A SELECTION of Welsh words and terms has been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) as part of its latest update, reflecting the growing influence of the Welsh language within English-speaking communities. The inclusion of 10 new Welsh words and phrases aims to represent the diverse varieties of English spoken around the world, according to OED editors.
Welsh, alongside English, holds official language status in Wales. The most recent Census data revealed that 538,300 people, or 17.8% of the Welsh population, speak the language. Although this figure represents a decline from ten years ago, the Welsh Government remains committed to its goal of increasing the number of Welsh speakers to one million by 2050.
Among the new entries in the dictionary is “Senedd,” the term for the Welsh Parliament, now officially recognised in the English language. Other additions include “sglods” (chips), “twp” (stupid), and “cawl,” a traditional Welsh soup.
The word “calennig,” which refers to a New Year’s gift or custom, has also been included, along with the exclamation “ych a fi,” used to express disgust. The phrase “iechyd da,” which translates to “good health” but is commonly used as a toast, has also made the list.
Several familial terms have been added as well, including “mam-gu” and “tad-cu” (the South Wales terms for grandmother and grandfather) and their North Wales equivalents, “taid” for grandfather. The word “nain,” meaning grandmother in North Wales, had already been incorporated in a previous dictionary update.
The move highlights the OED’s ongoing efforts to document the rich linguistic diversity found in different regions, ensuring that the English language continues to evolve by recognising the contributions of other tongues, particularly those with a deep cultural and historical significance like Welsh.
As Welsh continues to be promoted and preserved within Wales, its impact on English-speaking communities is evident, with everyday expressions and terms becoming more familiar to English speakers across the UK and beyond.
