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Borrowed Words and Phrases Quizzes, Trivia and Puzzles
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Borrowed Words and Phrases Trivia

Borrowed Words and Phrases Trivia Quizzes

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English has borrowed many words from other languages. Here you'll find quizzes on many of these words.
87 quizzes and 887 trivia questions.
1.
  Where Did We Get That Word?   top quiz  
Label Quiz
 10 Qns
Loanwords from European Languages
Although English has borrowed words from a myriad of world languages, a sizable part of these loanwords come from the European continent. Can you find some of these words on the map?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, LadyNym, Apr 20 24
Very Easy
LadyNym gold member
Apr 20 24
594 plays
2.
  Guanhua, Hangugeo or Nihongo?   top quiz  
Classification Quiz
 12 Qns
Chinese, Korean or Japanese?
English has borrowed many words from languages all over the world, including East Asia. Can you determine which of these 12 words come from Chinese, Korean or Japanese?
Very Easy, 12 Qns, wellenbrecher, Jun 18 24
Very Easy
wellenbrecher gold member
Jun 18 24
290 plays
3.
  Cool Phrases    
Multiple Choice
 5 Qns
Cool words you can incorporate into everyday confabulations. Enjoy!
Tough, 5 Qns, thejazzkickazz, Dec 30 02
Tough
thejazzkickazz gold member
3411 plays
4.
  Please May We Borrow Your Word?   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
The English language has many words that have come originally from other languages. In this quiz you need to match the word to the language it originates from.
Easier, 10 Qns, Stoaty, Oct 01 23
Easier
Stoaty gold member
Oct 01 23
581 plays
5.
  Australian Words - Aboriginal or Not? editor best quiz   great trivia quiz  
Collection Quiz
 15 Qns
Not surprisingly, many Australian words originate in Aboriginal languages. But beware - some common ones are from other languages instead. Can you work out which ones are which?
Difficult, 15 Qns, stedman, Nov 01 23
Difficult
stedman editor
Nov 01 23
298 plays
6.
  A Feast of Spanish... Words   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 15 Qns
English has borrowed quite a few words for popular foods from Spanish - though some of these loanwords may be more obvious than others. Test your knowledge by taking this match quiz!
Easier, 15 Qns, LadyNym, Sep 08 23
Easier
LadyNym gold member
Sep 08 23
285 plays
7.
  Speaking French: in English   best quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Many French words have found their way into everyday English. Can you match these words, originating in France, to their meaning in English?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, rossian, Apr 05 23
Very Easy
rossian editor
Apr 05 23
870 plays
8.
  Excuse My French editor best quiz   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Please excuse me, but I must use French words in this English quiz. Here's ten questions about French words adopted into the English language.
Easier, 10 Qns, guitargoddess, Aug 23 22
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
guitargoddess gold member
Aug 23 22
9930 plays
9.
  Speaking German: in English   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
As with other languages, many German words have found their way into English. How many of them do you know?
Easier, 10 Qns, rossian, Aug 23 22
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
rossian editor
Aug 23 22
6046 plays
10.
Before Baba Ghanoush There Was the Artichoke
  Before Baba Ghanoush, There Was the Artichoke editor best quiz   best quiz  
Photo Quiz
 10 Qns
Many of us are familiar with the names of Middle Eastern foods such as kebab, hummus or baba ghanoush. However, a number of everyday English words for food and drink items also come from Arabic or other languages of the Middle East.
Easier, 10 Qns, LadyNym, Aug 23 22
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11,12
Easier
LadyNym gold member
Aug 23 22
503 plays
trivia question Quick Question
What does "Double entendre" mean?

From Quiz "What Does My French Quote Mean?"




