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Index | HomePage | Settings | TheRim? | Mort | Romani-English Glossary: The Language of the Brads
Romani-English Glossary
This dictionary gives most of the words used by the brads on Mort. A few words are taking from Polari - most notably “feele” which means “child”.
The dictionary is in alphabetical order - first Romani-English, then English-Romani.
| Word
| Meaning
| Notes
| | Abiav (also abijav, bijav, amnjav, ebav)
| Marriage, wedding; also festivity or party
|
| | Ale
| But
| Fr. Slavic
| | Amaro
| our
| Cf. Skr. Asmaka (ours), Hindi hamara
| | Amriya
| Curse
|
| | Ando foro
| Into town
|
| | Armaya
| Curse
|
| | Ataman
| Chieftain
| Russia (fr. Russian)
| | Bal
| Hair
| Cf Skr vala, Hindi bal
| | Balame
| Gadje
| Greek Romani fr. Balamo=non-Romani
| | Bar
| Brother
| Domari, cf. Phal, pral, plal
| | Barearav
| To honour, respect, obey
| Verb from baro (big)
| | Bari lavuta
| Viola
|
| | Baro
| Big
| Cf Skr. Vadra, Hindi bara
| | Bater
| May it be so
| Said in response to a challenge via an armaya
| | Bauri
| Snails
| Fr. Romanian
| | Bavo
| Kris complaint
|
| | Baxt
| Luck
| Fr. Persian; poss. Fr. Persian (6.40)
| | Baxtalo
| Lucky
|
| | Bayo (pl. bayura)
| Kris precedents
|
| | Beng
| Devil
| Originally 'frog' (Syrian Romani) (6.56)
| | Bengalo
| Devilish
|
| | Berk
| Breast
| Fr. Arabic (6.40); Whence berk?; cf. chuchi
| | Besh!
| Sit!
| Imperative
| | Bhen/phen
| Sister
| Asiatic vs Armenian/European Romani
| | Bi-lacho
| No good
| Albania
| | Binak
| Twin
|
| | Bino
| Sin
| Fr. Hungarian bun
| | Boba
| Bean
| Fr. Slavic
| | Bogacha
| Baked flour bread
|
| | Bokh
| Hunger
| Cf. Hindi bhukh (12)
| | Bokoli
| Thick pancakes stuffed with small pieces of meat
| Lovara
| | Bol
| Type of mouth music
|
| | Bolta
| Shop
| Fr. Romanian bolta
| | Bori
| Daughter-in-law
| Pl. boria
| | Bov
| Oven
| Fr. Armenian
| | Brashki
| Frogs
|
| | Brigaki djilia
| "Sorrow songs"
| Songs telling of hardship
| | Budjo
| A swindle translated as 'switch the bag'
|
| | Buino
| Proud
| Fr. Slavic
| | Bulibasha
| Traditional local leader
| Transylvania
| | Bushalo
| Sour
|
| | But guli
| Very sweet
|
| | Chachimos
| Truth
|
| | Chakano
| Star
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Chao
| Tea
|
| | Cheeb
| Tongue
| Cf Skr jeep, Hindi cheep
| | Cheiz
| Girl's dowry, and its display in her parent's house for a couple of days before the wedding
|
| | Chere
| Stars
| Kalderash
| | Chey
| Girl/daughter
|
| | Chiavala
| Lad
| Russia pl. chiavalei
| | Chile mole
| Hot barbecue sauce
|
| | Chin
| "cut/carve", ie write
|
| | Chindilan?
| Are you fed up, weary?
|
| | Chokesarav
| To forge (metal)
|
| | Chor-
| To steal
| Greek Romani
| | Chorav
| To steal
| Whence chorey
| | Chordane
| Intelligence service
|
| | Choribe
| Theft
| Greek Romani
| | Chote
| Vinegar
|
| | Chovexani
| Witch
| Fr. Armenian
| | Chuchi
| Breast
| Indic; cf. Berk
| | Churi
| Knife
| Whence Churara
| | Dad, dat
| Father
| Cf Skr tata, Hindi tat
| | Dand
| Tooth
|
| | Darane svatura
| Magical, superstitious and supernatural stories
|
| | Dariav
| Sea
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Darro
| Dowry, bride-price
|
| | Dav opre
| "I give upwards" ie read aloud
|
| | Day
| Mother
|
| | Desrobireja
| Emancipation from slavery
| (Romani, from Romanian)
| | Detlene
| Spirits of dead children?
| Lovara
| | Devel
| God
|
| | Dikh-
| To see
| Also dik- (Greek Romani); Cf. Hindi dekh-
| | Diklo
| Neckerchief
|
| | Dila
| Floor
| Czechia
| | Dili
| Retarded; crazy (9.77)
| Whence dill?
| | Divano
| Meeting or discussion
| Romani
| | Djan-
| To know
| Whence gen?
| | Djezbeh
| Narrow high brass container with a long protruding handle (coffeepot)
| (Turkish?)
