Radio Omniglot

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 […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kwaʼ (Bakwa'), a Bamileke language spoken in the southwest of Cameroon. Ndau (ChiNdau), a Bantu language spoken mainly in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. Ndonga (OshiNdonga), a Bantu language spoken mainly in the north of Namibia, and also in southern Angola. Arammba (Aramba), […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we focus on the origins of the word focus. Focus [ˈfəʊ.kəs / ˈfoʊ.kəs] as a noun can mean: A point at which reflected or refracted rays of light converge. The quality of the convergence of light on the photographic medium. Something to which activity, attention or interest is primarily directed. […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kgalagadi (SheKgalagadi), a Southern Bantu language spoken mainly in the Kgalagadi and Gantsi districts in southern Botswana. Saluan (Bahasa Saluan), a Celebic language spoken in the east of Sulawesi in Indonesia. Humburi Senni (humburi ciini / هُمْبُرِ ٺِينِ‎), a Southern Songhay language spoken […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we investigate the origins of the word cardinal. As an adjective, cardinal [ˈkɑː.dɪ.nəl / ˈkɑɹdɪnəl] can mean: Of fundamental importance, e.g. a cardinal rule. Of or relating to the cardinal directions (north, south, east and west). Describing a “natural” number used to indicate quantity (eg 1, 2, 3, 4, etc), […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Jarawa, a Southern Bantoid language spoken in Bauchi State in northeastern Nigeria. Cypriot Greek (κυπριακά), a variety of Greek spoken in Cyprus and by the Greek Cypriot diaspora. Dendi, a Southern Songhay language spoken mainly in northern Benin, and also in Niger and […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we look into the origins of the word loiter. To loiter [ˈlɔɪtə(ɹ) / ˈlɔɪtɚ] can mean: To stand about without any aim or purpose; to stand about idly. To remain at a certain place instead of moving on. (archaic) To stroll about without any aim or purpose, to ramble, to […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ha (Igiha), a Bantu language spoken in the Kigoma Region in the northwest of Tanzania. Fut (Bɨfɨɨ̀), an Eastern Grassfields language spoken in the Northwest Region of Cameroon. Maasina Fulfulde (مَاسِنَ ڢُلْڢُلْدٜ‎), a West Central Fula language spoken in Mali, Ivory Coast and […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we investigate the origins of the word nemesis. Nemesis [ˈnɛməsɪs] can mean: An enemy, especially an archenemy. A person or character who specifically brings about the downfall of another person or character, as an agent of that character’s fate or destiny, especially within a narrative. The personification of the “fatal […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Bangolan (Bǎŋgulaŋ), an Eastern Grassfields language spoken in the Northwest Province of Cameroon. Chopi (Cicopi), a Southern Bantu language spoken mainly in Inhambane Province in southern Mozambique. Palembang (Baso Pelémbang / باسو ڤليمباڠ‎), a Malayic language spoken in Palembang in South Sumatra Province […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we search for the elemental origins of the word quintessence. Quintessence [kwɪnˈtɛs.əns] is: A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something; epitome, prototype A pure substance. The essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form. (alchemy) The fifth […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New writing script: New Phonetic Character (上海土音字寫法), a script created by the Rev. Tarleton Perry Crawford in the 1850s to write Shanghainese. New constructed script: Evolved Alphabet, an experimental alphabet for a future form of English created by TheDankBoi69. New language pages: Kumam (Ikokolemu), a Southern […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we’re uncovering some facts about the words fact and fiction. Meanings of fact [fækt] include: Something actual as opposed to invented. Something which is real. Something concrete used as a basis for further interpretation. An objective consensus on a fundamental reality that has been agreed on by a substantial number […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Baba (Supapyag), an Eastern Grassfields language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Bamukumbit (Maŋkɔŋ), an Eastern Grassfields language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Sawai, a South Halmahera language spoken on Halmahera island in North Maluku Province in Indonesia. […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ushoji (اُݜوجو), an Eastern Dardic language spoken mainly in the Swat District in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in northwest Pakistan. Aer (آیر), a Western Indo-Aryan language spoken in Sindh in Pakistan and Gujarat in India. Dameli (دمیلی), a Dardic language spoken in the […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we fish for the origins of the word fish. Fish [fɪʃ] can refer to: A typically cold-blooded vertebrate animal that lives in water, moving with the help of fins and breathing with gills. Any animal (or any vertebrate) that lives exclusively in water. As a verb it can mean: To […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Turu (Kιnyatυrυ, Kιrιmi), a Bantu language spoken in the Singida Region in central Tanzania. Pnar (Ka Ktien Pnar), a Khasi-Palaungic language spoken in northeastern India and northeastern Bangladesh. Wenzi (LiWenzi), a Bantu language spoken in the Kigoma Region in northwestern Tanzania. Dimasa (Grao-Dima), […]

