Welsh edit

 
Cacynen
 
Cacynen felen
 
Marchgacynen

Etymology edit

Possibly from cach (excrement) +‎ cŵn (dogs). See cachgi bwm (bumblebee) for similar etymological elements.

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

cacwn f (collective, singulative cacynen)

  1. bumblebees
    Synonyms: cachgwn bwm, gwenyn gwyllt
  2. wasps
    Synonyms: gwenyn meirch, picwns
  3. hornets
    Synonyms: cacwn meirch, marchgacwn, picwns coch

Usage notes edit

The word used for various kinds of wasp, bee and hornet in Welsh can vary greatly from area to area.

See also edit

Mutation edit

Welsh mutation
radical soft nasal aspirate
cacwn gacwn nghacwn chacwn
Note: Some of these forms may be hypothetical. Not every possible mutated form of every word actually occurs.

References edit

  • R. J. Thomas, G. A. Bevan, P. J. Donovan, A. Hawke et al., editors (1950–present), “cacwn”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies