dead
Old Irish (Goídelc)	marb = dead; mortified, insensible, spiritually dead; inanimate; stagnant (water) marbaid = to die, kill marbán = corpse, dead person marbdae = mortal, lifeless, inanimate mart = death, dead animal, slaughtered cow or ox
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	marb = dead (person), mortal, mortified, insensible, spiritually dead, dying, lifeless, unconscious marbaid = to kill, slay marbnad, marbna, marbnadh = elegy
Irish (Gaeilge)	marbh [ˈmˠɑɾˠəvˠ / ˈmˠarˠuː / ˈmˠarˠu] = dead person, death, defunct marbhán = dead person, corpse, lethargic person, sultry weather marbhánta = lifeless, spirtless, lethargic, dull, stagnant, airless, sultry, oppressive marbhlann = morgue marbhna = elegy marfach = killing, slaying, carnage, slaughter, deadly, fatal, lethal marfóir = killer
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	marbh [marav] = dead person, the dead marbhach [maravəx] = deadly, mortal marbhachadh [maravəxəɣ] = (act of) killing marbhadair, marbhaiche = killer, slayer, murderer marbhadh [maravəɣ] = (act of) killing marbhan [maravan] = corpse marbhrann [maravrən] = elegy
Manx (Gaelg)	marroo = dead, lifeless, inanimate, glassy (look), muggy, dull, dud, stagnant, defunct, mortified, slaughtered, departed, deceased, killed, extinct marrooagh = deadly, fatal, lethal, overpowering, internecine marvaanagh = mortal, earthborn, fatal, vile merriu = (the) dead, dead men, departed souls
Proto-Brythonic	marw = dead marwọd [marˈwɔːd] = to die *marwnad = elegy (?)
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	marw, maru = dead, deceased, inanimate, spiritually dead maru, merwi, marw = to die, expire, cease to exist, vanish, fade away marwnad, marwnat = elegy, dirge, funeral song, epitaph marwavl, marwawl, marwol = mortal, transitory, transient
Welsh (Cymraeg)	marw = dead, deceased, inanimate, spiritually dead, insensible, lifeless, dull, languid marwolaeth = death, decease, demise; suffering, tribulation; deadly plague or pestilence, fatal disease marw(af), merwi = to die, expire, cease to exist, vanish, fade away marwaidd = lifeless, languid, torpid, listless, dull, slugglish, drowsy, numb marwnad [ˈmar.(w)nad] = elegy, dirge, funeral song, epitaph marwol = mortal, transitory, transient
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	marow = dead, deceased, lifeless marwel, merwel = to die, become lifeness
Cornish (Kernewek)	marow = dead (person), switched off marwel = mortal marwostel = mortgage marwostla = to mortgage mernans = death merwel = to decease, die, pass away
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	marf, maru = death maruel = mortal meruell, meruel = to die
Breton (Brezhoneg)	marv [mɑːro/ˈmarw] = death marvedigezh = extinction marvel = mortal marvelezh = mortality marvenn = necrosis marveenniñ = to necrotize, become gangrenous marvus = mortal, perishable mervel [mɛr.vɛl] = to die, pass away, become insensible, extinguish

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *mr̥wós (dead), from *mer- (to die, disappear) [source]. Words from the same roots include morbid, moribund, mortal, mortgage, murder, nightmare and postmortem in English, мереть (to die, stand still, sink) in Russian, mìrt (to die, stop working) in Latvian, and mir̃ti (to die) in Lithuanian [source].

Proto-Celtic	*ankus = death
Old Irish (Goídelc)	éc = death
Middle Irish (Gaoidhealg)	éc, ec = death
Irish (Gaeilge)	éag = Death, numbness, powerlessness éagach = deceased (person) éagbhás = dead-and-alive person éaglach = (state of) extinction, death éagmhar = fatal, causing death
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	eug [eːg] = death, Death, ghost, spectre eug-lios = burial ground, churchyard, cemetery eugach [iəgəx] = deathly, death-like, ghastly eugachdainn [eːgəxgɪnʲ] = (act of) perishing, giving up the ghost eugail [iəgal] = deathly, death-like, ghastly
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	agheu, angheu, aghev = death, decease, demise
Welsh (Cymraeg)	angau = death, decease, demise, annihilation, cessation, mortal danger
Old Cornish	ancou = death
Middle Cornish (Cernewec)	ancow = death
Cornish (Kernewek)	ankow = death
Old Breton (Brethonoc)	ancou = Death
Middle Breton (Brezonec)	ancou, ancquou, anquou = Death
Breton (Brezhoneg)	ankoù [ˈãŋkow/ˈãŋku] = Death, skeleton

