{"id":14801,"date":"2019-05-01T08:30:15","date_gmt":"2019-05-01T08:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.skyparksecure.com\/blog\/?p=14801"},"modified":"2026-06-05T11:17:03","modified_gmt":"2026-06-05T10:17:03","slug":"borrowed-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.skyparksecure.com\/blog\/borrowed-words\/","title":{"rendered":"The Meaning & Origin of English Borrowed Words"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Language is a fascinating reflection of society\u2019s influences throughout history. While we deem the language we use in Britain \u2018English\u2019, many of the words and phrases we use every day actually originate from elsewhere in the world.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

More English Borrowed Words<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have a look at \u2018borrowed words\u2019 from around the world below and see how many you would have guessed right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Faux Pas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Definition:<\/strong> Making a social mistake
Origin:<\/strong> French
Translation:<\/strong> False step<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Renaissance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Renaissance Period \u2013 Between 1300 and 1600 when art and science developed a lot.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. The re-popularity of a person, company, country, drink, etc.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Origin:<\/strong> French
    Translation:<\/strong> Rebirth<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Glitch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> A small problem
    Origin:<\/strong> Yiddish \/ German
    Translation:<\/strong> To slip \/ slide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Klutz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> A person who is very uncoordinated or clumsy
    Origin:<\/strong> Yiddish
    Translation:<\/strong> A wooden block<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    5. Spiel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> A speech or story, often with the intention of persuasion
    Origin:<\/strong> Yiddish \/ German
    Translation:<\/strong> Play<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    6. Guerrilla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> Using unusual methods to get attention for your ideas, products, etc.
    Origin:<\/strong> Spanish
    Translation:<\/strong> Little war<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    7. Al Fresco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> Undertaking an activity outdoors
    Origin:<\/strong> Italian
    Translation:<\/strong> In the fresh air<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    8. Gung-ho<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> To undertake something with a great deal of enthusiasm
    Origin:<\/strong> Chinese
    Translation:<\/strong> To work together<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    9. D\u00e9j\u00e0 Vu<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> Feeling that the moment has happened before
    Origin:<\/strong> French
    Translation:<\/strong> Already seen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    10. Curriculum Vitae<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> Record of academic and work experience, used when applying for a job
    Origin:<\/strong> Latin
    Translation:<\/strong> Course of life<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    11. Status Quo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> The existing situation or condition
    Origin:<\/strong> Latin
    Translation:<\/strong> The state in which<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    12. Metropolis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> A big city of high importance
    Origin:<\/strong> Greek
    Translation:<\/strong> The mother city of a colony<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    13. Prima Donna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> A temperamental and conceited person
    Origin:<\/strong> Italian
    Translation:<\/strong> First woman; principal female soloist in opera<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    14. Ketchup<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> Tomato-based condiment
    Origin:<\/strong> Chinese
    Translation:<\/strong> Pickled fish and spices<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    15. Bona Fide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Definition:<\/strong> Genuine, authentic
    Origin:<\/strong> Latin
    Translation:<\/strong> In good faith<\/p>\n\n\n

    Learn more about other languages, with our list of pet names from around the world<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Can you think of any other \u2018borrowed words\u2019? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Main image: Waldemar Brandt<\/a> – Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Language is a fascinating reflection of society\u2019s influences throughout history.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":22178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14801","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expert-guides"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThe Meaning & Origin of English Borrowed Words [Infographic]<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Do you know where the word ketchup comes from? What about glitch? 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