| | Djolano
| Mule
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian
| | Domari
| Asiatic dialect of Romani
| Fr. Dom - man; Cf. Lomavren, European
| | Doshman
| Enemy
| Fr. Persian doshman
| | Dosta
| Enough
| Fr. Slavic
| | Drab
| Herbs
| Romani
| | Draba
| Spell/charm
|
| | Drabarav
| I read
| Macedonia; orig. in the sense of palm reading
| | Drabarno/i
| Male/female reader/fortune-teller
|
| | Drarnego
| Special healing herb
|
| | Drom
| Way
| Fr. Greek d??µ?s dromos
| | Dudum
| Gourd; also melon (6.41)
| Fr. Armenian
| | Dunha
| Eiderdown
| Whence (downy?)
| | Dya
| Mother
| Britain
| | European
| European dialect of Romani
| Cf. Domari, Lomavren
| | Familia
| Extended family including married sons and their wives, children and grandchildren
| Fr. Romanian
| | Foros
| Town
| Fr. Greek
| | Fusui
| Bean soup
|
| | Fusui eski zumi
| Butter-bean soup
|
| | Gadjikane
| Non-gypsy
| Adjective
| | Gadjo
| Non-Gypsy man
|
| | Galbi
| Gold coins, often worn as decoration
| Romani
| | Gelo
| Gone
| Past participle of za "go" cf. Bengali jawa, gaelo
| | Gilabav
| I read
| Albania; primarily to sing
| | Gilabno
| Male singer/reader
|
| | Gin
| Count ie read
|
| | Glas
| Voice
| Fr. Slavic
| | Glasso
| Varieties of melodies in gypsy music
| Fr. Slavic Glas "voice"
| | Gorgio
| Gadjo
| Romnichal
| | Grast
| Horse
| Fr. Armenian; also Kalderash gras (6.19)
| | Grob
| Tomb
| Fr. Slavic
| | Gunoi
| Faeces
| Fr. Slavic? Cf. Slovene gnoj (dung)
| | Gusha
| Adam's apple
|
| | Hamishagos
| To meddle or disturb
|
| | Johai
| Ghost's vomit
|
| | kafa
| Coffee
|
| | Kaj
| Where
|
| | Kak (kako)
| Uncle
| Respectful form of address for older male
| | Kan
| Ear
| Cf. Skr khan, Hindi khan
| | Kana
| When
|
| | Kar
| Penis
|
| | Karbaro
| Erection (i.e. big penis)
| Lovara
| | Kasht
| Wood (i.e. forest)
|
| | Katrinsa
| Apron
|
| | Kazan
| Small domestic stills, copper
| Made by Kalderash
| | Kesali
| Forest spirit
| Russia
| | Kham
| Sun
| Cf Skr gharma, Hindi gham; also kam (Greek Romani)(6.16)
| | Khan, kan
| Fart
|
| | Khania
| Hens
|
| | Khantino
| Smelly
|
| | Khul
| Shit
|
| | Kidemos
| Collections made among a kumpania, usually on ritual occasions
|
| | Kirchima
| Inn
| Fr. Slavic; cf. Slovene krchma
| | Kirvi
| Groom
|
| | Kis
| Purse
| Fr. Arabic; also kisi (6.40)
| | Kish
| Silk
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Kishti
| Belt
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Kocho
| Button
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian
| | Komi
| More
| Fr. Greek
| | Kon?
| Who?
|
| | Koro
| Blind
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian; also Domari
| | Koshter
| Stick
| Anglo-Romani; whence cosh
| | Kotor
| Piece
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian
| | Kralis
| King
| Fr. Greek, orig. Fr. Slavic
| | Kris
| "tribunal"
| Fr. Greek "krisis" = judgement (6.56)
| | Krisatora
| Kris judges
|
| | Kumpania
| Band of families
| Polish
| | L vakandoka
| The moles
|
| | Lampo
| Lamp
|
| | Lashav
| Shame
|
| | Lav
| Word
| Poss. Fr. Arabic lafz
| | Lavuta
| Violin
|
| | Lil (pl. lila)
| Book
|
| | Lolo
| Red
|
| | Lomavren
| Armenian dialect of Romani
| Fr. Lom - man; Cf. Domari, European
| | Lon
| Salt
|
| | Love
| Money
|
| | Lovina
| Beer
| Fr. Slavic
| | Lovoro
| Ceremony to divide money earned
|
| | Lungo drom
| Long Road
|
| | Machka
| Cat
| Fr. Slavic
| | Magherdo
| Unclean
| Polish
| | Mahala
| Quarter (of a town)
| Bulgaria
| | Mai + adj.
| Comparative
| Vlach Romani
| | Mamioro
| Spirit who brings illness
|
| | Manch
| Cheer up
| Fr. Romanian
| | Manush
| People
| Cf Skr/Hindi manusha
| | Mariki
| Sweet, layered, pizza-shaped pastry from flour, powdered milk, sugar and lard
| Albania
| | Marime
| Unclean
| Non-Polish; Fr. Greek "to dirty" (6.55); c.f. Skr mraks = smear (6.244)
| | Martiya
| Spirit of the night
|
| | Marturo
| Martyr, prophet
|
| | Mas
| Meat
|
| | Mashakar
| Waist, centre
|
| | Ma-sha-llah
| As god wills
| Muslim? (Allah)
| | Me
| I
| Cf Skr. Maya, Hindi main
| | -me, -men
| Suffix for passive participles
| Fr. Greek
| | Melalo
| Dirt
|
| | Meska
| Bear
|
| | Midjloli
| Erection
| Lovara
| | Mindj
| Female genitals
| Whence minge (6.193), and minging?
