cwcw

Welsh

Alternative forms

  • gwcw

Etymology

From English cuckoo, from Middle English cokkou, probably from Old French cocu, ultimately onomatopoeic, perhaps via Latin cucūlus (“cuckoo”).

The alternative form gwcw (attested already in Middle Welsh) is a blend of Middle English cokkou and goke (see English gowk).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈkʊku/

Noun

cwcw f (plural cwcŵod)

  1. cuckoo (Cuculidae)
    Synonyms: y gog, caethlydd, y gegid fechan, (Anglesey) gwcw llwydlas

Usage notes

  • Cwcw is usually found preceded by the definite article, y gwcw.

Derived terms

  • bara a chaws y gwcw (“wood sorrel; common sorrel”)
  • canu cywydd y gwcw (“to harp on”, literally “to sing the cuckoo's song”)

Mutation

Mutated forms of cwcw
radical soft nasal aspirate
cwcw gwcw nghwcw chwcw

Note: Certain mutated forms of some words can never occur in standard Welsh.
All possible mutated forms are displayed for convenience.

Further reading

  • D. G. Lewis, N. Lewis, editors (2005–present), “cwcw”, in Gweiadur: the Welsh–English Dictionary, Gwerin
  • R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “cwcw”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies
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