welsh

Word family

• Wales
  nounA2
• Welshman
  nounB1
• Welshwoman
  nounB1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

These words all describe people or things from different parts of the British Isles. 'Welsh' refers specifically to Wales, its Celtic heritage, and its distinct language and culture. 'British' is the broadest term, covering England, Scotland, and Wales together. 'English' refers only to England, not to Wales or Scotland. 'Scottish' and 'Irish' describe Scotland and Ireland respectively, each with their own separate cultural traditions. A learner might say 'She is British' to state her nationality, but 'She is Welsh' to emphasise her specific identity. The Welsh language, a defining feature of Welsh identity, has no equivalent in modern English culture (the 'English' language is just called English everywhere). 'Scottish' and 'Irish' also have their own Gaelic language traditions, but 'Welsh' (Cymraeg) has seen a stronger revival in daily use.

Etymology

The word 'Welsh' comes from the Old English word 'Wealas', which was used by the Anglo-Saxons to describe the Celtic-speaking people they encountered in Britain. 'Wealas' originally meant 'foreigners' or 'strangers' and is related to the name 'Wales' itself. The same Old English root also gave us the name 'Cornwall' (the 'wall' part). The word was later used to refer specifically to the people and language of Wales, the part of Britain where Celtic culture remained strongest after the Anglo-Saxon settlement.