hunig
The English word honey is translated into Old English as hunig.
hunig is a noun referring to the sweet substance produced by bees.
Meaning: sweet substance produced by bees (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the West Saxon dialect, the word for honey is hunig.
Did you know?
- The theft of hunig or the hives that produced it was a serious enough crime to be specifically addressed in early Old English legal codes, carrying its own set of fines.
- In early medicinal texts, hunig was not just food but was recorded as a topical treatment for wounds and skin ailments.
Examples in context
- Þæt hunig is swēte.The honey is sweet.
- Hie bringað hunig and win.They bring honey and wine.
Example conversation
Two people are preparing a meal in a kitchen.
- ÆthelstanEadgyth, hæfst þū hunig?Eadgyth, do you have honey?
- EadgythĠēa, iċ hit hæbbe hēr.Yes, I have it here.
- ÆthelstanSele mē þæt hunig, iċ bidde.Give me the honey, I pray.
- EadgythHēr is þæt hunig, Æthelstan.Here is the honey, Æthelstan.