Etymology: from Proto-Indo-European *neḱ- (to perish, disappear). Words from the same PIE roots include innocent, necropolis, nectar, noxious and nuisance in English, nuocere (to harm, injure, damage) in Italian, nuire (to harm, spoil) in French, anegar (to inundate, flood, drown) in Spanish, éacht (slaying, slaughter, feat, exploit) in Irish, aeth (pain, woe, grief, sorrow) in Welsh, and related words in the other Celtic languages [source].

Poets, Seers & Bards

9th December 201829th June 2021 By Simon

Words for poets, seers & bards in Celtic languages.

Proto-Celtic	*weless = seer, poet
Gaulish	uelets = seer, poet
Primitive Irish	ᚃᚓᚂᚔᚈᚐᚄ (velitas) = seer, poet
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fili [ˈfʲilʲi] = poet, seer
Irish (Gaeilge)	file = poet; satirist, scold filíocht = poetry
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	filidh [filɪ] = poet, bard, minstrel, warbler, songster, philosopher, orator filidheachd [filɪjəxg] = poetry of a filidh; versification
Manx (Gaelg)	feelee = poet feeleeaght = poetry

Etymology: from the Proto-Celtic *weleti (to see), from the Proto-Indo-European *wel- (to see) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*wātis = soothsayer, prophet
Gaulish	οὐάτεις (uatis) = seer
Old Irish (Goídelc)	fáíth [faːθʲ] = seer, soothsayer, prophet fáíthsine = prophecy, augury
Irish (Gaeilge)	fáigh = seer, prophet, wise man, sage fáighbhean = prophetess, wise woman fáidheadóir = prophet, predictor, soothsayer; profound, sage fáidheadóireacht = prophecy, prediction; wise, sagacious, speech fáidhiúil = prophetic, wise, sagacious fáidhiúilacht = prophetic quality, sagaciousness
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	fàidh [faːj] = prophet, seer; soothsayer fàidheadair [faːjədɛrʲ] = prophet fàisneachd = prophecy, prediction, foretelling fàidheadaireachd = prophesying, prophecy, prediction, divination
Manx (Gaelg)	fadeyr = prophet
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	guant, gwaud, gwawt = song of praise
Welsh (Cymraeg)	gwawd = song of praise, panegyric, eulogy, praise, exaltation; mockery, derision, ridicule, lampoon, scorn, satire gwawdaidd = scornful, jeering, satirical gwawdair = poem, eulogy, praise, commendation gwawdawr = poet gwawdio = to mock deride gwawdlun = caricature gwawdlyd = mocking, scornful

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *weh₂t- (excited, inspired, possessed, excited) [source].

Proto-Celtic	*bardos = poet, bard
Old Irish (Goídelc)	bard [bar͈d] = bard, poet
Irish (Gaeilge)	bard [bˠɑːɾˠd̪ˠ / bˠæːɾˠd̪ˠ] = poet, bard, scold
Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig)	bàrd [baːr̪ˠd] = poet, versifier (traditionally ranked below the seven grades of filidh), bard, rhymer
Manx (Gaelg)	bard = poet, bard
Proto-Brythonic	*barð [ˈbarð] = poet, bard
Middle Welsh (Kymraec)	bart, bard, bardd = poet, bard
Welsh (Cymraeg)	bardd [barð] = poet, bard, literary person, author, prophet, philosopher, priest
Old Cornish	barth = poet, bard
Cornish (Kernewek)	bardh [barð / bærð] = (male) bard, poet
Middle Breton	barz = bard, poet
Breton (Brezhoneg)	barzh = bard, poet

Etymology: from the Proto-Indo-European *gʷerH- (to approve, praise) [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)

Celtiadur

Exploring connections between Celtic languages

Tag: Irish

Disease

Teary Drops

Sufficiently Enough

Deeply Profound

Darkness

Fish

Deer

Oak (trees)

Death

Poets, Seers & Bards