Tuesday, 8 August 2023

The Scandinavian roots of the word 'walleyed'

'Walleyed' is a word borrowed from Scandinavian 'vagl-eygr'. The word entered the English language some time around the 15th century.


walleyed [adjective] [15th century]
  • having or affected with
  • marked by a wild irrational staring of the eyes
See 'walleyed' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Scandinavian.

Etymology: By folk etymology from Middle English 'wawil-eghed' part translation of Old Norse 'vagl-eygr' walleyed, from 'vagl' beam (akin to Greek 'ochleus' bar, Old English 'wegan' to move, carry) + 'eygr' eyed
See more loan words from 1400s.


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