11.
  What Does My Latin Quote Mean?   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give you a Latin quote that people use in everyday life even today - and you select the nearest correct translation of it. Have fun :)
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Creedy, Aug 23 22
Recommended for grades: 10,11,12
Very Easy
Creedy gold member
Aug 23 22
4365 plays
12.
  The Long Journey to English   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Here are ten words from ten different cultures that, over time, have made their way into the English language. Can you work them out from the clues given?
Easier, 10 Qns, Creedy, May 20 17
Easier
Creedy gold member
1879 plays
13.
  Latin in the Modern World   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I am going to look at ten Latin words or phrases which have survived into modern English. Be careful sometimes the literal translation from Latin doesn't match the modern day meaning associated with the word or phrase.
Easier, 10 Qns, BxBarracuda, Dec 09 18
Easier
BxBarracuda
Dec 09 18
5261 plays
14.
  What Language Did These Words Come From?   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
This is a quiz on etymology- the origin of some common words. From what languages did these words originate?
Average, 15 Qns, crisw, May 25 22
Average
crisw gold member
May 25 22
10744 plays
15.
  A French Connection   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
There are a number of French words and phrases that we commonly use in the English language. Can you match these ones up with their correct meaning?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, reedy, Jul 23 17
Very Easy
reedy gold member
2078 plays
16.
  Sources of English: Latin editor best quiz   top quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Already when still living on the Continent the Anglo-Saxon tribes had picked up many words from their Roman enemies. Then came Church Latin. The Norman Conquest added large portions of French. But then there was the Renaissance. See for yourself.
Average, 10 Qns, flem-ish, Sep 08 23
Average
flem-ish
Sep 08 23
11133 plays
17.
  Common Foreign Words And Phrases 5.   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Common foreign words and phrases are borrowed from other languages. How many of them do you know? Good Luck!
Easier, 10 Qns, Soozy_woozy, Sep 19 15
Easier
Soozy_woozy
6601 plays
18.
  Common Foreign Words And Phrases   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 15 Qns
Many words, phrases and quotations from foreign languages are commonly used in our books, magazines and everyday conversation. How many of these do you know? Good Luck!
Easier, 15 Qns, Soozy_Woozy, Aug 23 22
Recommended for grades: 7,8,9,10,11
Easier
Soozy_Woozy
Aug 23 22
7166 plays
19.
  Borrowed English Words from Japanese   best quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
You may not have realized it, but the Japanese language has helped play its part in shaping the English language vocabulary. Here are 10 examples of this phenomenon...enjoy and learn!
Average, 10 Qns, thejazzkickazz, Aug 23 22
Recommended for grades: 10,11,12
Average
thejazzkickazz gold member
Aug 23 22
7727 plays
20.
  English Words and Phrases with Chinese Origins   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Ni-hao! You probably know that English has incorporated lots of words from the Chinese, like bok choy, tofu, soy, and dim sum, but there are many other words and expressions that come from Zhōng-guó, the "Middle Kingdom" that Westerners call China.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, gracious1, Jan 09 22
Recommended for grades: 6,7,8,9,10,11,12
Very Easy
gracious1 gold member
Jan 09 22
371 plays
21.
  Common Foreign Words And Phrases 10   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many words, phrases and quotations from foreign languages are commonly used in our books, magazines and everyday conversation. How many of these do you know? Good Luck!
Easier, 10 Qns, soozy_woozy, Dec 06 12
Easier
soozy_woozy
3956 plays
22.
  We Stole That from the Irish   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Ireland and England are neighbors so it is no surprise the Irish and English languages share so many words. Here are ten English words based off an Irish (Gaelic) word.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Nov 24 17
Recommended for grades: 9,10,11
Very Easy
Joepetz gold member
1278 plays
23.
  We Stole That from the Africans   top quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
Africa is home to many languages and English gets a surprisingly large amount of words from these languages. Here are ten words with origins in Africa.
Easier, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Dec 11 17
Easier
Joepetz gold member
891 plays
24.
  Common Foreign Words And Phrases 3.   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
Many words and phrases from other languages are used in our everyday conversations and literature. How many of these do you know? Good Luck!
Average, 10 Qns, Soozy_Woozy, Sep 29 12
Average
Soozy_Woozy
4975 plays
25.
  We Stole That from the French   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
French is language of love but it is also apparently the language of English words since so many come from there. Do you recognize these ten English words of French origin?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Nov 15 17
Recommended for grades: 11,12
Very Easy
Joepetz gold member
1387 plays
26.
  Eating Our Words-Chinese Style   great trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
The English language is rich in words absorbed from other cultures. This quiz looks at how Chinese food words came to be digested and served up in English.
Average, 10 Qns, jaknginger, Aug 29 22
Average
jaknginger gold member
Aug 29 22
272 plays
27.
  We Stole That from the Eastern Europeans   great trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
A quiz about ten words that came into English from various Eastern European languages.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Dec 11 17
Very Easy
Joepetz gold member
893 plays
28.
  We Stole That from the Japanese   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
You might have heard all of these Japanese words used in English, but do you know what they really mean?
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Jan 04 18
Very Easy
Joepetz gold member
Jan 04 18
818 plays
29.
  What Does My French Quote Mean?   popular trivia quiz  
Multiple Choice
 10 Qns
I'll give you a French quote that English speaking people use in everyday life today from time to time - and you select the nearest correct translation of it. Have fun :)
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Creedy, Apr 09 23
Very Easy
Creedy gold member
Apr 09 23
2828 plays
30.
  We Stole That from the Germans   popular trivia quiz  
Match Quiz
 10 Qns
English is a Germanic language, so this is a quiz about some English words that originated in a variety of languages currently or formerly spoken in Germany.
Very Easy, 10 Qns, Joepetz, Dec 01 17
Very Easy
Joepetz gold member
1040 plays
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Borrowed Words and Phrases Trivia Questions

