Table of Contents
Introduction
This article explores some of these fascinating English words of old Norse origin, delving into their origins and how they have seamlessly integrated into modern English. Join us on a journey through history as we uncover the Norse influence on the English language.
Exploring the Norse Influence on the English Language
The impact of the Vikings on British culture is undeniable. A significant influence on the shaping of Old English came from contact with the Old Norse language, spoken by the Scandinavian Vikings who conquered and colonized parts of Britain during the 8th and 9th centuries. This interaction enriched the English language through extensive lexical borrowing and grammatical simplification, leaving a legacy that persists in modern English.
The following is a list of English words derived from Old Norse, the language spoken by the Vikings.
17 English Words of Old Norse Origin
Anger
- A strong feeling of displeasure, hostility, or antagonism towards someone or something, usually combined with an urge to harm. From Old Norse angr (affliction, sorrow).
- Example: You need to control your anger when things don’t go your way.
Bag
- A flexible container made of cloth, paper, plastic, etc. From Old Norse baggi.
- Example: She put her school things in her bag and left the classroom.
Birth
- The process of childbearing; the beginning of life; a beginning or start; a point of origin. From Old Norse burðr, byrd.
- Example: The birth of two beautiful babies brought joy to the family.
Cake
- A rich, sweet dessert food, typically made of flour, sugar, and eggs, baked in an oven, and often covered in icing. From Old Norse kaka.
- Example: She bought a birthday cake decorated with colorful icing.
Die
- To stop living; to become dead. From Old Norse deyja.
- Example: He died from heart failure at an early age.
Egg
- An approximately spherical or ellipsoidal body produced by birds, reptiles, insects, and other animals, housing the embryo during its development. From Old Norse egg.
- Example: The farmer offered me some fresh eggs from his hens.
Fog
- A thick cloud that forms near the ground; the obscurity of such a cloud. From Danish fog.
- Example: He was blinded by a dense fog while driving.
Get
- To obtain; to acquire. From Old Norse geta.
- Example: I’m going to get a computer tomorrow from the discount store.
Husband
- The master of a house; the head of a family; the opposite of wife. From Old Norse húsbóndi.
- Example: She hopes to find a loving and supportive husband.
knife
A utensil or a tool designed for cutting. From Old Norse knífr. Example:
- Cut the bread with a sharp knife.
Mistake
- To understand wrongly, taking one thing or person for another; to commit an unintentional error; to do or think something wrong. From Old Norse mistake.
- Example: Don’t mistake my kindness for weakness.
Raise
- To cause to rise; to lift or elevate. From Old Norse reisa.
- Example: Please, raise your hand if you want to say something.
Skirt
- An article of clothing, usually worn by women and girls, that hangs from the waist and covers the lower part of the body. From Old Norse skyrta.
- Example: She was wearing a beautiful skirt when I first met her.
Slaughter
- The killing of animals, generally for food; ritual slaughter. From Old Norse slátr.
- Example: The butcher’s shop specializes in the humane slaughter of animals.
Tight
- Firmly held together; compact; not loose or open. From Old Norse þéttr. Example:
- The sailor tied a tight knot to secure the boat.
Ugly
- Displeasing to the eye; not aesthetically pleasing. From Old Norse uggligr. Example:
- An ugly old witch scared the children with her cackle.
Window
- An opening, usually covered by one or more panes of clear glass, to allow light and air from outside to enter a building or vehicle. From Old Norse vindauga.
- Example: Please, open the window to let in some fresh air.
The Meaning of Days in English and Their Norse Origin
The names of the days of the week in English have fascinating roots that trace back to Norse mythology, reflecting the deep influence of Viking culture on our language. Here’s a closer look at the Norse origins of these days:
- Sunday (Sun’s Day)
- Origin: Named after the Sun, which was personified as a goddess in many ancient cultures, including the Norse. In Old English, it was Sunnandæg.
- Norse Mythology: The Sun goddess, Sol (or Sunna), drove the chariot of the sun across the sky.
