Radio Omniglot

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Koyra Chiini (koyra ciini / كࣷيْرَ ٺِينِ), a Songhay language spoken mainly in the Tombouctou Region in southern Mali. Korandje (Kwạṛa n dzyəy), a Northern Songhay language spoken in Béchar Province in the northwest of Algeria. Vagla, a Southern Gur language spoken in […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover what links the word beam with words for tree. Meanings of beam [ˈbiːm] include any large piece of timber or iron long in proportion to its thickness, and prepared for use; one of the transverse members of a ship’s frame on which the decks are laid; a ray […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Firan (Fɨràn), a West-Central Plateau language spoken in Plateau State in central Nigeria. Buli, a Gur language spoken in the Upper East Region in northern Ghana. Mpade (Mpadɨ), a Chadic language spoken in northern Cameroon and southwest Chad. New numbers page: Baoulé, a […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover what links the words feeble and foible with bleating and bells. Feeble [ˈfiːbəl] means deficient in physical strength; lacking force, vigour or effectiveness in action or expression, or faint. It comes from Middle English feble [ˈfeːbəl / ˈfeːblə] (feeble, weak, insidious), from Anglo-Norman feble (weak, feeble), from Latin […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Leonese (Llionés), a Ibero-Romance language spoken mainly in the northwest of Spain. Angaataha (Angaatɨha), a Trans-New Guinea language spoken in Morobe Province in Papua New Guinea. Northwest Gbaya (Làì / Kàrà), an Atlantic-Congo language spoken in Cameroon and the Central African Republic. New […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Upper Necaxa Totonac, a Central Totonac language spoken in Puebla in southeastern Mexico. Ngwo (Engwo), a Southern Bantoid language spoken in the North West Region of Cameroon. Nizaa (Nízɑɑ̀), a Mambiloid language spoken in the Adamawa Region in northern Cameroon. New numbers page: […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover what links the word hiatus with yawning. A hiatus [haɪˈeɪtəs / hɐˈjaː.t̪ʊs] is a gap in a series, making it incomplete; an interruption, break, pause or absence; a temporary break from work, especially one which is unexpected, and various other things. It comes from Latin hiātus (a hiatus, […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Neo, an international auxiliary language created by Arturo Alfandari in the 1930s. Eloyi (Ɛ̀llɔ́ì / Ẹ̀llọ́ì), a Plataeau language spoken in central and southeast Nigeria. Gapapaiwa, a Western Oceanic language spoken in Milne Bay Province in Papua New Guinea. New numbers page: Neo, […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we unravel the woven origins of the word wave. As verb, to wave [wɛjv / weɪv] can mean to move back and forth repeatedly and somewhat loosely; to move one’s hand back and forth in greeting or departure; to call attention to by a waving motion, or to have an […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Ngambay, a Central Sudanic language spoken in Chad, Cameroon and Nigeria. Ineseño (Sʰamala), a Chumashan language that was spoken in southern California in the USA and that is being revived. Tungag (Lavongai), a Western Oceanic language spoken in New Ireland Province in Papua […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we discover the origins of the word influence. Influence [ˈɪn.flu.əns] can refer to the power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; an action exerted by a person or thing on another to cause change, or a person or thing exerting such power or action. In astrology, influence is […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this Adventure in Etymology we find out what links the words symbol, ballet and problem. A symbol [ˈsɪmbəl] is a character or glyph representing an idea, concept or object; a thing considered the embodiment or cardinal exemplar of a concept, theme, etc – other meanings are available. It comes from French symbole (symbol), from […]

Here’s the latest news from the world of Omniglot. New language pages: Tupuri (Tpuri), a Northern Mbum language spoken in Chad and Cameroon. Akum, a Plateau Benue-Congo language spoken in Cameroon and Nigeria. Alumu (Alumu Təsu), a Plateau Benue-Congo language spoken in Nigeria. Karao, a Northern Luzon language spoken in the north of Luzon in […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we investigate the tardy roots of the word delay. A delay [dɪˈleɪ̯ / dəˈleɪ̯] is a period of time before an event occurs; the act of delaying; procrastination; lingering inactivity, and various other things. To delay can mean to put off until later; to defer; to retard; to temporarily stop; […]

In this Adventure in Etymology we untangle the befuddling roots of the word confusion. Confusion [kənˈfjuːʒən] can mean a lack of clarity or order; the state of being confused; a misunderstanding; the act of mistaking one thing for another, or a lack of understanding due to dementia. It is also the collective noun for a […]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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