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Borrowed Words

Here is a list of English words that origionated from other languages. It is interesting to study where the words are from because you learn who invented what the word means. The word is in bold, followed by the definition.

AFRICAANS-an Indo-European language spoken in South Africa, Namibia-aardvark An animal apartheid separateness commando soldier making brief raids against enemy scoff eat voraciously slim small, inferior springbok A type of antelope. trek journey by wagon, journey wildebeest An animal.

AKKADIAN is the extinct Language of the Assyrian and Babylonian Empires in Mesopotamia (the modern day Iraq)- Babel from "babul" - gate of God Ancient city. Babylon from "babul" - gate of God Ancient capital city. cherub gracious, the angel dragoman interpreter Orion from "Uru Anna"-light of heaven A constellation. ziggurat A type of temple.

ALGONQUIN a member of the Algonquian family of language spoken in North America. caribou A type of reindeer- caucus advisor Political committee. Massachusetts place n ear the big little hills, USA state. Missouri, town of the large canoes, USA state. moccasins thin leather shoes Oregon beautiful water USA state. pecan A type of nut. racoon Nocternal animal. terrapin A freshwater tortoise. tomahawk Originally an axe weapon - now a missile. wigwam their house Native American dwelling. Wisconsin grassy place USA state. Wyoming place of the big flats USA state.

AMERICAN ENGLISH is a version of the English language spoken in the United States of America (North America)- blizzard snow storm hangover bad feeling the morning after drinking hindsight what you see you should have done in the past joyride Stealing a car to drive it around. OK A catch all adjective signifying that all is fine. radio music box raincoat coat for the rain rattlesnake A desert snake that makes a rattling noise with its tail. stunt, teenager Between the ages of 13 and 19. typewriter- extinct machine for typing

AMOY a Sino-Tibetan language spoken in Eastern China- ketchup fish brine This word came to English via Malay where it came to mean a tomato sauce. tea herb drink

ANGLO-SAXON a precursor of the English language spoken in England before 1000AD. The base vocabulary of English comes from Anglo-Saxon but these are some of the more common proper nouns. Anglo-Saxon is (like its modern counterpart) an Indo-European language- Easter goddess of Spring the holiday Friday From "Frigga", wife of the Odin. god Tuesday From "Tiw", the god of war. Thursday From "Thor", the god of thunder. Welsh speakers of a strange language Wednesday From "Odin", the god of inspiration. Yule Christmas

ARABIC is an Afro-Asiatic language spoken on the Arabian Peninsula, in much of the Middle East and in North Africa- admiral ruler of the seas albatross A large seabird. alchemyArabs were the great alchemists of the Middle Ages so many chemical terms come from that period. making gold out of chemicals alcohol Many Arabic words begin with AL which means "the". alcove recess for a bed alfalfa fodder algebra reunion of broken parts One of many mathematical terms from Arabic. algorithm set of steps to solve mathematical problem alkali chemical that neutralizes acids Allah the God The Muslim deity. almanac A book of astronomical data or general data. amber yellowish fossil resin amulet magical charm aniline An organic chemical solvent. antimony A semi-metalic chemical element. arsenal factory artichoke Edible plant. assassin From the same root as "Hashish" as assassins were often given this drug before being sent out to kill political enemies. average equitable distribution of losses due to damaged goods ayatollah miracle of God azimuth Direction in the sky measured clockwise from North. benzene from Java An organic chemical solvent from a resin in an Asian tree Betelgeux armpit of the mighty one A bright star in Orion. calibre mould for casting metal caliph successor A Muslim ruler. caramel ball of sweet salt A milky sweet. carat weight of four grains caraway Plant with seeds used in cookery. cipher empty From the same root as "zero". coffee First used in Yemen. cork bark cotton Borrowed into Spanish as "Alcodon"; the AL was dropped when it passed into English. drub beat In English a "drubbing" can mean "a good beating" in a sporting contest. elixir emir command An Arab king. fakir poor man fellah peasant "Fella" is used in English slang for "man" or "boyfriend". fez A red hat named after its city of origin in Morocco. gala festive garbage unwanted things garble non understandable speach gazelle A type of antelope. genie spirit From "Jinn", spirits that inhabit the world - they are frequently mentioned in the Muslim holy book, the Quran. gerbil A small rodent. giraffe Long necked antelope. goul From the same root as the star, Algol, known as "the demon star" because it varies its brightness every few days. halal lawful Applies to food that is fit for a Muslim to to eat. hashish From the same root as "assassin". harem set apart The womens quarter in an Arab palace. hazard danger henna A dark red dye. Islam submission Islam is the name of the religion. jar earthenware vase kismet fate lackey footman loofah The name of the plant used as a sponge. lute The fore-runner of the guitar. magazine storehouse, monthly publication marzipan Paste of almonds and sugar used in cakes. mask buffoon disguise for face mattress mat, cushion minaret The tower of a mosque from where prayers are called. mohair goats' hair cloth monkey A primate with a tail. monsoon season mosque Place of worship for Muslims. mummy embalmed Muslim one who submits A follower of Islam. myrrh A sweet perfume from Yemen. nadir The point directly below one's feet. pancreas the organ Quran recitation The Islamic holy book- also spelt "Koran". racket palm of hand As used for ball games. ream bundle safari journey Sahara desert saffron Orange colouring for food. sahib friend Still used in Indian English. satin Named after its city of origin in China. sequin coin sheikh old man An honorific title. sherbet drink From the same root as "syrup". sheriff noble soda sofa couch sultan An Arab king. syrup drink From the same root as "sherbet". tabby From a district in Baghdad where striped cloth was made. Taliban student A political and religious movement in Afghanistan. talisman amulet tamarindIndian date tariff notify List o duties to be paid on imported or exported goods. wadi dry river Common in place names (eg. Wadi Rum in Jordan). yashmak veil zenith pass over the head zero empty From the same root as "cipher". zircon A mineral from which the metal zirconium is extracted.

