English words originated from Hindi
Colonization changed the world in ways both good and bad. Cultures from all over the globe came into contact with each other and it wasn’t only the costumes or food that adopted changes from other cultures.
Even language saw a massive reconstruction in the wake of colonization. While English was made the language of administration in India, many people might not know that even the Englishmen added a few ‘desi’ words in their ‘angrezi’ vocab.
Below is a list of English words that we thought are English by origin, but they are not! Get ready for some lingua trivia!
5 English Words Originated From Hindi
1. Bungalow
This English word was first introduced to the vocab in the 17th century when one-storied houses were being built for European settlers in Bengal.
The bungalow is derived from the Hindi word Bangla which means a cottage. Literally, it means a style belonging to Bengal. But the word was used for houses that were one story in height.
2. Shampoo
Derived from the word champee, which means a squeeze or a massage, this word traveled with Indians abroad in the 18th century, got its anglicized form in England as ‘shampoo’ and the rest is history.
3. Pajamas
In Hindi, Pajama means leg (pay) and clothing (
4. Cummerbund
The cummerbund is a piece of cloth tied to men’s waist before they put on a coat. This helps them to appear fit and in shape (if they are not).
While it is not clear as to in which century this word entered the English vocab, it is clear that the word is derived from the word Kamarband, a piece of jewelry that women tie around their waist.
5. Chit
Again, the exact time frame when the word chit got its anglicized form from the original word chitthi is not clear.
However, chitthi in English means a note or a letter. The word ‘chit’ is a derivation from the Hindi word and it is widely used till date.
Although I have mentioned only 5 words English words originating from Hindi, the list is actually pretty long. Words such as loot, thug, cot, and much more owe to Hindi vocab at large.
Thousands of words since the existence of time have been borrowed from various places. The process goes on even today. Indeed, the world is really a small place and language, a vast treasure-house of words, ideas, and imagination.
What are your comments about these English words originating from Hindi? Mention them below.