- Monday (Moon’s Day)
- Origin: Named after the Moon, another celestial body that was personified. In Old English, it was Monandæg.
- Norse Mythology: The Moon god, Mani, was believed to guide the moon across the heavens.
- Tuesday (Tiw’s Day)
- Origin: Named after the Norse god Tyr, known as Tiw in Old English, who was associated with war and justice. The Old English name was Tiwesdæg.
- Norse Mythology: Tyr was a god of war and sky, famous for his bravery and for sacrificing his hand to the wolf Fenrir.
- Wednesday (Woden’s Day)
- Origin: Named after Woden, the Old English name for Odin, the chief of the Norse gods. The Old English name was Wodnesdæg.
- Norse Mythology: Odin, also known as Woden, was the god of wisdom, poetry, death, divination, and magic. He was revered as the Allfather and the ruler of Asgard.
- Thursday (Thor’s Day)
- Origin: Named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. The Old English name was Þūnresdæg (Thor’s day).
- Norse Mythology: Thor was the god of thunder, lightning, storms, oak trees, strength, the protection of mankind, and also hallowing and fertility.
- Friday (Frigg’s Day)
- Origin: Named after Frigg (or Frigga), the wife of Odin and the goddess of love, marriage, and fertility. The Old English name was Frigedæg.
- Norse Mythology: Frigg was associated with foreknowledge and wisdom. She was also seen as a nurturing and protective mother figure.
- Saturday (Saturn’s Day)
- Origin: Unlike the other days, Saturday retains its name from Roman mythology, named after Saturn, the god of agriculture and time. The Old English name was Sæturnesdæg.
- Norse Connection: While not directly named after a Norse deity, it was influenced by the transition from Roman to Norse mythology during the Anglo-Saxon period.
These names highlight how Norse mythology and its deities have left a lasting legacy on the English language, particularly in the way we refer to the days of the week. Understanding these origins provides a fascinating glimpse into the historical and cultural exchanges that have shaped modern
Fun Facts: Interesting Trivia about the Vikings and Their Language
- Vikings Were Not Just Warriors: While popular culture often depicts Vikings as fierce warriors, they were also skilled traders, explorers, and settlers. They established trade routes that reached as far as the Middle East and North America.
- Old Norse Language Diversity: Old Norse was not a single uniform language but had several dialects. These dialects varied regionally, similar to how English has different accents and dialects today.
- Influence Beyond English: The influence of Old Norse extends beyond the English language. Many modern Scandinavian languages, such as Icelandic, Norwegian, Danish, and Swedish, have retained significant elements of Old Norse in their vocabulary and grammar.
- Days of the Week: Some of the days of the week in English are named after Norse gods. For example, Thursday is named after Thor (Thor’s day), and Friday is named after Frigg (Frigg’s day), the wife of Odin.
- Literary Legacy: The Vikings left behind a rich literary tradition, including the famous sagas. These sagas are epic stories that recount the lives of legendary Norse heroes, gods, and historical events, providing valuable insights into Viking culture and beliefs.
- Runes: The Vikings used a writing system called runes. These characters were carved into stone, wood, and metal and were used for various purposes, including inscriptions, memorials, and even magical spells.
- Old Norse in Modern Media: Old Norse mythology and language have made their way into modern popular culture, influencing books, movies, TV shows, and video games. For instance, characters and themes from Norse mythology appear prominently in the Marvel Comics’ “Thor” series and the popular video game “Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.”
- Names and Places: Many places in England still bear names of Old Norse origin. For instance, “by” in names like Derby and Whitby comes from the Old Norse word for “farm” or “settlement.”
- Gender Equality: Viking women had more rights compared to many other societies of their time. They could own property, request a divorce, and reclaim their dowries if their marriages ended.
- Explorers of the New World: Long before Columbus, the Vikings, led by Leif Erikson, reached North America around the year 1000 AD. They established a short-lived settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows in present-day Newfoundland, Canada.
For a complete list click the following link:
Wikipedia: List of English words of Old Norse origin
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