ARAUCANIAN a language spoken in parts of Chile. It is also known as Mapuche- Chile end of the land, South American country. poncho A cloak from South America.

ARAWAK is an Andean-Equatorial language spoken in coastal Colombia and the Caribbean- iguana A reptile. tobacco herb for smoking

AVESTAN is an extinct Indo-European language spoken in ancient Perisa. It is the language of the Zoroaster religion- bronze the metal magic sorceror This word reached English via Ancient Greek. paradise enclosed space the highest heaven

AYMARA an Andean-Equatorial language spoken in the Bolivian Andes- alpacawooly Andean relative of the camel.

BALTI is an Indo-European language spoken in the Pakistani Himalayas- polo A ball game played with horses.

BAMBARANiger-Congo language spoken in the West African country of Mali- juke disorderly As in a "juke box" (machine with collection of music) found in a "jook house" (a brothel). USA slang for "sexual activity".

BASQUE is a language spoken in Northern Spain and South West France. It is unrelated to any other language in the world- anchovy dried fish bizarre beard Jai Alai A European ball game.

BENGALI is an Indo-European language spoken in Bangladesh and North East India- bungalow small house From "bangal", the same root as "Bangladesh". dinghy little boat jute A fibre from the bark of an Indian tree used for making sacks.

BRETON is an Indo-European language spoken in Western France- bar place to drink alcohol barracks Where soldiers stay. barrier wall for abstruction basin area where water drains into billiards A game similar to snooker or pool. branch part of the trea that comes out of the trunk bravo "well done" bribe money offered illegally for a job career specialized job carol Song sung at Christmas, a Christian festival. carry take in your arms charge attack, take money for a service chariot small horse-drawn carraige cloak long coat gabardine A type of overcoat. garrotte Execution by strangling. gobble eat fast gravel lots of small rocks used for construction hurt do damage job what we do for money packet sent goods through the mail peg stick used for holding things in place, to hold something in place pickaxe axe for ice pip small fruit seed, dot plug small thing used to fill-in a hole, to fill-in a hole, what goes in the electrical outlet pouch small bag rock large stone rote routine way tan pigment from the sun valet A butler.

BYZANTEEN GREEK is the extinct language of the Byzantine Empire. member of the Indo-European family- diaper white American English for "nappy".

CANTONESE is a Sino-Tibetan language spoken in Southern China, Hong Kong, UK, USA- chopsuey mixed bits Chinese dish from San Fransisco (USA). cumquat A fruit. dim faint, not bright sum A collection of Chinese dishes. gung ho Trigger happy. joss luck As in "joss stick". lychee A fruit. wok Chinese cooking implement.

CARIB is a language spoken in northern South America and the Caribbean. It belongs to the Carib family-barbecuewooden frame on posts Grilling food over a fire, originally on a wooden frame. cannibal Spanish version of a Caribbean tribe. canoe A type of boat. Caiman type of crocodile. Jamaica well watered Caribbean island. macaw colourful bird. maize Corn plant. papaya A fruit. yucca A plant.

CATALAN is an Indo-European language spoken in Catalunya, in North East cachalot big teeth A sperm whale. capsize when a boat goes upside-down paella A sea-food and rice dish named after the pan it is cooked in.

CHEROKEEan Iroquoian language spoken in North America-Sequoialarge conifer tree.
CHOCTOW is a Muskogean language spoken in North America- Alabama I clear the land USA state. Oklahoma red people USA state.

CORNISH is an Indo-European language spoken in the Cornwall region of England- bludgeon heavy club, to strike with a bludgeon gull A seabird. puffin A seabird. Cree is an Algonquian language spoken in North America- chipmunk A North American ground squirrel. Eskimo eaters of raw flesh, they call themselves "Inuit". Michigan big lake USA state. moose North American elk. opossum Small tree-dwelling American marsupial. pow wow he dreams A meeting. Originally a medicine man's conferenece. Quebec it is shut Canadian province. Saskatchewan rapid current Canadian province. skunk American carnivore that emits a strong smell. squash The vegetable. squaw woman Winnipeg swamps Canadian city

CROATIAN an Indo-European language spoken in Croatia and Bosnia-cravatWorn by Croat soldiers.

CUNA is a Macro-Chibchan language spoken along the Atlantic coast of Panama- Panama abundance of fish Central American country; a type of hat.

CZECH is an Indo-European language spoken in the Czech Republic- howitzer catapult pistol small gun polka A dance. robot forced labour Semtex An explosive named after its place of origin.

DANISH is an Indo-European language spoken in Denmark- dangle symbolic formation dripwater falling or leaking in dropsfogmist kidnaptake a childombudsmanofficial who invests private individuals' complaints against government rift split skulk sneak about smile happy look on the face tang point Describing taste.

