When you hear 'junk' are you hearing English or Malaysian?

'Junk' is a word borrowed from Malaysian 'jong'. The word entered the English language some time around the 14th century.

junk [noun] [14th century]

• pieces of old cable or cordage used especially to make gaskets, mats, swabs, or oakum
• old iron, glass, paper, or other waste that may be used again in some form
• secondhand, worn, or discarded articles
• clutter

See 'junk' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Malaysian.

note: A flat-bottomed sailing vessel of a kind typical of China and the East Indies with a prominent stem and lugsails. From Malay jong via French juncque or Dutch jonke or Portuguese junco.
Etymology: Middle English 'jonke'

See more loan words from 1300s.