| | Mish
| Vagina
| Kalderash
| | Mizhak
| Wicked
| Fr. Slavic
| | Mode
| Varieties of melodies in gypsy music
|
| | Mom
| Wax
| Fr. Persian
| | Monchimo
| System of servitude to pay off debts and credits
|
| | Mora
| Friend
| Russia
| | Mortsi
| Leather, hide
| =skin, European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian (6.41)
| | -mos
| Abstract noun marker
| Fr. Greek
| | Moxado
| Unclean
| England/Wales
| | Much
| Friend
| Russia
| | Muj
| Face, mouth
|
| | Mulengi djilia
| Dirges
| Lit. spirit songs
| | Mulengi dori
| "dead man's string"
| Magic ribbon tied or united to call on dead spirits to protect you
| | Mulo
| Spirit of the dead
| Pl. mule
| | Mura
| Berry
| Fr. Romanian
| | Nak
| Nose
| Cf Skr nak, Hindi nak, whence "nark" - stool pigeon (1.16); also nakh (Welsh, Greek Romani) (6.16)
| | Nano
| Uncle
|
| | Naswalemos
| Illness
|
| | Natsia (pl. natsiyi)
| Nation or tribe of Rom
| Kalderash (6.238)
| | Nav
| Name
| Cf. Skr. Naman, Hindi nam
| | Niamo
| Relatives
|
| | Nivasi
| Water spirit/mermaid
| Russia
| | O d'ives
| Day
| Czechia
| | O zhuvindo
| "the live one"
|
| | Ofisa
| Fortune-telling booth
|
| | Opre!
| Arise!
|
| | -os
| Masculine ending for loan words
|
| | Pachiv
| Ceremonial celebrations to honour special guests
| Also pakiv (9.90)
| | Pachivaki djili
| Pachiv song
|
| | Paguba
| "raiding party" i.e. sent out for supplies
| Churara
| | Pakiv, dav pakiv
| To obey, respect, honour, esteem
|
| | Palecido
| "set apart" i.e. marime
| Sinti
| | Pani
| Water
| Cf Skr paniya, Hindi pani; also Kalderash pai (6.16)
| | Pani nevi
| Fresh water
|
| | Papin
| Goose
|
| | Paramicha
| Gypsy fairy tales, told for the skill of the storyteller
|
| | Paramishus
| Tale
| Fr. Greek
| | Patragi
| Easter
|
| | Patrin
| Leaf/road sign/marking
| Non-Polish
| | Payo
| Gadje
| Spanish Romani
| | -pen
| -ness,-hood
| Also -ben (6.19)
| | Pen, ben
| Sister
| Greek Romani
| | Perina
| Thick quilts
|
| | Pertia
| Jellied pig's feet and ears
|
| | Petalo
| Horseshoe
| Fr. Greek (6.55)
| | Phal
| Brother
| Welsh Romani; also Lomavren (6.38) cf. Plal, pral, bar
| | Phei
| Sister
| Kalderash
| | Phen
| Sister
| Welsh Romani
| | Phuro (f. phuri)
| Head of a familia
|
| | Pi-, pe-
| To drink
| Greek, Welsh romani pi-, Kalderash pe-
| | Piko
| Spear
|
| | Pipere
| Pepper
|
| | Pirogo
| Kind of noodle and cheese pudding
| Cf. Polish pierogy?
| | Plal
| Brother
| Also pral; Greek Romani; cf. Phal, pral, bar
| | Pliashka
| Bottle of good brandy, wrapped in a kerchief with a string of gold pieces
| Used in the marriage ritual between the couple's parents
| | Pliashka (plochka)
| Engagement feast
|
| | Pomana
| Funeral feast
| Repeated after nine days, six weeks, six months and a year (3.235)
| | Porado
| Erection
| Lovara
| | Porraimos
| Lit. the devouring ie the Holocaust
| Coined by Ian Hancock (1.276)
| | Poshum
| Wool
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian; also Domari
| | Posoti
| Pouch inside a skirt
| Bulgaria
| | Postiu
| Abstention from animal products on Friday
|
| | Pral
| Brother
| Kalderash, cf. Phal, plal, bar
| | Pralipe
| Brotherhood
| Macedonia
| | Prastlo
| 'dishonoured' i.e. marime
| Sinti
| | Prikaza
| Bad omen
|
| | Pufe
| Fried flour bread
|
| | Puri daj/puro dad
| Grandmother/grandfather
| Lit. old mother/father;Whence dad?