DHARUK is the Pama-Nyungan language spoken in Australia-barrackjeer at boomerang A stick weapon that returns to the thrower. budgerigar A bird. dingo A wild Australian dog. koala A bear-like tail-less Australian marsupial. wallaby A small species of kangaroo. wombat Small Australian marsupial.

DUTCH is an Indo-European language spoken in the Netherlands and Belgium- ahoy Nautical greeting. aloof uninterested ballast heavy material carried to insure stability block large square chunk bluff boast trick into thinking one is stonger that in truth boom Part of a ship. booze drink much alcohol boss master brandy alcoholic drink Brooklyn New York District - a former Dutch colony. bully person who beat other people up bumpkin awkward, simple person from rural area bundle a large chunk of something cackle loud high-pitched broken sound caboose last car on the train cam device for changing circular movement to straight coleslaw type of salad with mayonaise cookie sugar cracker cruise a trip on a boat deck As in a ship - one of many nautical terms from Dutch. decoy entice derrick Formerly a scaffold; named after a Dutch hangman. dock Place where ships stop. dot small spot drill sharp tool for cutting in hard surfaces drug therapeutic chemical, narcotic dyke wall A structure to keep water off the land. easel One of many artistic terms from Dutch. elope get married without parental permision etch cut design into flout mock, scorn, act important fop overdressed man freight goods on a shipment frolic play merrily fumble make a coordination-related mistake funk depression, earthy, funk music gallop the run of a horse gas petrol, fuel for autos, state of gas after water state glib suspiciously fluent grab take in the hands growl angry sound of dogs gruesome gross, causing horror and repugnance grumble murmur in discontent guild commercial organization for common interest gulp swallow loudly halibut A fish. Harlem A New York District - former Dutch colonyhecklemake fun of the performerhoist lift with a pulleyholstercase for pistolHottentotA derogatory name for the San people from southern Africa. hustle work energetically jeer deride, deriding shout kipper A fishknacknatural abilityknapsacksupply bag carried on backlandscape broad view of natural scenery, arrange trees, shrubs for visual effect ledger account book litmus blue coloring matter turning red in acid solution, used to express a way to test things lob strike or hurl in a high curve loiter linger, hang around public places lottery sale of tickets on prizes to be awarded on lots maelstrom whirlpool, confusion manikin model of human body measles An illness. morass swamp mumps An Illness. nib Part of a pen. offalwaste parts of butchered animalogleeye with impertinant familiaritypamper indulge, spoil pickle cucumber preserved in spice vinigar plug object for stopping hole, for the electrical socket plump somewhat fat or thick, to plump poll counting by heads, ask many people the same question to quantify a response pump aparatus for raising or driving fluids and air quack prattle A false doctor. ramble stoll idly, talk vaugly rant speak wildly roster list rover pirate, someone who wanders rumble make long, deep, heavy sound rumple to put folds in material Santa Claus Dutch name for "Father Christmas". scab crust foming over sore scone fine bread scour clean by rubbing sketch simple hasty drawing skipper driver of a boat sledge heavy sled-like vehicle, large heavy hammer sleigh light sled slip slide accidentally slurp eat or drink with loud sucking noises smuggle transport goods illegally snack quick meal snip small cut snoop prowl or pry, spy snuff sniff snug cozy, trim, neat sob cry loudly spa resort at mineral spring spangle small bright ornament splice join ropes by interweaving splinter thin sharp fragment spit eject from mouth, saliva spook ghost stoker tender stove apparatus for giving heat suds marsh, swamp trample step roughly on trawl drag net trigger pull tub deep open-topped container waffle batter-cake baked in a double griddle wagon four-wheel vehicle for drawing heavy loadsyachthunt Yankee UK and Latin American Slang for USA citizen. Zealand Dutch region.

EGYPTIAN is the extinct language of Ancient Egypt. It is a member of the Afro-Asiatic family- alabaster translucent white gypsum ammonia camel dung Burning camel dung produces ammonia. barge Cargo boats used on the Nile. bark cry of a dog, external cover of wooden plants ebony A dark wood from Africa. gum sticky substance, chewing-gum ibis A bird with a curved beak. ivory From elephant tusks. oasis dwelling area paper papyrus sack

ETRUSCAN is the extinct language of pre-Roman Italy. Very little is known about the language's origin- April The fourth month of the Western calendar. attrium entrance Part of a temple or church. baron strong man ceremony formal act or ritual cistern water tank Ides An old calendar term as in "Ides of March".January from "Janus" (the ancient Italian two faced god) The first month of the Western calendar. mantissa A mathematical term. persona mask Rome Italian city. Saturn The sixth planet.

EVENKI is an Altaic language spoken in Siberia- shaman priest A holy man.

EWE is a Niger-Congo language spoken in Ghana, Togo and other countries in West Africa- voodoo African witchcraft.

FAROESE an Indo-European language spoken in the Faroe islands in the north Atlantic Ocean- skua A type of gull.