1. British People are well known for a 'cup of char'. What are they drinking with an uplifted pinkie?

From Quiz
Eating Our Words-Chinese Style

Answer: Tea

The word 'char' (or cha) is an Anglican form of the Chinese word 'tcha', meaning tea, and is also close to the Indian word 'chai'. So by ordering char tea, or chai tea, you're actually ordering tea tea. The practice of steeping tea leaves in water originated in China somewhere around 2700BC and it first spread to Japan and then Europe. The Portuguese princess, Catherine of Braganza, reportedly introduced the beverage to the court of King Charles II and tea became popular throughout England by the 1720's. Phoenix Rising's leith90 brewed this question and poured it into the quiz, then happily sipped on a cup of coffee. No pinkie extended.

2. "Feng shui" is the art of geomancy, which is an ancient Chinese practice to use energy forces to harmonize people with the environment. Literally what does "feng shui" mean?

From Quiz More Loanwords from Chinese

Answer: Wind and water

In Chinese pinyin, "feng" means wing and "shui" means water. This is an ancient practice of using "invisible forces" that bring the universe, earth, and humanity in harmony. It is a practice used to orient buildings, tombs, residences and structures in an auspicious manner. The site is determined by consideration of features such as bodies of water, stars or the compass.

3. What is a traditional one piece dress that was made popular in Hong Kong in the 1950s?

From Quiz Loanwords from Chinese

Answer: Cheongsam

A cheongsam in Cantonese is a traditional one piece, tight fitting dress with a slit skirt, mandarin collar, and features of Manchu origin. The word "cheongsam" comes from the Shanghai term "zansae". It is "qipao" in Chinese Pinyin. The dress was popularized by many Shanghai tailors who fled to Hong Kong after the Communist takeover in 1949.

4. While chipolata in English refers to a small sausage, the original Italian word, cipolla, refers to which vegetable, a member of the allium family?

From Quiz Speaking Italian: in English

Answer: Onion

This is a word which has a totally different meaning in English from the original Italian. The English chipolata is a thin sausage while the Italian name refers to a dish of onions. The Italian dish is cipollata, deriving its name from the word for onion, as quoted in the question. According to the Oxford dictionary, the word made its way into English via French in the late nineteenth century.

5. Which Sanskrit word meaning incarnation gained popularity from its use in role playing video games?

From Quiz I Got These Words from India

Answer: Avatar

The Sanskrit word avatar has its roots in the term 'to cross over' and originally meant the earthly manifestation of a deity. In Hinduism, it is most commonly used to refer to the ten different incarnations of Vishnu, one of the triumvirate which also includes Brahma and Shiva. While avatar is used to describe a physical manifestation of an idea or philosophy, in video games it is used for a character assumed by the player in the game.

6. Many an evening out begins with a BUS ride into town. From which language do we get the word BUS?

From Quiz Take Me To Your Lieder!

Answer: Latin

"Bus" is a shortened form of "omnibus", which means "for everyone" in Latin. The term "voiture (carriage) omnibus" was first used in Paris in about 1820.

7. This word, borrowed from the French, appeared in our language not long after a new form of transportation associated with it was introduced to the world. What is that word?

From Quiz The Long Journey to English

Answer: Garage

Cars were introduced to the world in 1886 when the intrepid Karl Benz first designed his motor wagon. These were looked upon as a rarity for the following twenty years until the American Henry Ford, in 1908, came up with the idea of his famous Model T Ford, a car inexpensive enough for the general public to purchase. By the early 20th century, the word for a shelter for a car, when not in use, was introduced into the French as the word "garer". Its translation was "to shelter". "Garer" then drove over to the English language when it evolved into the word "garage".

