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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