Radio Omniglot

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New writing system: Thirke Script, which was used in the 14th century in Kodagu in Karnataka, India. New language pages: Idaxo-Isuxa-Tiriki (Luidakho, Luisukha, Lutirichi), a Northwest Bantu language spoken mainly in Kakamega County in western Kenya. Baduy (Basa Baduy / Basa Sunda Kanékés’), a Sundanese-Baduy language […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we jot down a jot or two about jots (and tittles). A jot [ʤɒt / ʤɑt] is: The smallest letter or stroke of any writing; an iota. A small, or the smallest, amount of a thing; a bit, a whit. E.g. He didn’t care a jot for his work. A […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Bushong (Bushɔ́ɔ́ng), a Bantu language spoken in Kasai Province in the south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Guro, a Mande language spoken in the regions of Haut-Sassandra and Marahoué in central Ivory Coast. Bissa (Bɩsa), a Mande language spoken in mainly […]

In this episode we drill down to the Celtic roots of words for carpenter in English and other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *karbantos means (war) chariot or wagon and is possibly related to the Proto-Celtic word *korbos (wagon, basket). Beyond that, its origins are not known [source]. Descendants in the modern Celtic languages include: carbad […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Bambalang (Chrambo), a Grassfields Southern Bantoid language spoken in Cameroon. Bila (kiBila), a Bantu language spoken in Ituri Province in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Budu (Ɨbʉdhʉ), a Bantu language spoken in Orientale Province in the northeast of the […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we unlock connections between the words luxury and lock. As a adjective luxury [ˈlʌk.ʃə.ɹi / ˈlʌɡʒəɹi] can mean: Very expensive. Not essential but desirable and enjoyable and indulgent. As a noun luxury can mean: Very wealthy and comfortable surroundings. Something desirable but expensive. Something that is pleasant but not necessary […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kebu (Kǝkpǝǝkǝ), a Kwa language spoken in southern Togo and southeastern Ghana. Bangubangu (Kibangubangu), a Bantu language spoken in the east and south the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cherepon (Kyiripong), a Kwa language spoken in the Eastern Region of Ghana. New numbers […]

In this episode, we uncover the possible Celtic roots of words for hillsides and rough scrub land in Romance languages. The Proto-Celtic words *brigā (hill, fortress) and *brixs (hill), both come from Proto-Indo-European *bʰérǵʰ-s (something high up, fortified) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: brí [bʲɾʲiː] = brae, hill in Irish bre […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Nawdm (nawdm), a Gur language spoken in northern Togo and southern and eastern Ghana. Yom (Pila), a Gur language spoken in the Atacora, Borgou and Donga departments in the northwest of Benin. Akuapem, a variety of Akan spoken mainly in southern Ghana, and […]

This Adventure in Etymology is an assembly of words about the word thing, or something like that. Meanings of thing [θɪŋ] include: That which is considered to exist as a separate entity, object, quality or concept. A word, symbol, sign, or other referent that can be used to refer to any entity. An individual object […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Bujeba (Bisio), a Bantu language spoken in the Litoral Province in the west of Equatorial Guinea. Gyele (gyɛ̀lì), a Bantu language spoken in the Océan Department in the South Province of Cameroon. Kwasio, a Bantu language spoken along the coast of south western […]

In this episode we discover the Celtic roots of words for cradle, crib and related things in Portuguese and other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *bereti means to carry or bear, and comes from Proto-Indo-European bʰéreti (to be carrying), from *bʰer- (to bear, carry) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: beir [bʲɛɾʲ] = […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Masalit (Masaraa / Masarak), a Maban language spoken in southeastern Chad and southwestern Sudan. Maba (buraa mabaŋ / بُرَا مَبَݝ‎), a Maban language spoken mainly in Ouaddaï Province in southwestern Chad. Guerrero Nahuatl (Mēxihcatlācatl), an Aztecan (Nahuan) language spoken in the state of […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we find out where the word spring springs from. Spring blossom on my apple tree As a verb, spring [spɹɪŋ] can mean: To appear. To grow, to sprout. To arise, come into existence. To enliven. To move with great speed and energy. To leap over. It comes from Middle English […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Eastern Huasteca Nahuatl, an Aztec / Nahuan language spoken in the state of Veracruz in southern Mexico. Ngwii (Engwíí), a Bantu language spoken in Kwilu Province in the Democratic Repubic of the Congo. Njebi (Yinzèbi), a Bantu language spoken in southern Gabon and […]

