Radio Omniglot

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Koyrasboro Senni (كࣷيْرَبࣷرࣷ سٜنِّ), a Southern Songhay language spoken in southern Mali. Tuwali, a Philippine language spoken the Province of Ifugao in northern Luzon in the Philippines. Nga La (Matu), a Southern Kuki-Chin language spoken western Myanmar and northeastern India. New numbers page: […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we point out the origins of the word index. An index [ˈɪndɛks] is an alphabetical listing of items and their location; the index finger; a movable finger on a gauge, scale, etc (other meanings are available). As a verb to index can mean to arrange an index for something; to […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Shi (Mashi), a Northeast Bantu language spoken in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ikwo, an Igboid language spoken in Ebonyi and Cross River states in southern Nigeria. Ngaing, a Finisterre language spoken in the south of Madang Province of […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover the odd origins of the word awkward. Meanings of awkward [ˈɔːk.wəd / ˈɔk.wɚd] include: lacking dexterity in the use of the hands, or of instruments; not easily managed or effected; embarrassing; lacking social skills, or uncomfortable with social interaction; difficult to handle. It comes from awk, an obsolete […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Yali (Yalimo), a Trans-New-Guinea language spoken in Papua province of Indonesia. Western Bukidnon Manobo (Minenub’ù), a Greater Central Philippine language spoken in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines. (the 2,400th language on Omniglot, by the way) Komba, a Finisterre-Huon language spoken in […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Thao (Thau a lalawa), a Formosan language spoken near Sun Moon Lake in central Taiwan. Cara, a Plateau language spoken in Plateau State in central Nigeria. Eleme, a Cross River language spoken in Rivers State in southeast Nigeria. Waimoa (Waima’a), a Timoric language […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we scratch at the roots of the word scribe. Thoth, Egyptian god of the Moon, wisdom, knowledge, writing, science, magic, art and judgement, scribe of the gods, inventor of (Egyptian hieroglyphic) writing, reading and music A scribe [skɹaɪ̯b] is someone who writes, a draughtsperson, a writer for another, a secretary, […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Anaang (Anaañ), a Cross River language spoken in Akwa Ibom State in the southeast of Nigeria. Kilivila (Kiriwana), a Western Oceanic language spoken in the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea. Sudest (Vanatɨna), a Western Oceanic language spoken on Sudest Island in Milne […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover the odd roots of the word umpire. An umpire [ˈʌm.paɪə(ɹ) / ˈʌm.paɪɹ] is an official who presides over a sports match, or a person who arbitrates between contending parties. To umpire means to act as an umpire in a game, or to decide as an umpire. It comes […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kara, a Western Oceanic language spoken in New Ireland Province in Papua New Guinea. Kenyah, a North Bornean language spoken in Indonesia and Malaysia on the island of Bornea. East Ambae, a Southern Oceanic language spoken on Ambae Island in Vanuatu. New numbers […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Vute (Vɨ́tè), a Mambiloid language spoken mainly in northern Cameroon, and also in Nigeria. Manjak (Manjáku), a Bak language spoke in Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, and the Gambia. Weh (Kɨ́wí), a Southern Bantoid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. New numbers pages: […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Noni (Nponi), an Eastern Beboid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Katë (كمكاتاويرى), a Nuristani language spoken in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Saari (Sari), an Eastern Beboid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Lotha, a Kuki-Chin-Naga language spoken […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we find out what links the words tongue and language. A tongue [tʌŋ] is a flexible muscular organ in the mouth that is used to move food around, for tasting and that is moved into various positions to modify the flow of air from the lungs in order to produce […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Naki, an Eastern Beboid language spoken in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Nali, an Oceanic language spoken on Manus Island in northern Papua New Guinea. Ndoola (laˊ ndòòlaˋ), a Bantoid language spoken mainly in Nigeria, and also in Cameroon. Chiquitano (Bésɨro), a language […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we’re gathering together the good roots of the word gather. Gather [ˈɡæðə / ˈɡæðɚ] as a verb can mean to collect normally separate things; to harvest food; to accumulate over time; to congregate or assemble; to bring parts of a whole closer; or to infer or conclude. As an noun, […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Lukpa, a Southern Gur language spoken in Benin and Togo. Chepang, a Binanderean language spoken in Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. Mungbam (Mùŋgbàm), a Southern Bantoid language spoken in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Rengao (Rơngao), a North Bahnaric language spoken in […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we uncover the burning roots of the word torrent. Torrent [ˈtɒɹənt / ˈtoɹənt] as a noun can mean a violent flow (as of water, lava, etc), a stream suddenly raised and running rapidly, or a large amount or stream of something. As an adjective, torrent means rolling or rushing in […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Maonan (Vah kiong naemz), a Kam-Sui language spoken in Guangxi and Guizhou in southern China. Guhu-Samane, a Binanderean language spoken in Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea. Zyphe, a Maraic language spoken the north of Chin State in western Myanmar. Komi-Yazva (коми-ёдз көл), […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we deftly discover the right roots of the word adroit. Adroit [əˈdɹɔɪt] means deft, dexterous or skillful. Related words include adroitness (skillfulness or ease of ability), and maladroit (awkward, clumsy, inept). It comes from French adroit (skilful, apt, skilled), from à (to) and droit (right, law, right angle), so could […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Mundani (Mundàni), a Southern Bantoid language spoken in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Amuzgo (Ñòmndaá), an Eastern Oto-Manguean language spoken in Guerrero and Oaxaca in southern Mexico. Cuicatec (Dibaku / Dbaku), a Mixtecan language spoken in the northwest of Oaxaca in southern Mexico. […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we uncover the crowded roots of the word frequent. Frequent [ˈfɹiː.kwənt] as an adjective can mean: Done or occuring often – common, regular, recurring. Occurring at short intervals – continual, steady. Addicted to any course of conduct; inclined to indulge in any practice; habitual; persistent. It used to mean full, […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Mundabli-Mufu (Ngɔ Njan), a Western Beboid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Wamey (Wameỹ / Koñagi), a Senegambian language spoken in Senegal and Guinea. Faiwol, a Mountain Ok language spoken in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. New numbers pages: Wamey, […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we untangle the perplexing roots of the word perplexity. Perplexity [pəˈplɛksɪti / pəɹˈplɛksəti] is: The state or quality of being perplexed (puzzled, confused, bewildered) Something that perplexes. (information theory) A measure of how well a probability distribution or model predicts a sample. It comes from Middle English perplexite ([a state […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Metaʼ (Mɨta'), an Eastern Grassfields language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Romani Tatar (Romaní Tatarja), a Kipchak Turkic language spoken in northeast Bulgaria and southeast Romania. Kedang (tutuq nanang wela), a Malayo-Polynesian language spoken on Lembata Island in East Nusa […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Razihi (Lahjah Rāziḥīt), a South Semitic language spoken in Razihi in the Sa’adah District in northwestern Yemen. Mbuʼ, a Southern Bantoid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Seimat, an Oceanic language spoken in the Ninigo Islands in Manus Province in […]