FARSI (also called Persian and Iranian) an Indo-European language spoken in Iran and Afghanistan-aubergineKnown as "egg plant" in the USA.One of many food words from Farsi. azure Blue - one of many color words from Farsi bazaar A market place. biryani fried A rice dish from India and Pakistani. caravan The original meaning is a caravan of pack animals (like camels) carrying goods. checkmate from "shah-k-mate", the king is dead A chess term. dervish poor Muslim holy man vowed to austerity. divan One of many furniture or clothing items from Farsi. jackal A dog-like animal. jasmine Fragrant shrub.juleprose waterkhakidusty Dull fabric used by the military.kiosksmall open structure where represments and newspapers are sold lemon A citrus fruit. lilac A bluish colour. lime A citrus fruit. ounce A unit of weight (= 2.835 × 10-2 kg). pagoda temple of idols pistachio A type of nut. pyjama Item of clothing worn in Asia (and in Europe while sleeping). rhubarb A plant used as a sweet. rice Grass used as a food. rook castle A chess term. sash turban Item of clothing worn accross the body. scarlet Red. shawl Item of clothing named after its town of origin in India. spinach Green leaf vegetable - a delicacy in Asia. taffeta twist Fine silk. talc solf mineral used for lubricants tambourine small drum with metal disks in frame tiara woman's ornamental coronet tiger Large carniverous cat. turban Item of clothing worn on the head. Finnish is an Uralic language spoken in Finland and parts of Russia- sauna Scandinavian steam bath.

FLEMISH an Indo-European language spoken in Northern Belgiumbrickbuilding block of baked clay duffel A type of coat. hunk

FRANKISH an extinct Indo-European language spoken in Central Europe during the 8th century AD- coat outer garment, to cover fiefdom cattle owner hose leg covering Used more in the USA (as in "panty hose"). marshall to look after horses skate run fast, to move with wheels attatched to feet wallop hard hit

FRENCH an Indo-European language spoken in France, Belgium, Swizerland, Canada, Louisiana (USA), West Africa, Caribbean and Indo-Chinaa la carteOne of many food, restaurant and cookery terms from French. abattoir Place where animals are slaughtered. ambulance walking hospital Used to treat wounded soldiers - one of many military terms from French. arson delibrate destructive fire attaché One of many diplomatic terms from French. ballet little dance One of many entertainment terms from French. bayonet Named after its place of origin. biscuit twice cooked Has different meanings in USA and UK.vivantgood liver Someone who enjoys life.cabaretrestaurant providing entertainment cache hidden camouflage disguise cart small wagon blanche blank cheque cartoon comic drawing, design for large artwork chauffeur hired driver corduroy king's clothes, A type of cloth. coup d'etat The taking of power by force, as in "military coup". coupon ticket to get things discount courier person who delivers things within the city crayon stick of colored wax crochet form thread into designs with hooked needle croquet A game played on grass. debris rubbish, ruins denim from Nimes A type of cloth. dentist person who prevents and treats tooth desease detour roundabout course diplomat negotiator dossier bundle of papers en masse in a mass, all together en route on the way envoy send espionage work or use of spies etiquette conventions of social behavior faith confidence, religious beleif, confidence accomplished What would be called a "done deal" in the USA. faux pas social error gaffe social blunder gourmet delicious expensive food grape the fruit hors d'oeuvre Starters for a meal. laissez faire As in "anything goes". lieutenant comisioned officer in army or navy macabre gruesome margarine butterlike product made from vegetable oil and or mild marinade pungent liquid mixture for steeping food maroon dark brownish red, abandon at shore mascot person or thing that brings good luck mauve pale purple mayonnaise Named after its place of origin. Shortened to "mayo" in the USA. memoir autobiographry, personal recollection menu list Originally a restaurant term, now used in computing. mortgage rent paid on the house you are buying mutiny revolt against lawful authority nasal spoken through nose niece daughter of sibling nomad wanderer nouveau riche new money, newly rich omelette eggs beaten and fried panache grand or flamboyand manner parachute umbrella-like apparatus used for falling safely through air par excellence superior picnic outing and meal in the open pioneer early arrival in new territory, first one in new effort plaice The flat fish. plaque monumental effort, sticky, whitish film formed on tooth surfaces portrait depict promenade leasurly walk, space for a walk publicity public attention, material for promoting this queue to stand in line, line of people raffle lottery in which chances are sold, dispose of by raffle raison d'être reason for existance rapport sympothetic relationship ratchet wheel or bar with teeth rectangle parralelogram with four right angles regal royal regime system of rule relay fresh supply of persons to releive others, pass on by relay renaissance rebirth rendezvous appointment or place to meet reprimand severe reproof, reproove severely reservoir reserve supply resign surrender restaurant public eating place revenue return ricochet rebound from a flat surface rifle groove risk dangerouse change, expose to risk roast cook by dry heat, roasted meat rôle From the roll of paper containing an actor's part. roulette little wheel rout disorderly retreat route marching orders Pronounced RA-OOT in USA and ROOT in UK. routine regular order of action sabotage clatter with shoes Wooden shoes used to be thrown into machinery to stop it. sachet little sack salvage act of saving ship or cargo at sea, save from destruction satchel little bag sauce liquid or soft relice, stewed fruit saucer small shallow dish sauté tossed saveloy from brains Sausage made from brains. savoir faire competence in social manners séance meeting to attempt communication with spirits sirloin cut of beef from the loin somersault leap above soufflé fluffy baked dish soup liquid food of meat, vegetables, etc.. souvenir object to aide memory spiral curve made by circuling a poind approaching or receding from it splendid gorgeouse, superb, fine suède from Sweden sport athletic past time syndicate combination of persons or companies for large joint enterprise tampon wad for packing gun tangerine Named after its city of origin in Morocco. tapestry woven, figured fabric for wall-hanging torture infliction of great pain traffic trade tranquil peaceful, quiet trophy memento taken in hunting, war, silver cup given as reward unique most unusual or rare umpire judge or arbitrator, be umpire in velocity speed version particular form visa things seen, permision slip for entering in country wardrobe look after garment zest hearty enjoyment, something adding flavour or interest zigzag line going sharply from side to side, to go sharply from side to side