8. The word 'Schadenfreude' is borrowed from what language?

From Quiz Schadenfreude!

Answer: German

Schadenfreude is a word of German origin. The Norwegian interpretation of the word is 'skadefryd', in the Netherlands they say 'Leedvermaak' and in Sweden it is called 'Skadeglädje'.

9. A sauna room can be a very popular place. Do you know which language "sauna" originates from?

From Quiz Parlez-Vous Inglés, Mein Herr?

Answer: Finnish

"Sauna", a word meaning a room used as a hot-air or steam bath to refresh and clean the body, comes from Finnish. They're great places to be on a cold winter evening. Those of us in the northern latitudes salute the Finns for this most useful invention.

10. When the company sent their employees out of town on business, they gave them a "per diem" for lodging and food, anything else came out of the employee's own funds. What meaning does the Latin phrase "per diem" have in modern English?

From Quiz Latin in the Modern World

Answer: Per day

"Per diems" cover business expenses employees run into while travelling on business for their employer. "Per diems" replace the need for the paperwork involved with expense reports following business travel.

11. Alzheimer's Disease was named after a German doctor, with the expression passing into common usage in English. What type of illness is it?

From Quiz Speaking German: in English

Answer: Dementia

The condition was first identified in 1906 by Alois Alzheimer, and refers to mental deterioration. It normally affects those over sixty-five, although it can affect younger people when it is described as 'early-onset' Alzheimer's. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion and mood swings and it is incurable.

12. One place you might see this French word in English-speaking countries is on a restaurant menu. Which word?

From Quiz Excuse My French

Answer: Entree

'Entrée' means 'entrance' in French. Interestingly, while the word 'entrée' is used in English-speaking countries around the world, the meaning can differ. In many regions, the word takes on its French meaning and refers to an appetizer course in a meal - an entrance into the meal, if you will. In North American English, however, the word 'entrée' typically refers to the meal's main course.

13. What does "À la carte" mean?

From Quiz What Does My French Quote Mean?

Answer: On the menu with each dish priced separately

The "carte" in this expression simply means the card on which the individual dishes are listed and priced. The expression usually means everything can be ordered separately. This can be contrasted against the term "table d'hôte" which is a complete meal with the one overall price. It is believed the first time the expression was cited in English was in the 1826 book "Notes and Reflections During a Ramble in Germany" which was written by one Joseph Sherer.

14. What does "Ad hoc" mean?

From Quiz What Does My Latin Quote Mean?

Answer: For this purpose

This literal translation means "for this" but it's more commonly used to replace the phrase "for this purpose" when used today. It could best be described as the answer or solution for a particular and specific problem or task only, which cannot be applied to anything else but that problem or task.

15. It was the first day of the holidays, Suzy was eating her breakfast. "Pass the marmalade please," she asked her brother, From where in the world does the word marmalade come from?

From Quiz Where in the World...

Answer: Portugal

Marmalade was originally made from quinces and the name comes from the Portuguese marmelada or marmelo - a quince.

16. Everyone knows the word "Robot" but do you know what language it comes from originally?

From Quiz Foreign Words in English

Answer: Czech

Czech writer and painter Josef Capek had created the word robot for his brother's theatre play. Karel Capek used the word for first time in his play "R.U.R." The name "robot" is derived from Czech word "robota" meaning "corvée"; "robot" is someone doing a corvée or chore. In addition, Slovak has the word "robota" and Russian has a similar word "rabota"; both with the meaning "work." Corvée is a type of forced labor when a cotter is forced to work for a feudal lord free of charge.

17. Which language does "eureka" come from?

From Quiz World Words

Answer: Greek

"Eureka" is a cry of triumph. It was used by many gold-diggers in Australia at around 1840 when they found gold. "Eureka" was also used by astronauts when they landed on the moon.

18. What does the Spanish word AMIGO mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 10

Answer: Friend

The Spanish word 'amigo' is also used in the Portuguese language and it means 'friend or 'comrade'. It has been widely used in America due to the influence of early Spanish explorers, and it comes from the Latin word 'amicus'. Many American movies have used the phrase 'Adios amigo', which means 'goodbye friend'.

19. What does the French phrase AU FAIT mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 9

Answer: Fully informed

The French phrase AU FAIT literally means 'to the point'. The phrase also means 'expert' and 'fully informed'. The French word 'au' means 'at the' and the word 'fait' means 'fact'. In British English it is used to mean 'familiar' or 'conversant'. E.g., 'The rest of the class were not really au fait with my ideas about the new curriculum'.

