Ten Ways the Vikings Affected the English Language (Video)

The Vikings significantly impacted the English language through their extended presence in England. One notable contribution is the word “berserk,” derived from the Old Norse “berserkr,” meaning a fierce warrior. Today, it describes someone wildly out of control, reflecting the legacy of Viking warriors. Similarly, “anger” comes from the Old Norse “angr,” originally meaning “grief,” highlighting the emotional depth of the term.

Another everyday word with Viking origins is “take,” from the Old Norse “taka,” meaning “to grasp or lay hold.” The Vikings’ reputation for raiding makes this etymology fitting. The word “ugly,” derived from the Old Norse “uggligr,” initially meant “dreadful or fearful,” later evolving to describe something unpleasant in appearance or behavior.

The term “husband” traces back to the Old Norse “húsbondi,” signifying a householder. This reflects the Vikings’ agricultural influence, contrasting with the more complex etymology of “wife.” The days of the week also reveal Viking influence, with Tuesday to Friday named after Norse gods: Tyr, Odin, Thor, and Frigg, demonstrating the integration of Norse mythology into English life.

The word “cake” can be traced to the Old Norse “kaka,” initially referring to a simple mass of baked dough, later evolving to encompass a variety of baked goods in English. The term “happy” has Viking roots, originating from the Old Norse “happ,” meaning “chance” or “good luck,” evolving to denote pleasure or contentment.

Viking influence is also evident in place names across the UK, such as Whitby and Grimsby, which retain their Viking origins. These names often carried to America by English settlers, further spreading their influence.

Lastly, the Vikings introduced the pronouns “they,” “them,” and “their” into English, replacing older forms and contributing to the language’s evolution towards gender neutrality. This grammatical shift highlights the profound and lasting impact of the Vikings on the English language.

Top image: Tattooed Viking man in traditional attire within a historical encampment scene, AI generated.     Source: Larisa AI/Adobe Stock

By Robbie Mitchell