picwns

Welsh

Picwnen

Etymology

Related to pipgwn (“wasps”), namely pib (“pipe”) +‎ cŵn (“dogs”), possibly under the influence of pig (“prickle, spike, sting”). See also piffgwn (“wasps”).

Pronunciation

(North Wales) IPA^(key): /ˈpɪkʊns/
(South Wales) IPA^(key): /ˈpɪkʊnz/

Noun

picwns f (collective, singulative picwnen)

(South Wales) wasps
Synonyms: cacwn, gwenyn meirch

Usage notes

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

Mutation

Welsh mutation
radical	soft	nasal	aspirate
picwns	bicwns	mhicwns	phicwns
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), “picwn”, in Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru Online (in Welsh), University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh & Celtic Studies