GAELIC is an Indo-European language spoken in Scotland (UK) and Ireland- banshee woman of the fairy mound Figure from Irish myth. bard poet Shakespere is often called "the bard of Stratford". blarney One of many literary terms from Gaelic. bog soft One of many geographical terms from Gaelic. bother trouble Used in London slang. brat Badly behaved child. brisk lively, stimulatingbrogue Rough shoe. caddy One of many sporting terms in Gaelic. cairn Memorial made of stones. clan children claymore great sword crag steep rough rock dour sullen dune heap gab As in "the gift of the gab" (a good talker). galore plenty glamour alluring charm glen valley gob Used in London slang for "mouth" or "spit". golf game played on outside course with clubs and a small bat hooligan noisy, violent person keen sharp, excellent, intense Kent white English county. lashings abundance moniker name Used in UK slang. pet tame animal, favoured Used as a term of endearment in the UK. phoney false, fraudulent pillion cushion A seat on a motorbike behind the driver. pony young horse puck Ice hockey term. shamrock four leaf clover shanty old house As in "shanty town". slob slovenly slogan motto smashing that is good Used extensively in the UK. smidgen very small amount smithereens little bits sporran purse Worn in front of a kilt in Scotland (UK). spunk Has different meanings in UK and USA. Strontium A metallic chemical element. swap trade Tory outlaw Used as a nickname for the Conservative (political) Party in the UK . trousers Used in the UK - in the USA "trousars" are called "pants". twig understand Used in the UK. whisky water GAULISH is an extinct Indo-European language spoken in pre-Roman France- ambassador drive around beak bill or nose of bird Bohemia Central European Region. briar, brier Prickly wild rose. bulge hold-all bushel A unit of volume (= 3.637 × 10-2 m3 in UK; = 3.531 × 10-2 m3 in USA). car auto carpenter wheel maker carriage wheeled vehicle pulled by horse cat feline cream fatty part of milk DruidCeltic religious sect. furore From Celtic battle cry. garter leg lawn open space between woods league A distance of three miles (7.4 km). leaven produce fermentation muzzle mouth of firearem, animal's jaws Paris French city named after a Celtic tribe. quay landing beside water truant beggar In UK used to denote missing school or work ("playing hookey" in USA). warren fenced area GERMAN is an Indo-European language spoken in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Central Europe- angst feeling of dread, anxiety, or anguish Austria from "Oster Reich", eastern empire European country. Bismuth white mass Metallic chemical element. One of many chemical terms from German. blitz swift, violent war, waged by surprise brake bridle Originally applied to stopping horses. clock device for telling time clown comic performer dachshund A type of dog. dollar Named after its plaCe of origin. Dutch People and language from the Netherlands. edelweiss An Alpine plant. feldspar One of many geological terms from German. flak hamburger Named after its city of origin. heroin illegal morphine-like drug hex cast spell on, bring bad luck to hinterland area remote from cities kindergarten children's garden School for very young children. lager Lager in the UK is equivalent to beer in the USA. Beer in the UK is stronger. larch A type of tree. luck chance, good fortune menthol colorless alcohol from peppermint oil muffin One of many cake, pastry, snack words from German. nickel Named after the Devil (Old Nick). noodle thin strip of dough cooked in soup plunder rob, act of plundering poodle A type of dog. pretzel A snack eaten in the USA. quartz A type of rock. rapier slender sword rocket tube propelled by discharge from gases from it rub apply pressure to in cleaning rucksack knapsack sauerkraut chopped fermented cabbage scoop small deep shovel schadenfreude taking delight in the misfortunes of others Used in the UK. shirk scoundrel A person who avoids work or responsibility. sling strap-like device for slinging stones snorkel tube through which swimmer can breathe while under water sod turf Used as a swear word in England (UK). stroll wander strudel Pastry with apples. swindle cheat, defraud tackle apparatus As in "fishing tackle" (UK). vandal Named after a warlike Germanic tribe. veneer overlay with thin sheets of fine wood vitamin food element essential in small quantities to maintain life waltz A dance. waylay ambush Yiddish Jewish A dialect of German spoken by the Jewish community. yodel sing with quick changes to and from falsetto GREEK is an Indo-European language spoken in Greece, Cyprus, Middle East and Northern Egypt- academy One of many educational and sporting words from Greek. acrobat walking on tiptoe alphabet The names of the first two Greek letters, alpha and beta. amazon A mythical tribe of females. amnesia without memory The letter A at the beginning of a word means "without". anonymous without name antipodes opposite feet The region of the Earth beneith one's feet. anthropo- man As in "anthropology" (study of man). anti- opposite As in "antimatter". aracno- spider As in "arachnophobia" (fear of spiders). aristocrat best ruler One of many social and political words from Greek. asbestos athlete contender for prize attic Part of a temple. Australia southern Southern hemisphere country. auto- self As in "automatic". barbarian To the Greeks, foreign languages sounded like "bar bar bar". bar- weight As in "barometer", measure weight (of air). bishop One of many words in the Christian religion from Greek. buffalo An animal. bio- life As in "biology" (study life). canopy mosquito net cathedral seat catholic universal cemetery dormitory ceramic choreo- dance As in "chorography" (write dance). chorus dance A group on a stage that sing or dance. One of many dramatical or theatrical words from Greek. Christ anointed chrono- time As in "chronology" cosmos all, everyone crocodile A large reptile. cryo- cold As in "cryogenics" (create cold). crypto- hidden As in "cryptology" (study the hidden). gas "Krypton" is from the same root. cynic person who doubts or lacks goodness of motive democracy state of the people dinosaur terrible