List of English words with dual French and Anglo-Saxon variations
Encyclopedia
This List of English words with dual French and Anglo-Saxon variations describes various English words generally describing the same person, place or thing with two or more different words. After the Norman invasion of England
in 1066 many of the more refined English (Anglo-Saxon) words describing finished products were replaced by words imported from Anglo-Norman
(such as "beef," a prepared food). In contrast, common unfinished equivalents continued to use the native English term (such as "cow," a living animal). This duality is also mirrored in French, where "beef" is boeuf, but "cow" is vache. These dual version words later formed the basis of the Middle English
wordstock, and were eventually passed into the modern language.
In some cases, these dual variations are distant etymological twins, as in cow/beef, both from Proto-Indo-European *gʷōus, but in other cases, such as calf/veal, they come from distinct PIE roots.
Generally words coming from French often retain a higher register
than words of Anglo-Saxon origin, and are considered by some to be more elaborate, sophisticated, and pretentious. Compare drink (Anglo-Saxon) and beverage (French). However, this is not always the case: weep, groom and stone (from Anglo-Saxon) occupy a slightly higher register than cry, brush and rock (from French). Words taken directly from Latin and Ancient Greek are generally perceived as colder, more technical, and more medical or scientific – compare life (Anglo-Saxon) with biology (classical compound
– a modern coinage created from Greek roots).
Other Words
Norman conquest of England
The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England...
in 1066 many of the more refined English (Anglo-Saxon) words describing finished products were replaced by words imported from Anglo-Norman
Anglo-Norman language
Anglo-Norman is the name traditionally given to the kind of Old Norman used in England and to some extent elsewhere in the British Isles during the Anglo-Norman period....
(such as "beef," a prepared food). In contrast, common unfinished equivalents continued to use the native English term (such as "cow," a living animal). This duality is also mirrored in French, where "beef" is boeuf, but "cow" is vache. These dual version words later formed the basis of the Middle English
Middle English
Middle English is the stage in the history of the English language during the High and Late Middle Ages, or roughly during the four centuries between the late 11th and the late 15th century....
wordstock, and were eventually passed into the modern language.
In some cases, these dual variations are distant etymological twins, as in cow/beef, both from Proto-Indo-European *gʷōus, but in other cases, such as calf/veal, they come from distinct PIE roots.
Generally words coming from French often retain a higher register
Register (linguistics)
In linguistics, a register is a variety of a language used for a particular purpose or in a particular social setting. For example, when speaking in a formal setting an English speaker may be more likely to adhere more closely to prescribed grammar, pronounce words ending in -ing with a velar nasal...
than words of Anglo-Saxon origin, and are considered by some to be more elaborate, sophisticated, and pretentious. Compare drink (Anglo-Saxon) and beverage (French). However, this is not always the case: weep, groom and stone (from Anglo-Saxon) occupy a slightly higher register than cry, brush and rock (from French). Words taken directly from Latin and Ancient Greek are generally perceived as colder, more technical, and more medical or scientific – compare life (Anglo-Saxon) with biology (classical compound
Classical compound
Classical compounds are compound words composed from Latin or Ancient Greek root words. A large portion of the technical and scientific lexicon of English and other Western European languages consists of classical compounds. For example, bio- combines with -graphy to form biography...
– a modern coinage created from Greek roots).
List of English words with dual Old English/Old French variations
Foods| Anglo-Saxon Origin Words | Old French Origin Words | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cow (Old English Cū) | Beef (Anglo-Norman Beof; Old French Boef) | |
| Calf (Old English Cealf) | Veal (Anglo-Norman Vel; Old French Veel, Veal) | |
| Swine (Old English Swīn) | Pork (Old French Porc) | |
| Sheep (Old English Scēap) / Lamb (Old English Lamb) | Mutton (Old French Moton) | |
| Hen (Old English Hen, Henn) / Chicken (Old English Cicen) | Poultry (Old French Pouletrie) | |
| Deer (Old English Dēor) | Venison (Old Norman Venesoun) | |
Other Words
| Anglo-Saxon Origin Words | Old French Origin Words | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thinking, Mindful | Pensive | |
| Kingly | Royal | |
| Brotherly | Fraternal | |
| Ask, Beseech | Enquire | |
| Lord | Liege | |
| Bring, Bear | Carry | |
| Amaze, Stun | Astound | |
| Fair, Fair-haired | Blond/Blonde | |
| Uphold, Undergird | Support | |
| Smell, Stench | Odor | |
| Hue, Blee | Colour | |
| Blossom | Flower | |
| Help, Bestand, Bestead | Aid, Abet, Assist | |
| Buy | Purchase | |
| Eld | Age | |
| Belief | Faith | |
| Wonder | Ponder | |
| Selfhood | Identity | |
| Sake | Reason, Cause | |
| Weep, Sob | Cry | |
| Knowledge | Science | |
| Lawyer (A.S. lagu < O.N. lag) | Attorney | |
| Shirt | Blouse | |
| Deem | Consider, Judge | |
| Harbour | Port | |
| Hosen, Britches | Pants | |
| Sunder | Sever | |
| Answer | Reply, Response | |
| Follow | Ensue | |
| Athel | Noble | |
| Atheling | Prince | |
| Fall, Harvest | Autumn | |
| Stound | Hour | |
| Burn | Broil | |
| Leave | Permission | |
| Note | Use, Utility | |
| Seethe | Boil | |
| Hunt | Chase | |
| Bookstave | Letter | |
| Wisdom | Prudence | |
| Weird, Fremd | Strange | |
| Behaviour | Manner | |
| Uncouth | Rude | |
| Owndom, Belongings | Property | |
| Steven, Reard | Voice | |
| Folk, Lede (Leod) | People | |
| Forgive | Pardon | |
| Darling | Favorite | |
| Worthy | Valuable | |
| Drought, Dearth | Famine | |
| Wish, Will, Yearning, Longing | Desire | |
| Span | Distance | |
| Tumble | Somersault | |
| Drink (noun + verb) | Beverage, Imbibe | |
| Deal | Amount | |
| Freedom | Liberty | |
| Yard | Garden | |
| Arm | Poor | |
| Byspel, Forbisen | Example, Model | |
| Frain | Question | |
| Haven | Port | |
See also
- Lists of English loanwords by country or language of origin
- List of English words of French origin
- List of Germanic and Latinate equivalents in English