| | Pushka
| Gun
| Fr. Slavic
| | Puterdea
| Straddle the legs open
|
| | Puyo
| Chicken stew
|
| | Puyuria
| Gadje gypsy-groupies
| Fr. Romanian "puppies, cubs, chicks"
| | Rahat lokum
| Some sort of food
|
| | Rakli
| Non-Roma girl
|
| | Raklo
| Non-gypsy boy
|
| | Rasa
| "race"
| Romanian; used to refer to e.g. Kalderash, Lovara, etc
| | Rat
| Blood
| Cf. Prakrit ratta
| | Ray baro
| Great lords
| i.e. judges and representatives of gadje power structures
| | Raya
| Landowners
| Lovara
| | Rebniko
| Pond
| Fr. Slavic cf. Slovene ribnik
| | Rikono
| Dog
|
| | Risho
| Reed, cane
|
| | Rom (fem. Romni)
| Romani man/women
|
| | Rom/lom/dom
| Man/husband
| European/Armenian/Persian and Syrian
Cf Sanskrit domba, mod. Ind. Dom, dum
Skr=man of low caste making living by music and singing, Lahnda=menial, Sindhi=caste of wandering musician, Panjabi=strolling musician, West Pahari=low-caste black-skinned man
| | Romanes
| Romani language
|
| | Romipen
| Gypsyhood
|
| | Romni
| Wife
|
| | Romni nashli
| Elopement
| Lit. runaway wife
| | Rovliako khelipen
| "stick dance"
|
| | Ruv
| Wolf
|
| | Sap
| Snake
| British
| | Sarma
| Stuffed cabbage
| With pork, onions, peppers, rice and tomatoes (9.63)
| | Sastimos (sastipe)
| "to your health"
| Generally used as a greeting
| | Sastro
| Father-in-law
|
| | Saviako
| Rolled pastry with fruit, cottage cheese and raisins
|
| | Sero
| Head
| Also shero (Greek Romani); cf Skr vala, Hindi Bal
| | Shanglo
| Police constable
|
| | Shav
| Unmarried gypsy male
|
| | Shavora
| Companions?
|
| | Sheranda
| Goosedown pillows covered in gay, flowered material
|
| | Shon
| Moon
|
| | Shoshka
| Tent-pole
| Russia (fr. Russian)
| | Shpera
| "road sign/marking"
| Polish; = patrin
| | Sir
| Garlic
| Fr. Persian
| | Skorni
| Top-boot
| Fr. Slavic
| | Slobuzenja
| Freedom
| Fr. Slavic
| | Smentena
| Cream
| Fr. Slavic
| | So
| What
|
| | So keres?
| What are you doing?
|
| | Socro-bori
| Incest
|
| | Solakh
| Kris judgement using armaya, with judgement left to mule
|
| | Soske
| Why
|
| | Sov-
| To sleep
| Cf. Skr. Svapati, Hindi sona
| | Spiuni
| Spy
| Albania
| | Stanya
| Stable
| Fr. Slavic
| | Streyino
| "strange"
| Used of unknown Vitsa
| | Sumadji
| Family heirloom
|
| | Sunet biaf
| Circumcision wedding
| Muslim, in Bulgaria
| | Svata/svatura
| Gypsy story/ies
|
| | Tachiben
| Truth
| See also chachimos
| | Tacho
| True
| Welsh Romani;
| | Taliga
| Two-wheeled light cart
|
| | Tarneder
| Younger
| Welsh Romani
| | Tato
| Hot, warm
| Cf Skr. Tapta, Hindi tatta
| | Trampa
| Barter
|
| | Treshul
| Christian cross
| In India, Shiva's trident
| | Trito ursitori
| Three spirits, one good, one evil, one mediator
|
| | Trupos
| Body
| Fr. Slavic
| | Trushal odji
| Hungry soul
|
| | Tsera
| Individual household within a familia
| Lit. tent
| | Tserha
| Lit. tent
| Lovara = vitsa
| | Tu
| You singular
| Cf. Skr tuvam, Hindi tu
| | Tumnimos
| Wedding arrangements
|
| | Tutka
| Turkey
|
| | Uzho
|
| Related to marhime
| | Vadni ratsa
| Wild goose of Romani legend
|
| | Vaida
| Gypsy chief
| Russia (Slav. Vodja)
| | Vardo
| Horse-drawn living-wagons
| Hungary; also Vurdon, Vordon
| | Vare-
| -ever
| Fr. Romanian; e.g. varekai "wherever"
| | Varekai
| Wherever
| Fr. Romanian
| | Vast
| Hand
| Cf. Skr. Hasta, Hindi hath
| | Vesh
| Forest
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Veshengo
| "man of the forest"
| Nickname
| | Vitsa
| "clan"
| Lit = vine, tendril, fr. Romanian fr. Slavic
| | Vurdon
| Wagon
| Also Vordon, prob. From Ossetic, European/Welsh Romani, (6.41)
| | Vurma
| Trail of signs on the road
| Lovara = patrin
| | Wortacha
| "partners"
| Refers to group brought together for a specific job
| | Wuzho
| Purity
| Vlach
| | Xabe
| Beef stew
|
| | Xaimoko
| Rabbit stew
|
| | Xanamiki
| Co-parent-in-law
| Term used to describe the "family-in-law" relationship following a marriage - used by the two fathers-in-law of each other (3.197)
| | Xari
| "one who eats"
|
| | Xaritsa
| Fried cornbread
|
| | Xin
| Urinating
|
| | Xumel, xumer
| Dough, breadcrumbs
| Fr. Arabic
| | Yak
| Eye
| Cf Skr aksha, Hindi ak
| | Yekhipe
| Unity, oneness
|
| | Yungxo
| Young ox
|
| | Za
| Go
|
| | Zen
| Saddle
| Fr. Persian
| | Zeravo
| Left (direction)
| Fr. Greek
| | Zhamutro
| Bridegroom or son-in-law
|
| | Zheita
| 'bringing the bride home'
| Part of the wedding ceremony
