From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is a list of English words that are directly or ultimately of Tamil origin. The list is by no means exhaustive. Relatively few instances can be considered direct borrowings from Tamil, as most of the borrowed forms have entered English through European languages, such as Portuguese or Dutch (the Portuguese and Dutch were among the first Europeans to have traded with South India), Arabic, Persian or Hindi-Urdu.

Contents [hide] 1 English words borrowed directly from Tamil 2 English words that ultimately have a Tamil origin 3 Words of Tamil and also Malayalam origin 4 See also 5 Notes 6 References 7 External links

[edit]English words borrowed directly from Tamil

1. bandy meaning "ox-cart" from the Tamil word "vandy".


2. The word "Tamil" itself


3. alvar : from Tamil āl̤vār, derivative of ār̤- sink, be absorbed (as in contemplation)^[1]


4. bandana : from Sanskrit बन्धन bandhan, "a bond". From Tamil pantham "a bond",pathu "hold together, attachment", atta "hold tightly, a leech", ottu "stick", othu "bind together, make love"


5. catamaran: from Tamil கட்டுமரம் kattumaram ("kattu"=tie up, "maram"=tree/wood) (Source: OED, AHD, MWD)


6. corundum: from a Tamil word for 'ruby', குருந்தம் kuruntham or குருவிந்தம் kuruvintham (Source: OED)


7. kabaddi : From the Tamil word (கை-பிடி) "kai" (hand), "pidi" (catch), which could be translated into "Holding Hands".^[2]


8. mulligatawny: from Tamil மிளகுத்தண்ணீர் milagu-tanneer from milagu black pepper and tanneer, water (Source: OED, AHD, MWD)