English Words of Suprising Origin – Part II

Our exploration of English loan words continues as we delve deeper into the richness of etymology, taking an engaging linguistic journey across the globe. These intriguing words embody the fascinating tapestry of cultural exchange that has shaped the English language.

1. Piano (from Italian)

The musical instrument “piano” comes from the Italian term “pianoforte,” which is an amalgamation of the words “piano” and “forte,” meaning soft and loud, respectively. Invented by Bartolomeo Cristofori in Italy in the early 18th century, the instrument could play notes at varying volumes, depending on how hard its keys were struck. This was a significant innovation over the harpsichord, which couldn’t control volume in the same way. Thus, “pianoforte” or “soft-loud” aptly described this novel musical device. Over time, the English language adopted and shortened it to “piano.”

2. Typhoon (from Chinese and Greek)

“Typhoon,” a term for a tropical cyclone or hurricane, has a particularly fascinating etymology. It appears to have been influenced by two separate words: the Greek word “typhōn” referring to a mythical giant and the wind god associated with storms, and the Cantonese and Mandarin word “tái fūng” or “dàfēng,” meaning “great wind.” The term came into English usage via early European sailors navigating the stormy seas of East Asia.

3. Cigar (from Spanish)

The word “cigar” has its origin in the Spanish term “cigarro.” The history of the cigar traces back to the Mayans, who rolled and smoked tobacco in palm or plantain leaves. After Christopher Columbus and his crew encountered tobacco during their voyage to the Americas, the practice of smoking tobacco was brought back to Europe. Spain, being the first European country to adopt this habit, gave birth to the word “cigarro,” which was later borrowed by English.

4. Tattoo (from Polynesian)

“Tattoo,” a form of body modification where a design is made by inserting ink into the skin’s dermis layer, finds its origin in the Polynesian word “tatau,” meaning to strike or hit. British explorer Captain James Cook encountered the indigenous tattooing practices during his voyage to Tahiti in 1769. He and his crew were fascinated by the elaborate designs and brought the concept, and the word, back to Europe, where it eventually became “tattoo” in English.

5. Raccoon (from Powhatan)

The word “raccoon,” denoting the nocturnal mammal native to North America, comes from the Powhatan term “arahkun.” The Powhatan language, spoken by indigenous tribes in Virginia, used this word to refer to the animal, and it was adapted by English colonists in North America. The term was possibly derived from “aroughcun” or “arathkone,” which could be interpreted to mean “he scratches with the hands.”

6. Safari (from Arabic and Swahili)

“Safari,” a term used for an expedition to observe or hunt wildlife, especially in Africa, has its roots in Arabic. Derived from the Arabic word “safar,” which means journey, it was borrowed by Swahili to denote a long journey, specifically an overland expedition for hunting or exploration in Africa. The word was then adopted into English in the late 19th century, during the time of British colonial influence in East Africa.

7. Slogan (from Scottish Gaelic)

“Slogan,” a catchphrase or tagline used for advertising or propaganda, originates from the Scottish Gaelic term “sluagh-ghairm,” meaning “army cry.” These were battle cries used by Scottish clans in the highlands. The term was anglicized to “slogorn” and eventually evolved into “slogan.” While its modern usage is less combative, it retains its original purpose of uniting a group behind a shared message.

8. Umbrella (from Italian)

The term “umbrella” comes from the Italian word “ombrello,” derived from the Latin “umbra,” meaning shade or shadow. The concept of the umbrella was not originally for protection against the rain, but as a device that provided shade against the sun, hence the origin of its name.

Through this exploration, we see that the English language is a rich melting pot of words and phrases from all around the world. Each borrowed word carries with it a history, a journey, and an evolution, offering insight into the cultural exchanges that have shaped and continue to shape our language today. As you use these words, remember, you’re not just communicating, but also preserving a fascinating blend of global histories and cultures.