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15 English Words of Indian Origin

By Simon Kewin
The English language has absorbed words from cultures
the world over. The following is a list of some English
words whose origins lie in the Hindi, Urdu or Sanskrit
languages spoken in India, Pakistan and other countries.
These words have entered English through a variety of
routes, but the presence of many dates back to the days
of the Raj, when India was occupied by the British.
1. Avatar
In Hinduism, an avatar is the manifestation in human or
animal form of a god, especially Vishnu. The word rst
appeared in English in the 18th century and derives
ultimately from the Sanskrit word avatara meaning
descent.
More recently the word has gained additional senses, for example to refer to a computer users visual
representation within a game, on a forum etc.
2. Bangle
A rigid ornamental bracelet worn around the wrist (or ankle). Its appearance in English dates back to the
18th century. It derives from the Hindi word bangri meaning a glass ring or bracelet.
3. Bungalow
A one-storied house. Derives from the Hindi 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.
4. Cheetah
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.
5. Chutney
A thick, pickled condiment made from fruit, 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.
6. Cot
This word has several meanings, but in the sense of a portable bed or a high-sided childs bed, it derives
from the Hindi word khat, meaning a bedstead or hammock. It arrived in the English language during the
17th century.
7. Guru
Originally a Hindu or Sikh spiritual guide, guru entered English in the 17th century, where it now also
means any important and respected intellectual guide or mentor. The original word in the Hindi and
Sanskrit, also guru, means venerable.
8. Juggernaut
In English, a juggernaut 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 lorries (trucks). The word arrived in English in the 19th
century and derives from the word Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
9. Jungle
An area of dense vegetation or, by extension, any challenging or hostile environment. It derives from the
Hindi word jangal meaning a forest and began to be used in English during the 18th century.
10. Loot
Loot is both a noun and a verb. As a verb it means to ransack, to steal from someone or something, often
in a violent way. The noun means whatever is stolen by the act of looting or, simply, any money. The word
derives from the Hindi verb lut, meaning to plunder or steal.
11. Pyjamas/Pajamas
A set of loose-tting sleeping clothes, consisting of a jacket and trousers. The pajama spelling is used in
North America. The word entered English in the 19th century. It derives from the Hindi word payjamah,
meaning leg (pay) and clothing (jamah).
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