By Simon Kewin The English language has absorbed words from cultures the world over. The following is a list of some English words whose origins lie in the Hindi, Urdu or Sanskrit languages spoken in India, Pakistan and other countries. These words have entered English through a variety of routes, but the presence of many dates back to the days of the Raj, when India was occupied by the British. 1. Avatar In Hinduism, an avatar is the manifestation in human or animal form of a god, especially Vishnu. The word rst appeared in English in the 18th century and derives ultimately from the Sanskrit word avatara meaning descent. More recently the word has gained additional senses, for example to refer to a computer users visual representation within a game, on a forum etc. 2. Bangle A rigid ornamental bracelet worn around the wrist (or ankle). Its appearance in English dates back to the 18th century. It derives from the Hindi word bangri meaning a glass ring or bracelet. 3. Bungalow A one-storied house. Derives from the Hindi word bangla meaning, literally, in the style of or belonging to Bengal. The word bungalow in English dates back to the 17th century when it was used to refer to a type of cottage built in Bengal for early European settlers. 4. Cheetah A long-legged big cat from Africa, the fastest land animal on Earth. Its black spots provide the clue to the origins of its name, which derives from the Hindi word cita, meaning speckled or variegated. 5. Chutney A thick, pickled condiment made from fruit, vinegar, spices and sugar. This word entered the English language in the 19th century and derives from the Hindi word chatni, whose meaning is more or less the same as the English word. 6. Cot This word has several meanings, but in the sense of a portable bed or a high-sided childs bed, it derives from the Hindi word khat, meaning a bedstead or hammock. It arrived in the English language during the 17th century. 7. Guru Originally a Hindu or Sikh spiritual guide, guru entered English in the 17th century, where it now also means any important and respected intellectual guide or mentor. The original word in the Hindi and Sanskrit, also guru, means venerable. 8. Juggernaut In English, a juggernaut is an unstoppable force or movement that sweeps aside or destroys anything in its path. In the UK it is also used to refer to very large lorries (trucks). The word arrived in English in the 19th century and derives from the word Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu. 9. Jungle An area of dense vegetation or, by extension, any challenging or hostile environment. It derives from the Hindi word jangal meaning a forest and began to be used in English during the 18th century. 10. Loot Loot is both a noun and a verb. As a verb it means to ransack, to steal from someone or something, often in a violent way. The noun means whatever is stolen by the act of looting or, simply, any money. The word derives from the Hindi verb lut, meaning to plunder or steal. 11. Pyjamas/Pajamas A set of loose-tting sleeping clothes, consisting of a jacket and trousers. The pajama spelling is used in North America. The word entered English in the 19th century. It derives from the Hindi word payjamah, meaning leg (pay) and clothing (jamah). Categories Popular Articles 40 Yiddish Words You Should Know 10 Rules for Writing Numbers Vocabulary Test 1 Passed vs Past Writing a Reference Letter Creative Writing 101 44 Resume Writing Tips Among vs. Amongst 6 Foreign Expressions You Should Know Let the Word Do the Work How to Format a US Business Letter That vs. Which 50 Incorrect Pronunciations To Avoid The Writing Process Inquire vs. Enquire 25 Pieces of Writing Software 12 Greek Words You Should Know Cannot or Can Not? What Does Sic Mean? 15 English Words of Indian Origin http://www.dailywritingtips.com/15-english-words-of-indian-origin/ 1 of 9 14/08/11 23:06 12. 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