| | Zor
| Strength
| Fr. Persian
| | Zuhno
| Pure
|
| | Zurla
| Long, wooden, double-reed conical-bone wind instrument
| May not be Romani word
|
English-Romani Glossary
| Word
| Meaning
| Notes
| | Uzho
|
| Related to marhime
| | Vitsa
| "clan"
| Lit = vine, tendril, fr. Romanian fr. Slavic
| | Chin
| "cut/carve", ie write
|
| | Mulengi dori
| "dead man's string"
| Magic ribbon tied or united to call on dead spirits to protect you
| | Dav opre
| "I give upwards" ie read aloud
|
| | Veshengo
| "man of the forest"
| Nickname
| | Xari
| "one who eats"
|
| | Wortacha
| "partners"
| Refers to group brought together for a specific job
| | Rasa
| "race"
| Romanian; used to refer to e.g. Kalderash, Lovara, etc
| | Paguba
| "raiding party" i.e. sent out for supplies
| Churara
| | Shpera
| "road sign/marking"
| Polish; = patrin
| | Palecido
| "set apart" i.e. marime
| Sinti
| | Brigaki djilia
| "Sorrow songs"
| Songs telling of hardship
| | Rovliako khelipen
| "stick dance"
|
| | Streyino
| "strange"
| Used of unknown Vitsa
| | O zhuvindo
| "the live one"
|
| | Sastimos (sastipe)
| "to your health"
| Generally used as a greeting
| | Kris
| "tribunal"
| Fr. Greek "krisis" = judgement (6.56)
| | Budjo
| A swindle translated as 'switch the bag'
|
| | Postiu
| Abstention from animal products on Friday
|
| | -mos
| Abstract noun marker
| Fr. Greek
| | Gusha
| Adam's apple
|
| | Katrinsa
| Apron
|
| | Chindilan?
| Are you fed up, weary?
|
| | Opre!
| Arise!
|
| | Lomavren
| Armenian dialect of Romani
| Fr. Lom - man; Cf. Domari, European
| | Ma-sha-llah
| As god wills
| Muslim? (Allah)
| | Domari
| Asiatic dialect of Romani
| Fr. Dom - man; Cf. Lomavren, European
| | Prikaza
| Bad omen
|
| | Bogacha
| Baked flour bread
|
| | Kumpania
| Band of families
| Polish
| | Trampa
| Barter
|
| | Boba
| Bean
| Fr. Slavic
| | Fusui
| Bean soup
|
| | Meska
| Bear
|
| | Xabe
| Beef stew
|
| | Lovina
| Beer
| Fr. Slavic
| | Kishti
| Belt
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Mura
| Berry
| Fr. Romanian
| | Baro
| Big
| Cf Skr. Vadra, Hindi bara
| | Koro
| Blind
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian; also Domari
| | Rat
| Blood
| Cf. Prakrit ratta
| | Trupos
| Body
| Fr. Slavic
| | Lil (pl. lila)
| Book
|
| | Pliashka
| Bottle of good brandy, wrapped in a kerchief with a string of gold pieces
| Used in the marriage ritual between the couple's parents
| | Berk
| Breast
| Fr. Arabic (6.40); Whence berk?; cf. chuchi
| | Chuchi
| Breast
| Indic; cf. Berk
| | Zhamutro
| Bridegroom or son-in-law
|
| | Zheita
| 'bringing the bride home'
| Part of the wedding ceremony
| | Bar
| Brother
| Domari, cf. Phal, pral, plal
| | Phal
| Brother
| Welsh Romani; also Lomavren (6.38) cf. Plal, pral, bar
| | Plal
| Brother
| Also pral; Greek Romani; cf. Phal, pral, bar
| | Pral
| Brother
| Kalderash, cf. Phal, plal, bar
| | Pralipe
| Brotherhood
| Macedonia
| | Ale
| But
| Fr. Slavic
| | Fusui eski zumi
| Butter-bean soup
|
| | Kocho
| Button
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian
| | Machka
| Cat
| Fr. Slavic
| | Pachiv
| Ceremonial celebrations to honour special guests
| Also pakiv (9.90)
| | Lovoro
| Ceremony to divide money earned
|
| | Manch
| Cheer up
| Fr. Romanian
| | Puyo
| Chicken stew
|
| | Ataman
| Chieftain
| Russia (fr. Russian)
| | Treshul
| Christian cross
| In India, Shiva's trident
| | Sunet biaf
| Circumcision wedding
| Muslim, in Bulgaria
| | kafa
| Coffee
|
| | Kidemos
| Collections made among a kumpania, usually on ritual occasions
|
| | Shavora
| Companions?
|
| | Mai + adj.
| Comparative
| Vlach Romani
| | Xanamiki
| Co-parent-in-law
| Term used to describe the "family-in-law" relationship following a marriage - used by the two fathers-in-law of each other (3.197)
| | Gin
| Count ie read
|
| | Smentena
| Cream
| Fr. Slavic
| | Amriya
| Curse
|
| | Armaya
| Curse
|
| | Bori
| Daughter-in-law
| Pl. boria
| | O d'ives
| Day
| Czechia
| | Beng
| Devil
| Originally 'frog' (Syrian Romani) (6.56)
| | Bengalo
| Devilish
|
| | Mulengi djilia
| Dirges
| Lit. spirit songs
| | Melalo
| Dirt
|
| | Prastlo
| 'dishonoured' i.e. marime
| Sinti
| | Rikono
| Dog
|
| | Xumel, xumer
| Dough, breadcrumbs
| Fr. Arabic
| | Darro
| Dowry, bride-price
|
| | Kan
| Ear
| Cf. Skr khan, Hindi khan
| | Patragi
| Easter
|
| | Dunha
| Eiderdown
| Whence (downy?)