In this episode we discover the Celtic roots of words for kingdom, rich and related things in Germanic, Romance and other languages. The Proto-Celtic word *rīgyom means kingdom, and comes from Proto-Indo-European *h₃rḗǵs (king). Related words in Proto-Celtic include *rīxs (king) and *rīganī (queen) [source] Related in the modern Celtic languages include: rí [ɾˠiː] = […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Shambala (Kisambaa), a Bantu language spoken in the Tanga Region in northern Tanzania. Suabo (nidáibo), a Trans-New Guinea language spoken in Southwest Papua Province in eastern Indonesia. Tongwe (Sitongwe), a Bantu language spoken in the Kigoma Region in northwestern Tanzania. New numbers pages: […]

What does the word while have to do with resting? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology on Radio Omniglot. While [waɪl / wæl] as a noun means an uncertain duration of time, a period of time, or an uncertain long (or short) period of time. As a conjunction it means during that same […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Rangi (Kɨlaangi), a Bantu language spoken in the Kondoa District of the Dodoma Region in central Tanzania. Suabo (nidáibo), a Trans-New Guinea language spoken in Southwest Papua Province in eastern Indonesia. Oko (Ọ̀kọ), a Volta-Niger language spoken mainly in the Ogori-Magongo LGA in […]

In this episode we discover the Celtic roots of words for hostage in Germanic languages, and words related to engagement in Finnic languages. The Proto-Celtic word *geistlos means hostage or bail, and comes from Proto-Indo-European *gʰeydʰ- (to yearn for, to desire) [source] Descendents in the modern Celtic languages include: giall [ɟiəl̪ˠ] = hostage, pledge in […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Inuinnaqtun (ᐃᓄᐃᓐᓇᖅᑐᓐ‎), an Inuit language spoken in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories in northern Canada. Pare (Kipare), a Northeast Coast Bantu language spoken the Kilimanjaro Region in northeastern Tanzania. Kwamera (Nɨninɨfe), a Southern Oceanic language spoken on Tanna Island in Tafea Province in […]

You can be unkempt, but can you be just kempt? Let’s find out in this Adventure in Etymology on Radio Omniglot. An unkempt llama Unkempt [ˌʌnˈkɛmpt] means uncombed or dishevelled (hair), disorderly, untidy, messy, rough or unpolished. It comes from unkemmed, from Middle English kembed (well-combed, neat), from kemben [ˈkɛm(b)ən] (to comb), from Old English […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Naman, a Southern Oceanic language spoken on Malekula Island in central Vanuatu. Mbugu (kiMbugu) / Maʼa (kiMaʼa), a Bantu language spoken in the Lushoto District in the Tanga Region in the northeast of Tanzania. Mwerlap (N̄wërlap), a Southern Oceanic language spoken in the […]

