Monday, 7 August 2023

Is 'potlatch' English, or is it actually Amerindian?

'Potlatch' is a word borrowed from Amerindian 'paɬaˑč'. The word entered the English language some time around 1861.


potlatch [noun] [circa 1861]
  • a ceremonial feast of the American Indians of the northwest coast marked by the host's lavish distribution of gifts or ...
  • a social event or celebration
See 'potlatch' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Amerindian.

Etymology: Chinook Jargon 'patlač' from Nootka 'p̓aƛp̓ač'
See more loan words from 1800s.


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