| | Romni nashli
| Elopement
| Lit. runaway wife
| | Desrobireja
| Emancipation from slavery
| (Romani, from Romanian)
| | Doshman
| Enemy
| Fr. Persian doshman
| | Pliashka (plochka)
| Engagement feast
|
| | Dosta
| Enough
| Fr. Slavic
| | Midjloli
| Erection
| Lovara
| | Porado
| Erection
| Lovara
| | Karbaro
| Erection (i.e. big penis)
| Lovara
| | European
| European dialect of Romani
| Cf. Domari, Lomavren
| | Vare-
| -ever
| Fr. Romanian; e.g. varekai "wherever"
| | Familia
| Extended family including married sons and their wives, children and grandchildren
| Fr. Romanian
| | Yak
| Eye
| Cf Skr aksha, Hindi ak
| | Muj
| Face, mouth
|
| | Gunoi
| Faeces
| Fr. Slavic? Cf. Slovene gnoj (dung)
| | Sumadji
| Family heirloom
|
| | Khan, kan
| Fart
|
| | Dad, dat
| Father
| Cf Skr tata, Hindi tat
| | Sastro
| Father-in-law
|
| | Mindj
| Female genitals
| Whence minge (6.193), and minging?
| | Dila
| Floor
| Czechia
| | Vesh
| Forest
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Kesali
| Forest spirit
| Russia
| | Ofisa
| Fortune-telling booth
|
| | Slobuzenja
| Freedom
| Fr. Slavic
| | Pani nevi
| Fresh water
|
| | Xaritsa
| Fried cornbread
|
| | Pufe
| Fried flour bread
|
| | Mora
| Friend
| Russia
| | Much
| Friend
| Russia
| | Brashki
| Frogs
|
| | Pomana
| Funeral feast
| Repeated after nine days, six weeks, six months and a year (3.235)
| | Balame
| Gadje
| Greek Romani fr. Balamo=non-Romani
| | Payo
| Gadje
| Spanish Romani
| | Puyuria
| Gadje gypsy-groupies
| Fr. Romanian "puppies, cubs, chicks"
| | Gorgio
| Gadjo
| Romnichal
| | Sir
| Garlic
| Fr. Persian
| | Johai
| Ghost's vomit
|
| | Chey
| Girl/daughter
|
| | Cheiz
| Girl's dowry, and its display in her parent's house for a couple of days before the wedding
|
| | Za
| Go
|
| | Devel
| God
|
| | Galbi
| Gold coins, often worn as decoration
| Romani
| | Gelo
| Gone
| Past participle of za "go" cf. Bengali jawa, gaelo
| | Papin
| Goose
|
| | Sheranda
| Goosedown pillows covered in gay, flowered material
|
| | Dudum
| Gourd; also melon (6.41)
| Fr. Armenian
| | Puri daj/puro dad
| Grandmother/grandfather
| Lit. old mother/father;Whence dad?
| | Ray baro
| Great lords
| i.e. judges and representatives of gadje power structures
| | Kirvi
| Groom
|
| | Pushka
| Gun
| Fr. Slavic
| | Vaida
| Gypsy chief
| Russia (Slav. Vodja)
| | Paramicha
| Gypsy fairy tales, told for the skill of the storyteller
|
| | Svata/svatura
| Gypsy story/ies
|
| | Romipen
| Gypsyhood
|
| | Bal
| Hair
| Cf Skr vala, Hindi bal
| | Vast
| Hand
| Cf. Skr. Hasta, Hindi hath
| | Sero
| Head
| Also shero (Greek Romani); cf Skr vala, Hindi Bal
| | Phuro (f. phuri)
| Head of a familia
|
| | Khania
| Hens
|
| | Drab
| Herbs
| Romani
| | Grast
| Horse
| Fr. Armenian; also Kalderash gras (6.19)
| | Vardo
| Horse-drawn living-wagons
| Hungary; also Vurdon, Vordon
| | Petalo
| Horseshoe
| Fr. Greek (6.55)
| | Chile mole
| Hot barbecue sauce
|
| | Tato
| Hot, warm
| Cf Skr. Tapta, Hindi tatta
| | Bokh
| Hunger
| Cf. Hindi bhukh (12)
| | Trushal odji
| Hungry soul
|
| | Me
| I
| Cf Skr. Maya, Hindi main
| | Drabarav
| I read
| Macedonia; orig. in the sense of palm reading
| | Gilabav
| I read
| Albania; primarily to sing
| | Naswalemos
| Illness
|
| | Socro-bori
| Incest
|
| | Tsera
| Individual household within a familia
| Lit. tent
| | Kirchima
| Inn
| Fr. Slavic; cf. Slovene krchma
| | Chordane
| Intelligence service
|
| | Ando foro
| Into town
|
| | Pertia
| Jellied pig's feet and ears
|
| | Pirogo
| Kind of noodle and cheese pudding
| Cf. Polish pierogy?
