Focus ROMI.HR

The evolution of language is a dynamic process that is shaped by diverse cultures and communities over time. British slang has been influenced by the Romani language, which has been spoken by the Romani people in the British Isles for centuries. Roma community has been a presence in the regional populations of the UK for many centuries: historical records show that Roma communities migrated to the UK in the early 15th century, and evidence of this can be found in various official legal documents and formal correspondence. The Romani language naturally began to blend with English, particularly in the context of slang. This blending was caused by the interactions between Romani communities and the wider British society, especially where Romani people were involved in trades such as horse dealing, entertainment, and craftsmanship. Some Romani words entered British slang as a way to maintain secrecy and solidarity, particularly in subcultures that valued secrecy, such as the criminal underworld. Moreover, when the factories were destroyed by Germans in East London during WW2, many people lost their jobs and went off to find work in farms in Kent (Where many Romany worked in the Hop farming sector) and socially mixed with the Roma people, picking up some words from Roma language, that later were blended into English informal language.

Romani-influenced slang words are often used in informal settings and can vary in acceptability depending on the context. Words like "chav" have gained widespread usage but can carry negative connotations and be considered offensive. Others, like "cosh", “pal”, "mush", are more neutral and used colloquially without negative implications. The use of these words can reflect various aspects of identity, such as social class, subcultural affiliation, or regional background.

Examples of Romani Influence on British Slang

Cosh:  

Origin: perhaps from Romani kaš, kašt stick, piece of wood. 

Usage: In British slang, "cosh" refers to a weighted weapon, typically a heavy stick or club used for hitting, similar to a blackjack.

Context: "The robber was armed with a cosh."

Chav:

Origin: Likely derived from the Angloromani (creolized romani of Britain) chavvi "child," from British Romani čavo "(Romani) male child, boy, son," going back to Middle Indo-Aryan *chāpa- "young of an animal".

Usage: a young person in Britain, often from a lower socioeconomic background,  of a type stereotypically known for engaging in aggressively loutish behavior especially when in groups and for wearing flashy jewelry and athletic casual clothing (such as tracksuits and baseball caps).

Context: "He's acting like a chav with that loud music."

Mush:

Origin: Possibly, from the Romani word "mush" meaning "man" or "guy". In British slang, "mush" is used informally to refer to a friend or mate. This word is thought to have Romani roots, possibly coming from the Romani word "musht" meaning man.

Usage: Used in British slang to address or refer to a man.

Context: "Hey mush, can you give me a hand?" 

Narc\Nark:

Origin: From the Romani word "nāk" meaning "nose".

Usage: In British slang, "narc"\ “nark” a person who informs on another especially to the authorities.

Context: "He called police, he's a nark."

Pal:

Origin: From the Romani word "phral" meaning "brother". This is perhaps the most well-used example of a Romani word found in everyday English, usually meaning “friend” in English.

Usage: In British slang, "pal" means a friend.

Context: "He's my best pal, always there for me."

Cushty

Origin: The meaning of cushty originates from an older Romani word “kuč”, meaning expensive. Its use in English is most likely linked to dialect mixing of Anglo-Roma communities and east London cockney speakers. This word was brought into daily use and is often associated with the popular British sitcom Only Fools and Horses.

Usage: In British slang, good or enjoyable.    

Context: “He thinks it’s a cushty deal”.

As we can see, Romani people's longstanding presence in the British Isles have influenced through years the informal English language due to different factors. Understanding these influences not only enriches our awareness of language roots but also highlights the importance of cultural diversity of the communication way.