Words from other languages becoming English
Part 1: Food and clothing
The English language is a rich tapestry woven from various linguistic influences. Over centuries, it has absorbed words from numerous languages, reflecting the diverse cultures and histories of English speaking people. From the food we eat to the laws that govern us, English vocabulary is a testament to the interconnectedness of the world through language.
This article, part one of two, explores 50 must-know English words that have been borrowed from other languages, categorized into key areas such as food and clothing. This shows how the English language has incorporated words from other languages and made them permanent residents in the English Language.
Food-related English words obtained from other countries
English, as a global language, has borrowed many words related to food from other languages. These words often carry with them the cultural and culinary traditions of their origins, enriching the English language with diverse flavours. Below is a list of English food-related words that have been borrowed from other languages:
Alcohol (Arabic)
Alcohol” is derived from the word alkahal, which meant “the kohl,” which originally referred to a powder.
Banana (Wolof)
The word “banana” comes from the Wolof language of West Africa. Portuguese and Spanish explorers introduced the fruit and its name to Europe.
Cafeteria (Spanish)
From the Spanish “cafetería”, meaning “coffee shop,” it now refers to a self-service restaurant, often found in schools and institutions.
Chocolate (Spanish)
chocolate is derived from the hypothetical Nahuatl word xocolātl, meaning “bitter drink”.
Barbecue (Caribbean)
From the Taino word “barbacoa”, referring to a method of slow-cooking meat over a wooden platform. Spanish colonizers brought the term to Europe, and it spread from there.
Beef (French)
Beef came to English from the Old French word boef. But that’s not the only meat name with French origins! “Mutton”, “veal” and “pork” are all thought to be derived from Old French.
Cashew (Portuguese)
It’s a nut in the shape of a kidney that is rich in oil and proteins. Cashew is derived from the Portuguese word cajú, which likely came from the now-extinct Tupi language.
Coleslaw (Dutch)
From a Dutch term koolsla meaning “cabbage salad”. A salad of shredded raw cabbage with a dressing and often other vegetables, especially carrots.
Cookie (Dutch)
Introduced by Dutch immigrants, and comes from Dutch koekje, a diminutive form of koek, ‘cake. Now refers to any of various small flat sweet cakes
Curry (Tamil)
Tamil word ‘kari’, which means ‘sauce’ or ‘relish for rice. A variety of dishes originating from India, made with spices and herbs, typically served with rice.
Cuisine (French)
Borrowed from French cuisine. A style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country, region, or establishment.
Gourmet (French)
It was influenced by the French word “gourmand”. A connoisseur of good food; a person with a discerning palate.
Kebab (Arabic)
Derived from Arabic term (kabāb). It’s a dish that typically combines small pieces of meat such as lamb or beef with vegetables on a skewer and is then grilled.
Ketchup (Chinese)
Originally derived from the Hokkien Chinese word “kê-tsiap”, which referred to a fermented fish sauce. The English word now refers to the tomato-based condiment. British sailors brought it back from Southeast Asia, and it evolved into the tomato-based condiment we know today.
Noodle (German)
From the German word Nudel. A thin, flat strip of pasta used in soups
Salsa (Spanish)
Borrowed from Spanish salsa (sauce). A sauce typically made from tomatoes, onions, and chillies, commonly used in Mexican cuisine.
Soy (Japanese)
Japanese soi. A sauce made from fermented soybeans
Tea (Chinese)
From a Chinese character pronounced tu, meaning a “bitter vegetable”. A beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
Tomato (Spanish)
Spanish, from the Nahuatl tomatl or “the swelling fruit”.
Tortilla (Spanish)
Spanish diminutive of torta cake. A type of thin, round flatbread originally from Mexico, made from cornmeal or wheat flour.
Yogurt (Turkish)
It was believed to have come from the Turkish word “yoğurmak”, which means to coagulate. A dairy product made by fermenting milk with bacterial cultures.
