Loanwords and Calques

Loanwords and Calques Loanwords and Calques Loanwords and Calques By Maeve Maddox A loanword comes more or less as is from one language to another. English abounds in them. For example: Latin: agenda, index, memorandum German: angst, blitz, bratwurst French: accident, chef, fierce Italian: concerto, pizza, scenario Japanese: bonsai, haiku, karaoke A calque [kÄÆ'lk] is an expression borrowed by way of literal translation from one language into another. For example: blue-blood: noble birth from Spanish sangre azul. The veins of the pure-blooded Spanish aristocrat, whose ancestry contained no Moorish admixture, were believed to be bluer than those of mixed ancestry (Brewers Dictionary of Phrase and Fable). Devils advocate: one who advocates the opposing side from Latin advocatus diaboli). From the Roman Catholic canonization process in which reasons against canonization are presented by a designated devils advocate. flea market, a place selling secondhand goods, from French marchà © aux puces. Perhaps from the idea that old clothing may contain fleas. gospel, the teachings of the Christian New Testament. The literal meaning of the Old English word godspel was good news, a literal translation of Latin bona adnuntiatio, a translation of Gk. euangelion, reward for bringing good news. masterpiece: A work of outstanding artistry or skill from Dutch meesterstuk, the work that proved that a craftsman was ready to be a master of his craft. German has Meisterstà ¼ck. wisdom tooth: The hindmost molar tooth on each side of both upper and lower jaws in man, usually ‘cut’ about the age of twenty from Latin dentes sapientià ¦, from Greek sophronisteres, from sophron prudent, self-controlled. Hippocrates called them that because wisdom teeth usually appear at adulthood (17-25 years). Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:7 Types of Narrative Conflict45 Synonyms for â€Å"Old† and â€Å"Old-Fashioned†20 Criminal Terms You Should Know