| | Kralis
| King
| Fr. Greek, orig. Fr. Slavic
| | Churi
| Knife
| Whence Churara
| | Bavo
| Kris complaint
|
| | Solakh
| Kris judgement using armaya, with judgement left to mule
|
| | Krisatora
| Kris judges
|
| | Bayo (pl. bayura)
| Kris precedents
|
| | Chiavala
| Lad
| Russia pl. chiavalei
| | Lampo
| Lamp
|
| | Raya
| Landowners
| Lovara
| | Patrin
| Leaf/road sign/marking
| Non-Polish
| | Mortsi
| Leather, hide
| =skin, European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian (6.41)
| | Zeravo
| Left (direction)
| Fr. Greek
| | Tserha
| Lit. tent
| Lovara = vitsa
| | Porraimos
| Lit. the devouring ie the Holocaust
| Coined by Ian Hancock (1.276)
| | Lungo drom
| Long Road
|
| | Zurla
| Long, wooden, double-reed conical-bone wind instrument
| May not be Romani word
| | Baxt
| Luck
| Fr. Persian; poss. Fr. Persian (6.40)
| | Baxtalo
| Lucky
|
| | Darane svatura
| Magical, superstitious and supernatural stories
|
| | Gilabno
| Male singer/reader
|
| | Drabarno/i
| Male/female reader/fortune-teller
|
| | Rom/lom/dom
| Man/husband
| European/Armenian/Persian and Syrian
Cf Sanskrit domba, mod. Ind. Dom, dum
Skr=man of low caste making living by music and singing, Lahnda=menial, Sindhi=caste of wandering musician, Panjabi=strolling musician, West Pahari=low-caste black-skinned man
| | Abiav (also abijav, bijav, amnjav, ebav)
| Marriage, wedding; also festivity or party
|
| | Marturo
| Martyr, prophet
|
| | -os
| Masculine ending for loan words
|
| | Bater
| May it be so
| Said in response to a challenge via an armaya
| | Mas
| Meat
|
| | Divano
| Meeting or discussion
| Romani
| | Love
| Money
|
| | Shon
| Moon
|
| | Komi
| More
| Fr. Greek
| | Day
| Mother
|
| | Dya
| Mother
| Britain
| | Djolano
| Mule
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian
| | Nav
| Name
| Cf. Skr. Naman, Hindi nam
| | Djezbeh
| Narrow high brass container with a long protruding handle (coffeepot)
| (Turkish?)
| | Natsia (pl. natsiyi)
| Nation or tribe of Rom
| Kalderash (6.238)
| | Diklo
| Neckerchief
|
| | -pen
| -ness,-hood
| Also -ben (6.19)
| | Bi-lacho
| No good
| Albania
| | Gadjikane
| Non-gypsy
| Adjective
| | Raklo
| Non-gypsy boy
|
| | Gadjo
| Non-Gypsy man
|
| | Rakli
| Non-Roma girl
|
| | Nak
| Nose
| Cf Skr nak, Hindi nak, whence "nark" - stool pigeon (1.16); also nakh (Welsh, Greek Romani) (6.16)
| | Amaro
| our
| Cf. Skr. Asmaka (ours), Hindi hamara
| | Bov
| Oven
| Fr. Armenian
| | Pachivaki djili
| Pachiv song
|
| | Kar
| Penis
|
| | Manush
| People
| Cf Skr/Hindi manusha
| | Pipere
| Pepper
|
| | Kotor
| Piece
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Armenian
| | Shanglo
| Police constable
|
| | Rebniko
| Pond
| Fr. Slavic cf. Slovene ribnik
| | Posoti
| Pouch inside a skirt
| Bulgaria
| | Buino
| Proud
| Fr. Slavic
| | Zuhno
| Pure
|
| | Wuzho
| Purity
| Vlach
| | Kis
| Purse
| Fr. Arabic; also kisi (6.40)
| | Mahala
| Quarter (of a town)
| Bulgaria
| | Xaimoko
| Rabbit stew
|
| | Lolo
| Red
|
| | Risho
| Reed, cane
|
| | Niamo
| Relatives
|
| | Dili
| Retarded; crazy (9.77)
| Whence dill?
| | Saviako
| Rolled pastry with fruit, cottage cheese and raisins
|
| | Romanes
| Romani language
|
| | Rom (fem. Romni)
| Romani man/women
|
| | Zen
| Saddle
| Fr. Persian
| | Lon
| Salt
|
| | Dariav
| Sea
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Lashav
| Shame
|
| | Khul
| Shit
|
| | Bolta
| Shop
| Fr. Romanian bolta
| | Kish
| Silk
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Bino
| Sin
| Fr. Hungarian bun
| | Bhen/phen
| Sister
| Asiatic vs Armenian/European Romani
| | Pen, ben
| Sister
| Greek Romani
| | Phei
| Sister
| Kalderash
| | Phen
| Sister
| Welsh Romani
| | Besh!
| Sit!
| Imperative
| | Kazan
| Small domestic stills, copper
| Made by Kalderash
| | Khantino
| Smelly
|
| | Bauri
| Snails
| Fr. Romanian
| | Sap
| Snake
| British
| | Rahat lokum
| Some sort of food
|
| | Bushalo
| Sour
|
| | Piko
| Spear
|
| | Drarnego
| Special healing herb
|
| | Draba
| Spell/charm
|
| | Mulo
| Spirit of the dead
| Pl. mule
| | Martiya
| Spirit of the night
|
| | Mamioro
| Spirit who brings illness
|
| | Detlene
| Spirits of dead children?