20. What does the Latin phrase A PRIORI mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 8

Answer: Taken for granted

The Latin phrase A PRIORI means 'not supported by fact', 'taken for granted' and 'self evident'. It relates to something that is based on theory rather than experiment, which requires no evidence for its validation or support. The medieval Latin words 'a' means 'from' and 'priori' means 'former'. E.g., 'saving starving children is a good thing a priori'.

21. The Latin phrase AD NAUSEAM means:

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 7

Answer: To a sickening degree

The Latin phrase AD NAUSEAM means 'to a sickening degree' and 'to the point of nausea'. E.g., 'the actor spoke of his many conquests ad nauseam'. The word 'ad' means 'to' and the word 'nauseam' means 'sickness'. This phrase has been used in English since the 1600s.

22. What does the Latin phrase AMOR PATRIAE mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 6

Answer: Patriotism

The Latin phrase 'amor patriae' means 'love of country' and 'patriotism'. It is used for those people who vigorously support their country and its way of life.

23. What does the Latin phrase NOTA BENE mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 5.

Answer: Note well

The Latin phrase 'nota bene' means 'note well', or 'take note'. The phrase is usually abbreviated and used to bring attention to something important. We use the abbreviations NB, N.B., nb or n.b. to signify these words.

24. What does the Spanish word AFICIONADO mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 4

Answer: An admirer

'Aficionado' is the Spanish word for a 'devoted fan'. It is often used in the musical theatres or sporting areanas, to describe very enthusiastic fans.

25. What do the Latin words EXEMPLI GRATIA mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 3.

Answer: For example

'Exempli gratia' is a Latin phrase meaning 'for the sake of example'. In English we use the abbreviation e.g. as an abbreviated form to mean 'for example'.

26. What do the Latin words PATER NOSTER mean?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases 2.

Answer: Our Father

Pater noster is a Latin phrase, which the Roman Catholic church uses for the 'Lord's Prayer'. Also known as the 'Our Father', it is a prayer used world wide by many Christian denominations.

27. What is a BRASSERIE?

From Quiz Common Foreign Words And Phrases

Answer: A coffee house

This describes a French cafe or restaurant where light meals, coffee, teas, juices etc. are served. Unlike a bistro, it would be expected to have professional waiters and printed menus. The word is also used to describe a brewery, which is the origin of its use to describe the type of eating establishment which brews its own beer (although that is not always the case in modern times).

28. This fruit, most often associated with India, comes from the Tamil and Malayalan words for this fruit. It was first adopted into Portuguese, and from there entered the English language in the form we know it today. Which fruit?

From Quiz More Words of Indian Origin

Answer: Mango

The word 'mango' comes from the Portuguese word, 'manga', which by itself comes from the Tamil and Malayalam word, 'mankay' for the fruit. India is the world's largest producer and exporter of numerous kinds of mangoes, especially the luscious "Alphonso" variety, besides others of varying size, shape, colour and taste.

29. The Hindu God, Vishnu, has "contributed" two words to the English language. One of them is "avatar" meaning incarnation, referring to his ten incarnations on the Earth to save mankind. What is the other?

From Quiz Words of Indian Origin

Answer: juggernaut

The word, "juggernaut", meaning a massive, unstoppable force, comes from one of the names with Vishnu is worshipped, Jagannath, especially in the eastern city of Puri. Here, an annual chariot ceremony sees the idol of Jagannath being placed in a massive wooden chariot and dragged around the streets of the city by devotees. Some devotees used to throw themselves under this chariot, believing that death this way would help their souls attain eternal bliss in Vaikunta, Vishnu's abode. However, this practice is less popular now and the devotees are content with a piece of wood from the chariot after it is dismantled. (I must thank funtrivia player, vpatnaik, for providing me the correct information on the event which occurs in his home state.;))

30. Various borrowings from Arabic relate to foodstuffs that were imported after the Crusades. One such foodstuff is an expensive yellow spice that the Arabs called "zafaran". What does English call it?

From Quiz Arabic Words In English

Answer: saffron

Gives colour and flavour to your paella. Not to be confounded with 'safflower', the seeds of which are used for oil. Other Arab imports were the artichoke (al kharshuf); caraway (al karawya) and apricots (alburquq).

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