English is a continuously evolving language that has been borrowing words from other languages for a long time.
Probably, English is the only language that borrowed a large number of words from other foreign languages, this is due to their colonization and exploration throughout the world. Similarly, during the time of the British kingdom, they borrowed several Hindi words and made them English words. This article is intended to aware you of some English words which are borrowed directly from the Hindi language. Read on.
Verandah, an open-air or roofed area of the house:
A word signifying the area of Verandah never existed in the English language before. British people were introduced to this term after observing open-aired spaces in many big buildings in India. Immediately they included this term in their own vocabulary. This is a place for any house to enjoy the cool breeze during hot days. Interestingly, this Hindi term was introduced by Portuguese travelers.
Jungle, derived from the Hindi word Jangal:
Initially, the British language used the term wild environment or forest or dense vegetation to identify jungle. Once they came across the Hindi term Jangal, it was immediately included in their vocabulary.
Dinghy, derived from the Hindi term Dingiya or Dingi:
The meaning of this term is small rowing boats. Usually, they are used while traveling via sheltered waters. These boats were used by fishermen for transportation a short distance.
Pyjama means a loose-fitting sleeping dress:
This dress was worn by European settlers in earlier times. This term was borrowed from the Hindi word pajama. If you break down the Hindi word, “Pay” and "Jama" denotes leg and dress respectively. Usually, they are loose and very comfortable nightwear.
Juggernaut, derived from the Hindi term Lord Jagannath:
Juggernaut signifies something very large or some unstoppable thing. There is an interesting history behind the origin of this term. Once a British was visiting the great religious procession named Jagannath Yatra in Puri. He saw a huge crowd carrying the image of the lord. Juggernaut was derived from this incident. Generally, they use to signify huge trucks.
Chutney, derived from the Hindi word chatṭni:
This is a dessert food material eaten by licking and prepared from different fruits like mango. This is basically a pickled condiment. It can be spicy or sweet. This term was introduced into English vocabulary in the 19th century.
Bangles, obtained from the Hindi word Bangri:
Bangles mean rigid bracelets. They are made up of metal, plastic, or wood. British people came to know about this during the initial phase of exploration in Asian countries in the 18th century. Indian women used to wear colored glass ring ornaments named Bangri at that time. It is also a famous ornament in recent times.
The British conquered and stayed in the Indian subcontinent for around 200 years. Thus, it is inevitable to have an impact of the Hindi language on their language as well as culture.
