Foreign Words in English

A few will be aware I have been known to speak on various subjects over the years. Fundamentally these all revolve around my favourite subject of etymology. Have always enjoyed bringing this fascinating subject to others. It’s not for me to say whether the audiences have, although many have asked me to return.

Thought it might be worthwhile sharing a snippet or two from these etymological presentations, continuing with Foreign Words in English. English has more words than any other language. This is, in part, due to the once vast British Empire and the many languages spoken in the outposts. Yet there are at least as many words which have been borrowed from other tongues. Often these loan words have retained the original meaning, but others have changed completely. While Latin and even French phrases are easily recognised, here we concentrate on the less obvious and the words more ingrained in English. Learn how words such as 'trek', 'yacht', 'beige', 'bandanna', 'bangle' and 'bungalow' were never truly English.

Bete noire – (French) a person or thing one particularly dislikes (literally ‘black beast’)

Cosa Nostra – (Italian) a US criminal organization related to the Mafia (literally ‘our thing’)

Doppelganger – (German) an apparition or double of a living person (literally ‘literally double-goer’)

Ex officio – (Latin) by virtue of one’s position or status (literally ‘out of duty’)

Katzenjammer – (German) a hangover or a severe headache accompanying a hangover (literally ‘cat’s wailing’)

If you think you know someone who would like to hear me speak on this subject, drop me a line.