In this episode we unearth the possible Celtic roots of words for field and related things in Galician and other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *ɸlārom means floor and comes from Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂ros (to be flat, from *pleh₂- (flat) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: lár [l̪ˠɑːɾˠ] = ground, floor, middle, centre in […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Tai Yo (ไทญ้อ), a Southwestern Tai language spoken in Laos, Thailand and Vietnam. Vili (Civili), a Bantu language spoken mainly in the Republic of the Congo, and also in Gabon and Angola. New adapted script: Vietnamese Arabic Script (چىٰٖ جاوي تيٛەٖڭ ۏیٔەٖط), a […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we find out what links the words theory and theatre. Theory [ˈθɪə.ɹi / ˈθɪ.ɹi] has a variety of meanings, including: A description of an event or system that is considered to be accurate. (sciences) A coherent statement or set of ideas that explains observed facts or phenomena and correctly predicts […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Yaka (Yiyáká), a Bantu language spoken mainly in Kwango Province in the southwest of the DRC. Yansi (kiBeembe), a Bantu language spoken in the south of the Republic of the Congo. Shatt (Caning), an Eastern Sudanic language spoken in South Kordofan Province in […]

In this episode we unravel the Celtic roots of words for wheel, rim and related things in French, Spanish and other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *kambitā means rim and comes from Proto-Celtic *kambos (twisted, crooked, bent), from Proto-Indo-European *(s)ḱh₂embos (crooked), possibly from *(s)ḱamb- (bent, crooked) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: camedd […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Bembe (kiBeembe), a Bantu language spoken in the south of the Republic of the Congo. Kwambi (Oshikwambi), a Southwest Bantu language spoken mainly in northern Namibia. Luyana (Esiluyana), a Bantu language spoken in mainly the Western Province of Zambia. Yeyi (Shiyeyi), a Bantu […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we’re risking ridicule and getting rather ridiculously ridiculous. Ridiculous [ɹɪˈdɪkjələs/ɹɪˈdɪkjʊləs] means deserving or ridicule, foolish, absurd, astonishing, extreme or unbelievable. It comes from Latin rīdiculus [riːˈd̪ɪkʊɫ̪ʊs̠] (laughable, funny, amusing, silly, absurd, ridiculous), from rīdeō (to laugh (at), ridicule, mock), the origins of which are not known [source]. Words from the […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New writing system: Hurûf-ı munfasıla, a script based on the Ottoman Turkish alphabet with the letters written separately and all the vowels written devised by Enver Pasha in 1914. New adapted script: Hengul (헨규얘 아얘푸벹), an alternative way to write English with the Korean Hangeul alphabet […]

In this episode we discover the flatulent Celtic roots of words for to bray and related things in English, French and other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *bragyeti means to fart or flatulate and comes from Proto-Celtic *braxsman (fart), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰreHg- (to stink, smell, have a strong odour) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New writing system: Tai Noi, a script used to write Lao and Isan in Laos and northern Thailand. New constructed system: Aramikatavah (ארמיכתבה), an alternative way to write Hebrew, Aramaic and Arabic created by Mina McVinnie. New language pages: Degema (Dẹgẹma), an Edoid language spoken in […]

