Hindi Words in English

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Instructions: From jungle to shampoo, discover the surprising Hindi origins of many common English words!

1.
The word 'jungle' comes from the Hindi 'jangal.' What did 'jangal' originally refer to?
A
A tropical forest
B
Uncultivated or wild land
C
A swamp
D
A mountainous region
2.
Which English word for a hair-washing product comes from the Hindi 'champo,' meaning 'to press or massage'?
A
Conditioner
B
Rinse
C
Lather
D
Shampoo
3.
The word 'thug' entered English from Hindi. What did the original Hindi 'thag' refer to?
A
A prison guard
B
A street fighter
C
A member of a group of robbers and murderers
D
A bandit
4.
Which English word for a type of open-sided structure or porch comes from the Hindi 'bangla'?
A
Bungalow
B
Cabana
C
Gazebo
D
Pavilion
5.
The word 'loot' is borrowed from Hindi. What does the Hindi 'lut' mean?
A
Gold coins
B
War prize
C
To rob or plunder
D
Treasure
6.
Which English word for loose-fitting trousers comes from the Hindi-Urdu 'pajama'?
A
Leggings
B
Slacks
C
Trousers
D
Pajamas
7.
The word 'veranda' entered English from Hindi. What type of structure does it describe?
A
A balcony
B
An interior hallway
C
A garden fence
D
A roofed platform along the outside of a house
8.
Which condiment's name comes from the Hindi word 'chatni'?
A
Relish
B
Mustard
C
Pickle
D
Chutney
9.
The word 'cot' (a small bed) entered English from the Hindi 'khat.' What did 'khat' refer to?
A
A hammock
B
A bedstead or light bed
C
A sleeping mat
D
A cradle
10.
Which word for a large covered container used to carry people, borrowed from Hindi, was common in British India?
A
Rickshaw
B
Carriage
C
Sedan
D
Palanquin
11.
The word 'avatar' comes from Hindi/Sanskrit. What does it originally mean?
A
A virtual image
B
A digital character
C
A spirit guide
D
A descent or incarnation of a deity
12.
Which word for a type of riding pants comes from the name of the Indian city 'Jodhpur'?
A
Chaps
B
Khakis
C
Breeches
D
Jodhpurs
13.
The word 'khaki' comes from Hindi-Urdu. What does 'khaki' literally mean?
A
Sand-like
B
Brown
C
Dusty or dust-colored
D
Military green
14.
Which English word for a spiritual teacher or expert comes from the Hindi 'guru'?
A
Mentor
B
Master
C
Sage
D
Guru
15.
The word 'punch' (the drink) is believed to come from the Hindi 'panch' meaning what?
A
Fruity
B
Sweet
C
Mixed
D
Five

Answer Key

Question 1

B. Uncultivated or wild land

Question 2

D. Shampoo

Question 3

C. A member of a group of robbers and murderers

Question 4

A. Bungalow

Question 5

C. To rob or plunder

Question 6

D. Pajamas

Question 7

D. A roofed platform along the outside of a house

Question 8

D. Chutney

Question 9

B. A bedstead or light bed

Question 10

D. Palanquin

Question 11

D. A descent or incarnation of a deity

Question 12

D. Jodhpurs

Question 13

C. Dusty or dust-colored

Question 14

D. Guru

Question 15

D. Five

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