lizard diploma folded in two dogma system of beleifs drama story acted on stage echo sound reverberated off of serfices economy manage a house ego- I As in "egocentric" (centred on self). Egypt North African country. epitaph over the tomb Ethiopia hot face East African country. Eucharist thanks Christian ceremony of giving thanks. Exodus going out, exit One of the books of the Christian holy book, the Bible. genesis beginning geo- earth As in "geography" (write about the Earth). -gram letter As in "telegram" (far letter). -graph writing As in "biography" (life writing). gymnasium place for physical excersice gynae woman As in "gynaecology" (study woman). gypsy From the same root as "Egypt". helicopter spiral wing helio- sun As in "helioscope" (see the Sun). hemi half As in "hemisphere" (half a sphere). hero man admired for bravery, main character in story hetero different As in "heterosexual" (different sex). hippopotamus river horse history The same root as "story". holocaust entirely burnt horizon hydro water As in "hydrolic", worked by water. idea conception in mind, thought India The same root as Hindi, Hindu, Indus, and Sind. isotope same place Istanbul in the town City in Turkey. kilo- thousand As in "kilogram" (a thousand grams). litho stone As in "lithograph" (writing on stone). logarithm account, addition -logy study As in "geology" (Earth study). marathon Named after a battleground from where a messenger ran 26 miles (42 km). mathematics something learnt martyr meander From a winding river now in Turkey. mechanic skilled worker with machinary mega- big As in "megastore". melody arrangement of musical sounds Mesopotamia between the rivers Ancient region now part of Iraq. -meter measure As in "thermometer" (measure heat). method pursuit of knowledge metropolis mother city micro- small As in "microscope" (see small). mime pantomimist, clown monarch alone moron stupid museum home of the muses myopia Short sighted. myriad, mystery secret ceremony Naples new city City in Italy. The same root as the Palestinian city, "Nablus". nemesis cause of one's downfall, enemy neural nerve -nomy laws As in "astronomy" (star laws). nous mind obelisk tapering, four-side monumental pillar ocean large body of salt water covering much of Earth Olympic international sporting event orphan children without parents ostracize Named after pieces of pottery on which the names of people to be exiled were written. paleo- old As in "paleontology", study old (fossils). pandemonium abode of all devils panic terror induced by the god Pan panorama view in all directions paranoia distracted -philia friend As in "necrophilia" (friend of death). philo- friend As in "philosophy" (friend of wisdom). - phobia fear As in "arachnophobia" (fear of spiders). -phone voice As in "telephone" (far voice). phono- voice As in "phonetics".photo- light As in "photograph" (light writing). Pluto God of death; ninth planet. poly- many As in "polygon", a many sided figure. programme public written noticeprophet person who speaks for god, person who sees into the future psalm sacred song psycho- spirit As in "psychology" (study the spirit). pygmy dwarf pylon tall thin structure pyramid solid with traigular sides meeting in point python A large snake. rhinoceros horned nose rhythm movement with uniformly recurring beat sarcasm speak bitterly scene tent, stage -scope see As in "telescope" (see far). seismic shaking siphon pipe skeleton dried up sporadic scattered seeds stethoscope see the chest stigma mark strategy military general sycophant show figs symphony same sound synopsis same view syntax same arrangement tele- far As in "telephone" (far voice), "telescope" (seeing far). theater, theatre building for dramatic presentations theory contemplation therm- heat As in "thermometer" (measure heat). thesaurus book of synonyms and antonymsthesis proposition to be proved thorax part of body between neck and abdomen toxic arrow Poisoned arrows were used in warfare. tragedy serious drama with unhappy ending tripod three feet tyrant oppresive, unjust, or absolute ruler Uranus The seventh planet. xeno- stranger As in "xenophobia" (fear of strangers). GUARANI is an Andean-Equatorial language spoken in Paraguay and Southern Brazil- cougar A carniverous South American cat. jaguar A large carniverous spotted South American cat. Paraguay South American country. GUJERATI an Indo-European language spoken in Gujerat state in Western India- tank water well GUUGI-YIMMINDER is a language spoken in Australia- kangaroo A large Australian marsupial mammal. HEBREW is an Afro-Asiatic language spoken in Israel- The language became extinct except for religous services and has been revived for the modern state of Israel where it is called Ivrit.abacus Device for calculating. amen so be it One of many religious words from Hebrew. bedlam scene of loud confusion behemoth huge cider An apple drink. cinnamon brown spice from bark of asian tree coral pebble elephant large African mammal gauze transparent fabricgopher A type of wood. hallelujah preys ye the Lord! Israel Middle Eastern country. Jew A believer of Judaism. jockey horse racer jot quick drawing jubilee ram's horn Horns were used as trumpets during celebrations. jug container for holding liquid kibbutz gathering Communial settlement in Israel. kosher proper Applies to food that is fit for a Jew to to eat. leviathan something of immense size or power manna A mythical food from heaven. maudlin weakly sentimenta messiah anointed The one that Jews believe is to come. Nimrod City in Messopotamia. rabbi my teacher Sabbath rest "Sabatical" is from the same root. sapphire Precious stone. Satan The Devil.sodomy Named after its place of origin. HINDI is an Indo-European language spoken in Northern India- bandanna dyed cloth One of many cloth and clothing terms from Hindi. bangle Glass bracelets. basmati A type of rice. One of many food terms from Hindi. Blighty foreign UK soldiers' slang for the homeland. cheetah chintz Painted cotton cloth. dungaree A type of coarse cloth.goolies balls / bullets UK slang for "testicles". Himalaya abode of Mountain range in India, Nepal and Tibet. jodhpurs Riding breeches named after