cacwn

Welsh

Cacynen

Cacynen felen

Marchgacynen

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkakʊn/

Noun

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

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

See also

• gwenyn (“honeybees”)

Mutation

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

• 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