Haywire is wire used to bind bales of hay, and can also refer to something that’s roughly-made, erratic or uncontrollable. How are these meanings related? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology. As a noun, haywire [ˈheɪ.waɪ.ə(ɹ) / ˈheɪ.waɪɚ] means wire used for binding bales of hay, straw or grass, and is also known […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Saxwe (saxwɛgbe), a Gbe language spoken in the Atlantique, Couffo and Mono departments in the southwest of Benin. Ekpeye (Ẹkpeye), an Igboid language spoken in Rivers and Bayelsa states in southern Nigeria. Gun (Gungbe), an Eastern Gbe language spoken in southeastern Benin and […]

In this episode we discover the possible Celtic roots of words for soot in English, French and various other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *sūdyā means soot and comes from Proto-Indo-European *suh₃d- (soot [?]), or from sed- (to sit) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: súiche [ˈsˠuːçɪ] = soot in Irish sùith [suːj] […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Mpiemo (Mbimu), a Bantu language spoken in the Central African Republic, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. Ebira (èbìrà), a Volta-Niger language spoken mainly in Kogi State in central Nigeria. Gun (Gungbe), an Eastern Gbe language spoken in southeastern Benin and southwestern […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we are grasping the cash box as we look into the origins of the word cash. Cash [kæʃ] is: Money in the form of notes or bills and coins Liquid assets, money that can be traded quickly, as distinct from assets that are invested and cannot be easily exchanged. Money. […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Mbuun (kiMbuun), a western Bantu language spoken in Kwilu Province in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Aka, a Bantu language spoken the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Komo (Kikomo), a Bantu language spoken in […]

In this episode we discover the Celtic roots of words for quay, jetty, pier, etc. in English, French and other languages. Bangor Pier. Photo by Simon Ager The Proto-Celtic word *kagyom means pen or enclosure, and comes from the Proto-Indo-European *kagʰyóm (enclosure, hedge), from *kagʰ- (to keep, hold, close, enclose, fence, hedge, barrier, field, pasture) […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Maʼanyan, an East Barito language spoken in the provinces of Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan in Indonesia. Nuaulu, an East Central Maluku language spoken on Seram Island in eastern Indonesia. Uma, a Celebic language spoken mainly in Central Sulawesi Province in central Indonesia. […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we find what the word accent has to do with singing. An accent [ˈak.sənt / ˈæk.sɛnt] is: The way in which people in a particular area, country, or social group pronounce words. A mark written or printed over a letter to show how to pronounce it. A special emphasis given […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New writing system: Kodava Lipi, or Muthanna Script, was created in 1970 by Dr. I M Muthanna to write Kodava, a Dravidian language spoken in Karnataka in the southwest of India. It was chosen as the official script for Kodava in 2022. New language pages: Mbama […]

In this episode we discover the possible Celtic roots of English and French words for seagull. The Proto-Celtic word *wailannā means seagull, and possibly comes from the Proto-Indo-European *wáy (oh! ah! woe! alas!), and maybe related to *waylos (howler, wolf) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: faoileán = gull, seagull in Irish […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Bafaw-Balong (lèfɔ́', bàlòŋ), a Bantu language (or two closely-related languages) spoken in the Southwest and Littoral regions of Cameroon. Dciriku (Gciriku), a Central Sudanic language spoken mainly in southwestern Chad, and also in Nigeria. Kako (Mkako), a Bantu language spoken in Cameroon, the […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we find connections between words for bottle, boot and butt in various languages. Meanings of bottle [ˈbɔtɫ̩ / ˈbɑ.təl] include: A container, typically made of glass or plastic and having a tapered neck, used primarily for holding liquids. The contents of such a container. It comes from Middle English botel […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kabwa (Ekikabwa), a Northeast Bantu language spoken in the Mara Region in northern Tanzania. Bagirmi (tàrà ɓármà), a Central Sudanic language spoken mainly in southwestern Chad, and also in Nigeria. Naba (Tar Melbene), a Central Sudanic language spoken mainly in Batha-Est Prefecture in […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Waiwai, a Cariban language spoken mainly in northern Brazil, and also in Guyana and Suirname. Enawene Nawe (Enawenê-Nawê), a Southern Arawakan language spoken in State of Mato Grosso in western Brazil. Jah Hut, an Aslian language spoken mainly in Pahang state in the […]

In this episode we discover the possible Celtic roots of some words for sword, hammer and related things in Romance and Slavic languages. The Proto-Celtic word *kladiwos means sword, and comes from Proto-Celtic *kladeti (to stab, dig), from Proto-Indo-European *kl̥h₂dʰ-é-ti, from *kelh₂- (to beat, strike) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: claíomh […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Lawangan, an East Barito language spoken in Central Kalimantan Province in Indonesia. Belait, a North Bornean language spoken mainly in Brunei, and also in northern Sarawak in Malaysia. I started putting together a new phrases page containing translations of the phrase ‘So long, […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we find connections between clutter, clods and klutzes. My cluttered kitchen part way through its current renovation Clutter [ˈklʌtə(ɹ) / ˈklʌtɚ] is: A confused disordered jumble of things Background echoes, from clouds etc., on a radar or sonar screen. Clatter; confused noise. (obsolete) It comes from Middle English cloteren (to […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Sambas Malay (Base Melayu Sambas), a Malayic language spoken mainly in the Sambas Regency in West Kalimantan Province of Indonesia. Brunei Malay (Bahasa Melayu Brunei), a Malayic language spoken mainly in Brunei Darussalam, and nearby parts of East Malaysia. Enggano, a Malayo-Polynesian language […]

In this episode we discover the possible Celtic roots of some words for hound and sleuth in Romance languages. The Proto-Celtic word sekʷetor means to follow, and comes from Proto-Indo-European *sékʷetor (to be following), from *sekʷ- (to follow) [source]. Related words in the modern Celtic languages include: seicheamh (following, taking after, imitating, sequence, progression) and […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ghulfan (Wuncu), an Eastern Sudanic language spoken mainly in the Nuba Mountains in the south of Sudan. Kadaru (Kodhin), a Northern Luo language spoken in the state of South Kordofan in the south of Sudan. Ponosakan, a Greater Central Philippine language spoken in […]

In this Adventure in Etymology, we find connections between the words wing, wind and feather. A wing [wɪŋ] is: An appendage of an animal’s (bird, bat, insect) body that enables it to fly. A fin at the side of a ray or similar fish. Part of an aircraft that produces the lift for rising into […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Yele, possibly a language isolate spoken on Rossel Island in the Louisiade Archipelago in east of Papua New Guinea. Hamtai, a Southeast Angan language spoken in Morobe and Gulf provinces in Papua New Guinea. New constructed script: Pakis (Fern) Alphabet, which was created […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Yaaku, a Lowland East Cushitic language spoken in western Kenya. Afitti (Dinik), an Eastern Sudanic language spoken in North Kordofan province in central Sudan. Daju Mongo (Dɑjiŋɡe), an Eastern Sudanic language spoken in the Gúera region in central Chad. Dilling (Warki), an Eastern […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kuku (Kʊ́tʊ́k nà kùkù), an Eastern Nilotic language spoken in South Sudan and Uganda. Nyepu (Kútúk nà ŋyɛ́pʊ̀), an Eastern Nilotic language spoken in South Sudan. Ecuadorian Siona (Ba̠icoca), a Western Tucanoan language spoken mainly in northeastern Ecuador. Siona (Gantëya coca), a Western […]

In this episode we uncover links between words for country and land in Celtic languages, and words for garden, wood and related things in other languages. Bodnant Garden / Gardd Bodnant The Proto-Celtic word *mrogis means border(land), march, mark, region, country, territory or province, and comes from Proto-Indo-European *mórǵs (frontier, border) [source] Related words in […]