| Lovara
| | Spiuni
| Spy
| Albania
| | Stanya
| Stable
| Fr. Slavic
| | Chakano
| Star
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian
| | Chere
| Stars
| Kalderash
| | Koshter
| Stick
| Anglo-Romani; whence cosh
| | Puterdea
| Straddle the legs open
|
| | Zor
| Strength
| Fr. Persian
| | Sarma
| Stuffed cabbage
| With pork, onions, peppers, rice and tomatoes (9.63)
| | -me, -men
| Suffix for passive participles
| Fr. Greek
| | Kham
| Sun
| Cf Skr gharma, Hindi gham; also kam (Greek Romani)(6.16)
| | Mariki
| Sweet, layered, pizza-shaped pastry from flour, powdered milk, sugar and lard
| Albania
| | Monchimo
| System of servitude to pay off debts and credits
|
| | Paramishus
| Tale
| Fr. Greek
| | Chao
| Tea
|
| | Shoshka
| Tent-pole
| Russia (fr. Russian)
| | L vakandoka
| The moles
|
| | Choribe
| Theft
| Greek Romani
| | Bokoli
| Thick pancakes stuffed with small pieces of meat
| Lovara
| | Perina
| Thick quilts
|
| | Trito ursitori
| Three spirits, one good, one evil, one mediator
|
| | Pi-, pe-
| To drink
| Greek, Welsh romani pi-, Kalderash pe-
| | Chokesarav
| To forge (metal)
|
| | Barearav
| To honour, respect, obey
| Verb from baro (big)
| | Djan-
| To know
| Whence gen?
| | Hamishagos
| To meddle or disturb
|
| | Pakiv, dav pakiv
| To obey, respect, honour, esteem
|
| | Dikh-
| To see
| Also dik- (Greek Romani); Cf. Hindi dekh-
| | Sov-
| To sleep
| Cf. Skr. Svapati, Hindi sona
| | Chor-
| To steal
| Greek Romani
| | Chorav
| To steal
| Whence chorey
| | Grob
| Tomb
| Fr. Slavic
| | Cheeb
| Tongue
| Cf Skr jeep, Hindi cheep
| | Dand
| Tooth
|
| | Skorni
| Top-boot
| Fr. Slavic
| | Foros
| Town
| Fr. Greek
| | Bulibasha
| Traditional local leader
| Transylvania
| | Vurma
| Trail of signs on the road
| Lovara = patrin
| | Tacho
| True
| Welsh Romani;
| | Chachimos
| Truth
|
| | Tachiben
| Truth
| See also chachimos
| | Tutka
| Turkey
|
| | Binak
| Twin
|
| | Taliga
| Two-wheeled light cart
|
| | Bol
| Type of mouth music
|
| | Kak (kako)
| Uncle
| Respectful form of address for older male
| | Nano
| Uncle
|
| | Magherdo
| Unclean
| Polish
| | Marime
| Unclean
| Non-Polish; Fr. Greek "to dirty" (6.55); c.f. Skr mraks = smear (6.244)
| | Moxado
| Unclean
| England/Wales
| | Yekhipe
| Unity, oneness
|
| | Shav
| Unmarried gypsy male
|
| | Xin
| Urinating
|
| | Mish
| Vagina
| Kalderash
| | Glasso
| Varieties of melodies in gypsy music
| Fr. Slavic Glas "voice"
| | Mode
| Varieties of melodies in gypsy music
|
| | But guli
| Very sweet
|
| | Chote
| Vinegar
|
| | Bari lavuta
| Viola
|
| | Lavuta
| Violin
|
| | Glas
| Voice
| Fr. Slavic
| | Vurdon
| Wagon
| Also Vordon, prob. From Ossetic, European/Welsh Romani, (6.41)
| | Mashakar
| Waist, centre
|
| | Pani
| Water
| Cf Skr paniya, Hindi pani; also Kalderash pai (6.16)
| | Nivasi
| Water spirit/mermaid
| Russia
| | Mom
| Wax
| Fr. Persian
| | Drom
| Way
| Fr. Greek d??µ?s dromos
| | Tumnimos
| Wedding arrangements
|
| | So
| What
|
| | So keres?
| What are you doing?
|
| | Kana
| When
|
| | Kaj
| Where
|
| | Varekai
| Wherever
| Fr. Romanian
| | Kon?
| Who?
|
| | Soske
| Why
|
| | Mizhak
| Wicked
| Fr. Slavic
| | Romni
| Wife
|
| | Vadni ratsa
| Wild goose of Romani legend
|
| | Chovexani
| Witch
| Fr. Armenian
| | Ruv
| Wolf
|
| | Kasht
| Wood (i.e. forest)
|
| | Poshum
| Wool
| European/Welsh Romani, fr. Persian; also Domari
| | Lav
| Word
| Poss. Fr. Arabic lafz
| | Tu
| You singular
| Cf. Skr tuvam, Hindi tu
| | Yungxo
| Young ox
|
| | Tarneder
| Younger
| Welsh Romani
|
|
