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Which Celtic words survive in modern English?

While the influence of Celtic languages on English is significant, few words directly survive in their original form. This is primarily because Old English, the ancestor of modern English, borrowed heavily from Old Norse and Norman French, pushing many Celtic words aside. However, many Celtic place names and some common words have survived, often with altered forms. Here are some examples:

Place Names:

* Avon: A Welsh word for "river" (e.g., River Avon).

* Ben: A Gaelic word for "mountain" (e.g., Ben Nevis).

* Crick: From the Old English "cricca," ultimately of Celtic origin, meaning "a bend in a river."

* Don: A Celtic word for "fort" (e.g., River Don).

* Loch: A Gaelic word for "lake" (e.g., Loch Ness).

* Pen: A Welsh word for "headland" (e.g., Pen-y-ghent).

* Strath: A Gaelic word for "valley" (e.g., Strathclyde).

Common Words:

* Bard: From the Welsh "bardd," meaning "poet."

* Druid: From the Welsh "derwydd," meaning "oak-knower," referring to Celtic priests.

* Bog: From the Irish "bog," meaning "soft, wet ground."

* Clan: From the Gaelic "clann," meaning "descendants" or "family."

* Whiskey: From the Irish "uisce beatha," meaning "water of life."

* Kiln: From the Old English "cyln," ultimately of Celtic origin, meaning "a furnace."

Words with Celtic Origins:

* Car: From the Welsh "carr," meaning "chariot."

* Bannock: From the Gaelic "bannach," meaning "cake."

* Gallows: From the Old English "galga," ultimately of Celtic origin, meaning "a gibbet."

* Hooligan: Possibly from the Irish "ógláig," meaning "youth" or "warrior."

Important Note:

It's crucial to remember that these words have often been altered over time, and their meanings may have shifted from their original Celtic roots.

The impact of Celtic languages on English is deeper than just individual words. It includes numerous words, phrases, and grammatical structures, though often difficult to directly trace.

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