swæcc
The English word "taste" is translated into Old English as swæcc.
This noun refers to one of the sensations produced by the tongue.
Meaning: one of the sensations produced by the tongue (noun)
Did you know?
- Because swæcc covered both scent and flavor, an Old English speaker could use the same word to describe a fragrant flower and a salty meal.
- The word swæcc descends from a Proto-Indo-European root that refers to the act of smelling.
- While swæcc describes the sensation, Old English speakers used the verb smæcan to describe the act of tasting.
Example conversation
Eadric and Wulfrun are eating a strange fruit.
- EadricHū is se swæcc, Wulfrun?How is the taste, Wulfrun?
- WulfrunHit is swīðe biter, Eadric.It is very bitter, Eadric.
- EadricMē þynċþ hit swēte.It seems sweet to me.
- WulfrunIċ nāt hwæt hit is.I do not know what it is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries swæcc, CC BY-SA 4.0.