Clothing related English words obtained from other languages
The fashion world is a melting pot of styles, trends, and languages. Many English words related to clothing and fashion have origins in other languages, reflecting the global nature of the industry. These words showcase the diverse linguistic roots of English, especially in the realm of clothing and fashion. Here’s a list of clothing related English words that have been borrowed from other languages:
Bandana (Hindi)
A large handkerchief, usually brightly colored, worn around the head or neck, from the Hindi word “bandhnu”.
Beret (French)
French béret. A round, flat, and usually woolen cap, typically worn on the side of the head.
Bikini (German)
A two-piece swimsuit, named after Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean, once a German colony.
Blazer (Dutch)
Derived from the Dutch word “blaze,” meaning bright-colored jacket.
Blouse (French)
A loose-fitting upper garment for women.
Bustier (French)
“Bustier,” from “buste”, meaning “bust”. A close-fitting and strapless top without sleeves that is worn by women either as lingerie or for evening dress.
Cardigan (Welsh)
A type of knitted sweater that opens at the front, named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan.
Cravat (Croatian)
The word “cravat” is a corruption of the word “Croat” Hrvat for Croatian. A neckband, the forerunner of the modern necktie, originally worn by Croatian soldiers.
Chinos (Spanish)
The word “chinos” has a fascinating origin. It refers to a type of lightweight, beige-coloured trousers made from cotton or a cotton-blend fabric. The term “chino” comes from the Spanish word for “China”, as the fabric used to make these trousers originated in China.
Cloak (Old French)
From “cloche”, meaning “bell”, referring to its shape. An outdoor garment, usually sleeveless, hanging loosely from the shoulders.
Cummerbund (Persian)
A broad waist sash, typically worn with formal evening wear, from the Persian “kamarband”, meaning “waistband”.
Dungaree (Hindi)
Heavy denim fabric, also referring to trousers made ḍūṅgrī, (coarse calico). First worn by labourers in the Dongri area of Mumbai (Bombay).
Flannel (Welsh)
From the Welsh word “gwlanen”, meaning “woolen cloth” or “blanket.” This refers to a soft, thick, and warm fabric made from wool or a wool-blend material.
Gauze (Arabic)
It has been conjectured to be from Arabic gazz “raw silk”. A thin, transparent fabric with a loose weave.
Gilet (French)
From the French word gilet. A sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse, typically quilted and worn as outerwear.
Gingham (Malay)
A checkered or striped fabric, originally from the Malay word “genggang”, meaning “striped”
Jeans (Italian)
Named after the city of Genoa, Italy, where the fabric was originally made.
Kaftan (Turkish)
From Turkish qaftan. A long, flowing robe, traditionally worn in the Middle East.
Khaki (Hindi)
A light greenish brown fabric, originally from the Urdu word “khak”, meaning “dust”.
Kilt (Scottish Gaelic)
A traditional Scottish garment, a knee-length skirt with pleats at the back.
Moccasin (Algonquian)
The word moccasin comes from the Algonquian language Powhatan “makasin”, meaning shoe. A soft leather shoe originally worn by Native American peoples.
Mitten (Old French)
From French word“mitaine,” A glove leaving the tips of the fingers and thumb exposed
Poncho (Spanish)
From Spanish poncho. A simple garment made from a single piece of cloth, with a hole in the center for the head, originating in South America.
Pyjamas (Hindi)
Loose-fitting nightwear, originally from the Persian word “pāyjāmeh”, meaning “leg garment”.
Rayon (French)
From the French word “rayon”, meaning “ray” or “beam”
Robe (French)
From Old French robe “long, loose outer garment.
Sash (Arabic)
From “shāsh”, a long strip of cloth worn tied around the waist or over one shoulder, for example as part of a uniform or as decoration.
Tiara (Persian)
From “tiyārā”, a type of headdress
Tuxedo (American English)
A formal evening suit, originally named after Tuxedo Park in New York, where the style was first worn.
The English language’s ability to absorb and adapt words from other languages is a reflection of its dynamic and evolving nature. These 50 words, borrowed from a variety of languages, highlight the global influences that have shaped English vocabulary across different domains, from food to clothing and beyond. Understanding these words enriches our appreciation of the interconnectedness of cultures and the shared human experience that is embedded in language.
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