Egyptian

Overview

Meaning Now

• A native or inhabitant of Egypt.
• The extinct language of ancient Egypt, or the modern Egyptian Arabic dialect.

Journey

The term originates from the Greek 'Aigyptos', which itself likely derives from the Egyptian 'Hwt-ka-Ptah' (Temple of the Soul of Ptah) in Memphis. Historically, in Middle English, 'Egyptian' was often applied to Romani people, leading to the shortened form 'gypsy'.

Evolution

1. Ancient Greek

   Aigyptios

   “of Egypt”

   Derived from Aigyptos, the Greek name for the land of the Nile.

2. Late Latin

   Aegyptianus

   “Egyptian”

3. Middle English

   Egypcien

   “a person from Egypt; historically also used for 'gypsy'”

   Reflects the common medieval belief that Romani people originated in Egypt.

Connections

Explore next

Related to Egyptian

• egypt→
• arabia→
• camel→