English Words of Suprising Origin – Part III

Our linguistic odyssey continues as we venture further into the intriguing world of English loan words. We are constantly reminded of the fluidity of language and how cultural exchanges across centuries have left indelible marks on our everyday vocabulary. Let’s explore more of these fascinating loan words.

1. Coach (from Hungarian)

A word well-known to sports enthusiasts, “coach” has an origin that might surprise you. The term “coach” came to English from the Hungarian word “kocsi,” which literally translates to “of Kocs,” a village in Hungary. In the 15th century, Kocs was known for producing high-quality, horse-drawn carriages that became popular across Europe. In English, the term “coach” was initially used to refer to a type of carriage, and only later did it acquire the meaning of a tutor or instructor, possibly from the idea of a carriage transporting a person from one place (of ignorance) to another (of knowledge).

2. Gladiator (from Latin)

“Gladiator,” a term associated with ancient Roman combatants who fought in public spectacles, originates from Latin. The term is derived from “gladius,” the Latin word for sword, indicating the primary weapon used by these fighters. The term made its way into English around the 16th century, maintaining its historical connotation.

3. Zombie (from West African languages)

“Zombie,” a staple of horror and fantasy genres, traces its roots back to West African languages like Kikongo and Kimbundu, where “nzambi” means “god.” The concept was carried to Haiti via the transatlantic slave trade, where it became part of local folklore and the Voodoo religion. In Haitian Creole, a “zonbi” is a person who has died and been reanimated, minus their free will or speech. The word entered English in the early 19th century through reports from the West Indies, and later became synonymous with the living dead in popular culture.

4. Cappuccino (from Italian)

The creamy and foamy coffee drink, “cappuccino,” gets its name from the Italian term for the Capuchin friars, known as “cappuccini.” The color of the espresso mixed with frothed milk resembled the brown color of the Capuchin robe, leading to the association. The term was first used for coffee in the 20th century when espresso machines became popular, and it has since become a word and a drink enjoyed by millions around the world.

5. Guerilla (from Spanish)

“Guerilla,” a word often used to describe irregular warfare or a type of marketing, is borrowed from Spanish. The term “guerrilla” literally translates to “little war.” It was first used in English in the early 19th century to describe the Spanish resistance tactics against Napoleon’s invading forces. Over time, the term’s meaning has expanded to refer to any small, non-traditional force or tactic that fights against a larger, traditional one.

6. Vanilla (from Spanish and Nahuatl)

“Vanilla,” a flavor loved by many, comes from the Spanish word “vainilla,” which means “little pod” or “little sheath.” This term was chosen to describe the shape of the vanilla plant’s fruit. The Spanish word itself was derived from the Nahuatl word “tlilxochitl,” which was the term for the vanilla orchid. The word and the plant were both brought back to Europe during the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries.

7. Kiosk (from French and Turkish)

“Kiosk,” a term for a small, stand-alone booth or pavilion, originates from the French “kiosque,” which in turn was borrowed from the Turkish “köşk,” meaning pavilion or palace. The word was first used to refer to open pavilions in Turkey and Persia. In the 19th century, the term began to be used in English to denote newsstands, and it has evolved in the modern era to refer to small retail outlets in shopping malls and other public spaces.

8. Sherbet (from Arabic and Persian)

“Sherbet,” a fizzy flavored drink or a type of dessert, derives from the Arabic and Persian term “sharbat,” which means a drink made from sugar and water. The original term came from the Persian “sharba”, a medicinal or refreshing drink. Over time, the word was adopted by English and eventually came to represent the sweet and tangy frozen dessert we know today.

The wealth of English loan words reaffirms the vast influences on our language and serves as a testament to the cultural exchanges that have taken place over centuries. Each word, with its unique origin story, brings a richness to our language that makes English an ever-evolving linguistic tapestry.