This Adventure in Etymology uncovers the maternal and woody roots of the words material and matter. Meanings of material include: A basic matter from which the whole or the greater part of something physical is made. Fabric, which can be made into a garments, etc, especially, woven fabric. The elements, constituents or substance of which […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Mwesen (M̄ēsēn), a Southern Oceanic language spoken on Vanua Lava Island in northern Vanuatu. Wuvulu-Aua, an Oceanic language spoken on Wuluvu and Aua islands in Manus Province of Papua New Guinea. New constructed script: Vsrc, an alternative way to write English inspired by […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Liangmai (Lianglad), a Zemeic language spoken in Manipur and Nagaland in northeast India. Besermyan (бесерман көл), a Permic language spoken in northern Udmurtia in the Russian Federation. Mbe (M̀bè), a Southern Bantoid language spoken in southeastern Nigeria. Yipma (Yɨ’ayagaala), a Trans-New Guinea language […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we’re looking into bloggery and other blog-related words. As this week marks the 20th anniversary, or blogiversary of the Omniglot Blog, which I started on 26th March 2006, I thought I’d explore some blog-related words. Bloggery is the act or practice of writing a blog, or blogging The word blog […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New adapted script: Asirilik (Асирилик), a way to write Tamazight with the Cyrillic alphabet devised by Xavier Merica New adapted script: Chukchi Latin Alphabet (Lyghorawetlhen Latinlhen Alfavit) – a way to write Chukchi with the Latin alphabet created by Dijacz. New language pages: Koshin (Kɔshin), a […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we’re holding it together as we uncover the origins of the words content and content. As an adjective, content [kənˈtɛnt] means satisfied, pleased or contented, and as a noun, it can mean satisfaction, contentment or pleasure, or that which contents or satisfies. As a verb, to content means to give […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New writing system: Quốc âm tân tự (國音新字), a syllabic script for Vietnamese based on strokes from chữ Hán and chữ Nôm characters devised during the 19th century. New language pages: Reyesano, a Tacanan language spoken in José Balivián Province in Beni Department in northern Bolivia. […]

What links the word flood with words for flow, river and high tide? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology. Meanings of flood [flʌd] include: An overflow of a large amount of water (usually disastrous) from a lake or other body of water due to excessive rainfall or other input of water. A large […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Rabha (ৰাভা), a Sal language spoken in Assam, West Bengal and Maghalaya in the northeast of India. Kenyang (Kɛ́nyāŋ), a Mamfe language spoken in the Manyu and Meme departments in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Araona (alaōna), a Tacanan spoken in the La […]

Are the words harmony and reason connected? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology. Meanings of harmony [ˈhɑː.mə.ni] include: Agreement or accord. A pleasing combination of elements, or arrangement of sounds. Two or more notes played simultaneously to produce a chord. It comes from Middle English armonie (harmonious sounds, song, music, harmony), from Old […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Jagham (Ejagham), an Ekoid language spoken in southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. Bobongko, a Central Tivoid language spoken in the Menchum Department of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Gaʼdang, a Northern Luzon language spoken in Luzon in the Philippines. Kemezung (Kɨmədzuŋ), an Eastern […]

What does the word rhythm have to do with flowing? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology. Meanings of rhythm [ˈɹɪð.m̩] include: The variation of strong and weak elements (such as duration, accent) of sounds, notably in speech or music, over time; a beat or meter. A specifically defined pattern of such variation. A […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ipulo, a Central Tivoid language spoken in the Southwest and Northwest regions of Cameroon. Isu, a Central Tivoid language spoken in the Menchum Department of the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Baraba Tatar (Парабачы), a variety of Siberia Tatar, a Turkic a language spoken […]

Are the words plain, plane and plan related? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology. Plain [pleɪn] as an adjective can mean: Simple, unaltered, ordinary, unsophisticated. Obvious, evident. Open, honest, candid. Unattractive Flat, level (rare, regional) It comes from Middle English pleyn (clear, unambiguous), from Anglo-Norman pleyn (plain), from Old French plain (plain [flat […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New alphabet page: Berati, an alternative way to write Albanian used during the 19th century. New constructed script: Cartierian, which created by Michael Kohlman to write his constructed language of the same name. New language pages: Bumthang ( བུམ་ཐང་ཁ་), an Eastern Bodic language spoken mainly in […]

Are the words channel, canal and cane connected? Let find out in this Adventure in Etymology. Meanings of channel [ˈtʃænəl] as a noun include: The hollow bed of running waters. The navigable part of a river. A narrow body of water between two land masses. A specific radio frequency or band of frequencies used for […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New alphabet; Vellara alphabet, an alternative alphabet for Albanian created during the 19th century. New alphabet: Veso Bey alphabet, an alphabet that was used to write Albanian in southern Albania in the 19th century. New language pages: Bekwarra (Ebekwara), a Bendi language spoken in Cross River […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we find out what links the word doom with words for judgement, courts and pride. As a noun, doom [duːm] can mean: Destiny, especially terrible An undesirable fate Dread; a feeling of danger As a verb, to doom can mean: To pronounce judgment or sentence on sb To condem To […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Wooi, an Eastern Malayo-Polynesian language spoken on Yapen Island in Papua Province in eastern Indonesia. Adi, an Eastern Tani language spoken in Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India. Bebe (Naami), an Eastern Beboid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Louisiana Creole […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we get comfortable and investigate the word comfort. As a noun, comfort [ˈkʌm.fət / ˈkʌm.fɚt] can mean: Contentment, ease Something that offers comfort Something relieving suffering or worry A cause of relief or satisfaction As a verb, to comfort can mean: To relieve the distress or suffering of To provide […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Pamona, a Celebic language spoken in Sulawesi in Indonesia. Bawean (bhâsa Phêbiyên), a Madurese language spoken on Bawean Island in the Gresik Regency in East Java Province in southern Indonesia. Wakasihu (Sou Rikedu), a Central Maluku language spoken on Ambon Island in Maluku […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we examine the origins of the word health and related things. Meanings of health [hɛlθ] include: The state of being free from physical or psychological disease, illness, or malfunction. A state of well-being or balance, often physical but sometimes also mental and social. It comes from Middle English helthe [ˈhɛlθ(ə)] […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ambele, a Grassfields language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Babanki (Kə̀jóm), a Grassfields language spoken in Mezam Department in the North West Region of Cameroon. Sarangani, a Southern Manobo language spoken in the Davao Region in Mindanao in the Philippines. […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Aghem (Aghɨ̀m), a Grassfields language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Kogi (Kággaba), a Chibchan language spoken in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in northern Colombia.. Daai, a Southern Kuki-Chin-Naga language spoken in Chin State in western Myanmar. New […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we investigate the origins of the word absurd. Absurd [əbˈsɜːd / æbˈsɚd] can mean: Contrary to reason or propriety; obviously and flatly opposed to manifest truth; inconsistent with the plain dictates of common sense; logically contradictory; nonsensical; ridiculous; silly. Having no rational or orderly relationship to people’s lives; meaningless; lacking […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Neo-Brittonic (Brettica), a reconstructed version of Common Brittonic, a Celtic language once spoken in southern England. Ngomba (cú mbɔ́ndaa), a Bamileke language spoken mainly in the Bamboutos Department in the West Region of Cameroon. Ngombale (Ngeombale), a Bamileke language spoken in the Bamboutos […]