their town of origin. juggernaut UK word for a large lorry. From "Juganath", the name of an Indian god whose image gets carried around the town in a huge cart once a year. jungle Now used as another term for a thick forest. loot Stolen goods. mahout elephant driver punch five As in the drink - from the five ingredients used. pukka ripe Used in the UK to mean "good" or "right". sari The distinctive wrap-around cloth worn by many women in India. shampoo massage thug From a Hindu sect ("Thugees") that would kill people for the goddess, Kali. toddy drink made with alcoholic liquid and water HUNGARIAN Uralic language spoken in Hungary and the region of Transylvania in Romania- coach Named after its town of origin. goulash herdsman's meat A type of stew. Hussar Light cavalry soldier. paprika A spice. sabre A type of sword. IBO is a Niger-Congo language spoken in Nigeria- okra A vegetable also known as "ladies' fingers". ICELANDIC is an Indo-European language spoken in Iceland- eider A type of duck - its feathers are used for eiderdown. geyser fountain narwhal A type of walrus. saga heroic tale Viking frequenter of sea inlets INUIT is an Eskimo-Aleut language spoken in Siberia and Alaska. It is the language of the Eskimos- anorak A warm coat. Used in UK for as slang for an obsessive person. husky A type of dog. igloo house Made from ice and snow. kayak boat IROQUOIS is a language spoken in North America.Canada village / settlement North American country- Kentucky meadow land USA state. Ohio beautiful water USA state. ITALIAN is an Indo-European language spoken in Italy and Switzerland- a cappella Singing without music. One of many musical terms from Italian. alarm call to arms One of many military terms from Italian. allegro lively, gay Musical term: in brisk time. America Continent named after an Italian map maker. aria Musical term: a long accompanied song for one voice. attack act against with sudden force balcony One of many architectural terms from Italian. ballot From the balls used for voting. bandit robber, outlaw bank money lenders' table bankrupt broken money lenders' table The table would be broken if the money lender was unable to trade. broccoli A vegetable. One of many food terms from Italian. buffoon clown canon large tube canteen container of water casino amusement or gambling hall colonel Military rank. concerto Musical term: music for a single instrument accompanied by orchestra. confetti little sweets Thrown at a newly married couple. corridor passageway crescendo grow Musical term: gradual increase in loudness. desk table ditto said dome hemispher roof escort accompanying person fascist bundle From symbol of Roman imperial power. fiasco complete and ignominous failure fresco Method of painting. gazette Venetian small coin From the cost of news sheet. ghetto From the name of Jewish area in 15th century Venice gondola Originally a cabin on airship. graffiti markings written on public walls gusto keen enjoyment incognito with one's identity hidden inferno place of intense heat influenza illness. lava molten rock from volcano libretto little book Musical term: text of an opera. lido A bathing place near Venice now a generic term for swimming pools in the UK. macaroni A type of pasta. madrigal Musical term: short song for several voices. maestro master, master of music Mafia illegal organization malaria bad air, used to be thought that malaria was caused by stale air. manager person who takes care of somthing mandolin A stringed musical instrument mezzanine middle Middle level floor in a buildingMorocco from Marrakesh North African countrymotto saying moustache hair between nose and mouth nepotism nephew Giving jobs to relatives opera works Plural of "opus" (work) parasol for sun partisan adherentgorilla pasta paste From the dried flour paste used in cooking piano from "pianoforte" - soft loud Musical instrument. pizza baked, open-faced pie with cheese, tomato sauce, etc. porcelain glassy ceramic ware portfolio portable case for papers prima donna first lady propaganda Originally religious term quartet Musical term: for four voices, instruments regatta boat race semolina little bran Grains left after the milling of flour. solo Single performer. sonata Composition for a single instrument soprano highest female voicestaccato detach Musical term: play in an abrupt manner. stiletto little dagger Originally a dagger, then the heel of a female's show stucco plaster for exteriors studio place to record music spaghetti little strings type of pasta tarantula Named after area where found in Italy tempo Musical term time. torso trunk trio Musical term: for three voices or instruments. umbrella little shadow vendetta long, fued vermicelli little worms A type of pasta viola Musical term; stringed instrumentviolin Musical term; stringed instrument virtuoso person of special skill (esp. music) volcano vent from earth in which lava, steam and expelled JAPANESE is an Altaic language spoken in Japan- geisha Hostess, entertainer, or prostitute hara-kiri belly cutting, method of committing suicide. One of many such terms from Japanese. judo gentle way A martial art. One of many such terms from Japanese. ju-jitsu gentle science A type of unarmed combat. kamikaze divine wind World War II pilots who crashed planes laden with explosives karate empty hand A type of unarmed combat. kendo sword way Combat with a sword.; kimono, ninja Japanese warrior origami Japanese art of folding paper into intricate designs rickshaw man power vehicle sake rice wine samurai Japanese military officersatsuma A type of orange named after a province in Japan. shogun great general Japanese heredetary officer. soy A bean used as a meat substitute. sushi A meal of raw fish. tatami A mat for sleeping on. tsunami harbour wave Also known incorrectly as a "tidal wave". tycoon great lord Wealthy businessman. musical words from Kongo. canary A yellow and green bird. One of several animal words from Kongofunky positive sweat mojo soul Used in USA slang for "magic"zebra striped horse-like animal. In UK also a striped pedestrian crossing zombie The name of a snake god. KOREAN is an Altaic language spoken in Korea- tae kwon do A martial art.

