Indian Words In English
Avatar (remember the movie) is the manifestation of a god, especially Vishnu. The word first appeared in English in the 18th century. Avatar is now also used to refer to a computer user’s visual representation within a game, and on a forum.
Bungalow is a one-storied house. Derives from the Bengali word bangla meaning, literally, in the style of or belonging to Bengal. The word bungalow in English dates back to the 17th century when it was used to refer to a type of cottage built in Bengal for early European settlers.
Cheetah is a long-legged big cat from Africa, the fastest land animal on Earth. Its black spots provide the clue to the origins of its name, which derives from the Hindi word cita, meaning speckled or variegated.
Bangle is a rigid ornamental bracelet worn around the wrists and ankles. Its appearance in English dates back to the 18th century. It derives from the Hindi word bangri meaning a glass ring or bracelet.
Chutney is a thick, pickled condiment made from fruits, vinegar, spices and sugar. This word entered the English language in the 19th century and derives from the Hindi word chatni, whose meaning is more or less the same as the English word.
Cot as a word has several meanings, but in the sense of a portable bed or a high-sided child’s bed, it derives from the Hindi word kat or khat, meaning a bedstead or hammock. It was included in the English language during the 17th century.
Guru was originally a Hindu or Sikh spiritual guide. The word entered English in the 17th century, where it now also means any respected intellectual guide or mentor. The original word in the Hindi and Sanskrit, which is also guru, means venerable.
Juggernaut in English is an unstoppable force or movement that sweeps aside or destroys anything in its path. In the UK it is also used to refer to very large trucks. The word was included in English in the 19th century and derives from the word Jagannath or Jagannath's chariot, a Hindu deity.
Jungle is an area of dense vegetation or hostile environment. It derives from the Hindi word jangal meaning a forest and was used in English during the 18th century.
Loot is both a noun and a verb. As a verb it means to ransack, to steal from someone or something, most often in a violent way. The noun means whatever is stolen by the act of looting. The word derives from the Hindi verb lut, meaning to plunder or steal.
Pyjamas or Pajamas is a set of loose-fitting sleeping clothes, consisting of a jacket and trousers. The pajama spelling is used in North America. The word was included in English in the 19th century. It derives from the Hindi word payjamah, meaning leg, which is pay, and clothing, which is jamah.
Shampoo is a soapy liquid for washing the hair. It was included in English in the 18th century and derives from the Hindi word champo, which means squeeze or massage.
Thug is a brutal or violent person, it derives ultimately from the Hindi word thag meaning a thief or a cheat. It was included in the English language in the 19th century.
Veranda or Verandah is a sheltered gallery or terrace attached to a house or other building. The word was included in the English language in the 18th century. In Hindi, the word varanda has almost the same meaning. It was originally derived from the Portuguese word varanda, meaning a balcony.
Yoga or Yog was originally a Sanskrit word meaning yoking or union. It refers to a system of Hindu philosophy concerned with achieving reunion with the divine. It involves meditation, breath control and the adoption of certain postures, which is how the word came to have the sense of a system of physical exercise. It was included in English in the 19th century.
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