In this episode we unearth the Celtic roots of words for birch (tree) in various languages. The Proto-Celtic word *betuyā means birch tree, and comes from Proto-Indo-European *gʷetu-yo-s, from *gʷet- (resin, gum) [source]. Descendents in the modern Celtic languages include: beith = birch (tree), letter B in Ogham (ᚁ) in Irish beithe [behə] birch, birch […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Kwangali (Rukwangali), a Bantu language spoken in northern Namibia and southern Angola. Lega (Kilega), a Bantu language spoken in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Lomwe (Elomwe / Emakhuwa), a Bantu language spoken in northern Mozambique and southern Malawi. New […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we uncover the sticky roots of the word climb. Meanings of climb [klaɪm] include: To ascend, rise or go up To mount, move upwards To scale, get to the top of To move by gripping with the hands and using the feet It comes from Middle English climben [ˈkli(ː)mbən / […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New constructed script: Surat Binua, which was created by Reza Sumanda as a way to write Kendayan, a Land Dayak language spoken in Indonesia and Malaysia. New constructed script: Tenzu, which was created by Reza Sumanda as a way to write Indonesian, and inspired by the […]

In this episode we uncover the possible Celtic roots of words for heron in Romance languages. The Proto-Celtic word *korxsā / *korxsiyos means heron or crane [source], and possibly comes from Proto-Indo-European *(s)kreik- (to screech, creak), which is imitative in origin [source]. Descendants in the modern Celtic languages include: corr [kəuɾˠ] = (grey) heron, stork, […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New constructed script: Urup Bidayuh', which was created by Reza Sumanda as a way to write Biatah (Bidayuh), a Land Dayak language spoken in West Kalimantan in Indonesia, and Sarawak in Malaysia. New language pages: Luang (Letri Lgona), a Timoric language spoken in the Leti and […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we investigate the word feather. A feather [ˈfɛð.ə(ɹ) / ˈfɛð.ɚ] is: A branching, hair-like structure that grows on the bodies of birds, used for flight, swimming, protection and display. Long hair on the lower legs of a dog or horse, especially a draft horse. [other meanings are available] It comes […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New constructed script: Urup Bakatiʼ, which was created by Reza Sumanda as a way to write Bakatiʼ, a Land Dayak language spoken in West Kalimantan in Indonesia. New language pages: Bakatiʼ, a Land Dayak language spoken in West Kalimantan in Indonesia. Koro (Kōrō), a North-Central Vanuatu […]

In this episode we unravel the Celtic roots the English word deiseal. Deiseal [ˈdjɛʃəl] refers to a motion towards the right, in the direction of the hands of a clock or of the apparent motion of the sun (in the Northern Hemisphere); a turning in this direction. It is also written deisal, deasil, deisul or […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New constructed script: Saramukhi, an alternative script for Indonesian and English created by Reza Sumanda and inspired by the Devanagari and Marchen scripts. New adapted script: Groeg (κροηκ​​), a way to write Welsh with the Greek alphabet devised by Xavier Merica. New language pages: Fwe (Chifwe), […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we investigate the word discombobulate. To discombobulate [ˌdɪs.kəmˈbɒb.jəˌleɪt] is: To throw into a state of confusion To befuddle or perplex. To upset or embarrass It was coined in the USA and first appeared in writing in around 1867 [source]. It is a fanciful mock-Latin term of a kind that was […]

Here's the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New phonetic script: Vniverall (Universal) Alphabet, which was created by Thomas Harriot in the 1580s as a way to write the Carolina Algonquian language. New constructed script: Ranting Mualang, which was created by Reza Sumanda as is a way to write Mualang, a Ibanic language spoken […]

In this episode we uncover the Celtic roots of words for oar, to row and related things in Basque. The Proto-Celtic word *rāmyos means oar, spade or shovel and comes from the Proto-Indo-European *h₁reh₁- (to row) [source]. Descendants in the modern Celtic languages include: rámh [ɾˠɑːv] = oar in Irish ràmh [r̪ˠaːv] = oar, paddle […]