LATIN extinct language of the Roman Empire. It is an Indo-European language- advert One of many business, commercial words from Latin agenda agitator One of many political words from Latin. album collection of recordings, blank space for collection of stamps, photos alias One of several policing words from Latin alibi elsewhere animal living thing that, not a plant apex One of many mathematical words from Latin. aquarium man-made place for living fish Aquarius water bearer One of many Zodiac signs from Latin arbiter Mant Latin positions end in -ER or -OR arena sand An area of sand where theatre and combat took place. Aries ram Zodiac sign. August Named from Augustus Caesar. One of several months from Latinautumn the fall season axis where two points intersect Britain Island off the European coast. calendar proclamation Dates were proclamed by the priests Cancer crab Zodiac sign disease Capricornus horned goat Zodiac sign. captor person who captures, person who takes another cardinal main cheif, used to express main place circus show with animals, acrobats, etc. creator person who causes something to exist creditor person owed curator manager of museum curriculum Words ending in -UM in Latin make plurals with -A cursor movable symbol on computer screen to indicate where information goes Cyprus copper Island in Mediterranian. The root word is "Cuprum"data Plural of "datum" discus disk for throwing in athletic competition doctor medical worker December tenth month educator providor of knowledge and instruction equinox equal night February From Roman winter festival. focus central point forum assembly for public discussion France European country name of a tribe fungus Many Latin words ending in -US form their plural with -IGemini twins Zodiac sign. genius One of several biological words from Latin. Germany European country named after a tribe. Greece European country. habitat natural dwelling igneous produced by great heat ignoramus we do not know inch English unit of measurement 2.54 cm index list with page references inertia One of several physics words from Latin. inferior less good or important innuendo subtly suggesting something interior, inland joke word play July Month named after Julius Caesar. June Month named after Juno. junior youngster, less young Jupiter "Zeu-Pater", Father Zeus Fifth planet. One of several planets from Latin. Leo lion Zodiac sign. liberator one who sets free Libra balance Zodiac sign. London City in England. March from Mars Third month. Mars Fourth planet. matrixMany Latin words ending in -IX or -EX make their plurals with -ES or -CES. maximum greatest degree or quantity May Fifth month. medium The plural is "media". memorandum Often shortened to "memo". Mercury First planet. liquid metal. merit excellence or good quality mile thousand (paces) Unit of length (= 1.609 km). minimum least possible quantity, degree, etc. miracle wonder momentum force of moving body monitor pupil who assists teacher, television or computer screen moratorium delay motor small and powerful engine nebula cloud Used for a cloud of interstellar gas. nectar sweet secretion of flowers Neptune Eighth planet. nimbus rain A type of cloud. November ninth month nubile take a husband nucleus central part obese very fat occult hidden October eighth month omen sign indicative of future onus burden orbit path of planet around another body pantomime expression by mute gestures parent father or mother pastor ministor peninsula peice of land nearly surrounded by water picture painting or photograph pirate thief of the seas Pisces fish Zodiac sign. premium great value, bonus, periodic insurance payment prohibit forbid, prevent pronoun word used as substitute for noun quadrant arc of 90 degrees, instrument for measuring altitute quarantine forty days quota proportional share due rabid to be mad radius straight line from center of circle to circumference recipe receive referendum submission of popular vote of law passed by legistlature refrigerate cause to become cold reign have soveign power or title relegate send into exile religion particular system of religious belief republic state governed by representatives elected by citizens respect reference, esteem rostrum speakers' platform rota wheel rude rough saliva fluid secreted into mouth by glands Sagittarius archer Zodiac sign. salubrious health sandal shoe consisting of sole and straps sartorial patched satellite attendant scale ladder Scorpio scorpion star sign segment part senior older, of higher rank September seventh month series things in succession silence no sound sinister left The left hand was considered evil. Spain the Roman name of the region species class of related individuals spectator observer spectrum band of colors that is displayed when light is dispersed, range stadium building for outside competitions and performances stet let it stand Printing sign to ignore deletions. stimulus something that stimulates street paved road study effort to learn stupid dumb, not smart suburb below the city superior better than table plank tacit silent tandem holding or consisting of two tavern saloon, inn terminus end of line for buses and trains torpedo stiff transport carry across triangle figure with three straight sides and three angles trident three teeth ulterior not acknowledged, concealed uniform exactly alike, consistent, exact clothing for specific group vacuum machine that sucks up dust valour worth The same root as "value". vehicle machine that transports peoplo and objects ventriloquist belly speak Venus Second planet. versus towards veto forbid via road victim object of damage victor person who wins war or competition villa luxerious country residence violator person who brakes law or rule Virgo virgin Zodiac sign. virile from "vir", man