English Words of Suprising Origin – Part I

The English language is a kaleidoscope of cultural influence, where words from different corners of the world have found a home. With its global reach, the English language has adopted words from various languages, reflecting the world’s intermingled histories, migrations, trade relationships, and intellectual exchanges.

The words we use every day have fascinating stories behind them, revealing the dynamic nature of language and how cultural interactions shape it. Today, we’ll dive deep into English loan words—words borrowed from other languages—that have surprising origins. Buckle up for a journey through etymology that promises to be as fascinating as it is enlightening.

1. Avatar (from Sanskrit)

“Avatar,” a term widely popularized by the James Cameron film and various video game universes, is deeply rooted in ancient Indian philosophy. Originating from the Sanskrit word “avatāraḥ,” it signifies a deity who descends to Earth— “ava” (down) and “tara” (cross over). This concept is most common in Hinduism, where gods like Vishnu are believed to take various avatars to protect cosmic order. The word’s meaning has morphed in the digital age to denote a user’s graphical representation in virtual worlds, aligning with the idea of ‘descending’ into a new realm.

2. Ketchup (from Chinese)

A staple in Western fast food, “ketchup” traces its roots to the Hokkien Chinese word “kê-tsiap,” which was a type of fermented fish sauce. Dutch and British traders in the 17th century came across it in Southeast Asia and brought it back to Europe. Over time, the sauce evolved, with ingredients like mushrooms and walnuts used before tomatoes finally became the main ingredient in the 19th century. The word and the sauce had quite a journey before becoming the tomato ketchup we know and love today.

3. Juggernaut (from Hindi)

“Juggernaut,” a term used to refer to a powerful and overwhelming force or institution, has a dramatic origin in Indian religious practices. Derived from the Hindi word “Jagannāth,” it means “world lord” and is one of the titles of Krishna, a major deity in Hinduism. The English use of the word originated from the giant chariots used in the Ratha Yatra, a religious procession in Puri, India. Early Western observers exaggerated accounts of devotees throwing themselves under these chariots, leading to the modern usage of “juggernaut” for anything large, unstoppable, and potentially destructive.

4. Garage (from French)

A car’s resting place, the “garage,” derives from the French word “garer,” meaning to shelter or protect. First used in English around the early 20th century when automobiles became common, the term had initially referred to a place where one would store a vehicle safely. It’s interesting to consider how this French loan word has become such a commonplace term in English.

5. Alcohol (from Arabic)

“Alcohol,” whether it refers to a chemistry term or the active ingredient in your favorite tipple, has an Arabic origin. It comes from “al-kuḥl,” which originally referred to a method of eye makeup application, where a powdery substance was formed through a process akin to distillation. Over time, the term was applied to the distillation process itself, and later to the distilled substance, eventually becoming the “alcohol” we’re familiar with.

6. Chocolate (from Nahuatl)

A word as delicious as the treat it represents, “chocolate,” has its roots in the Nahuatl language spoken by the Aztecs. It comes from “chocolātl,” although the word’s exact etymology is still debated. Some believe it derives from “xoco” (bitter) and “atl” (water), referencing the traditional bitter chocolate drink. The word journeyed through Spanish before making its way into English, thankfully, along with the beloved foodstuff.

7. Robot (from Czech)

“Robot,” a word that seems straight out of a science fiction novel, has a more mundane origin—it comes from the Czech word “robota,” which means forced labor or serfdom. The term was first used in its modern sense in Karel Čapek’s play “R.U.R.” (“Rossum’s Universal Robots”) in 1920. The robots in the play were more like artificially created humans, but the term has evolved to represent autonomous machines.

8. Flannel (from Welsh)

“Flannel,” a type of soft-woven fabric, is believed to originate from the Welsh word “gwlanen,” meaning woolen article. The material was likely first made in Wales, where sheep farming has been a significant activity for centuries. Over time, the term has been adapted and shortened, evolving into the modern English “flannel.”

These words represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the dynamic, diverse influences that have shaped the English language. They remind us that our everyday language is a living museum of human history, filled with artifacts of our past encounters and relationships with people around the globe. So next time you pour ketchup on your fries or log into your avatar, remember—you’re participating in a grand linguistic tradition shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.