Ten Welsh words have been added to the latest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary, as announced in the September 2024 update. The OED is regularly updated to reflect changes in language usage and include new terms related to current events and trends. The September update has included Welsh words to acknowledge the language’s influence on English. The OED project started as a crowdsourcing initiative in the late 1800s and now contains over 400,000 entries.
The Welsh words added in the September 2024 update include “calennig,” referring to a New Year’s gift or a Welsh New Year’s custom. “Iechyd da” is an exclamation used as a toast before drinking, while “Ych a fi” expresses disgust. “Twp” is an adjective meaning stupid, “Senedd” is the name of the Welsh Parliament, and “cawl” is a traditional Welsh soup. “Sglods” refers to chips or French fries, and “Mamgu,” “Tadcu,” and “Taid” are terms for grandparents in Welsh.
In addition to the Welsh words, the September update also introduces new terms such as constellations, “cheap date,” “sheisty,” “Blue Monday,” and “mic drop.” The OED continues to evolve with language changes and cultural influences.
The inclusion of Welsh words in the Oxford English Dictionary highlights the importance of linguistic diversity and recognises the integral role of Welsh language in shaping English vocabulary. This update celebrates the richness of Welsh culture and language, showcasing the unique contributions it has made to the English lexicon.