welsh

¹

[ welsh, welch ]

verb (used without object)

, Informal: Sometimes Offensive.

1. to cheat by failing to pay a gambling debt:

   You aren't going to welsh on me, are you?

2. to go back on one's word:

   He welshed on his promise to help in the campaign.

Welsh

²

[ welsh, welch ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Wales, its people, or their language.

noun

1. the inhabitants of Wales and their descendants elsewhere.
2. Also called Cymric,. the Celtic language of Wales.
3. one of a white, lop-eared breed of swine of Welsh origin that produces a large amount of lean meat.

Welsh

¹

/ wɛlʃ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Wales, its people, their Celtic language, or their dialect of English

noun

1. a language of Wales, belonging to the S Celtic branch of the Indo-European family. Welsh shows considerable diversity between dialects
2. the Welsh
   functioning as plural the natives or inhabitants of Wales collectively

welsh

²

/ wɛlʃ /

verb

1. to fail to pay a gambling debt
2. to fail to fulfil an obligation

Welsh

³

/ wɛlʃ /

noun

1. a white long-bodied lop-eared breed of pig, kept chiefly for bacon

Sensitive Note

The verb welsh and the noun welsher are sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Welsh, the people of Wales. While the actual origin of these words may have nothing to do with Wales or its people, it is better to avoid any expressions linked to a negative stereotype that may have historically disparaged an ethnic or national group.

Derived Forms

• ˈwelsher, noun

Other Words From

• welsh·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of welsh¹

First recorded in 1855–60; perhaps special use of Welsh

Origin of welsh²

Before 900; Middle English Welische, Old English Welisc, derivative of Walh “Briton, foreigner” (compare Latin Volcae a Gallic tribe); cognate with German welsch “foreign, Italian”

Word History and Origins

Origin of welsh¹

Old English Wēlisc, Wǣlisc; related to wealh foreigner, Old High German walahisc (German welsch ), Old Norse valskr, Latin Volcae

Origin of welsh²

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

"Heard cwtch on love island, this is welsh representation," wrote one on X, formerly Twitter.

From BBC

She said the upcoming eisteddfod performance meant she was learning "a bit more welsh", and even learning the language on her phone.

From BBC

We are so proud of them, BUT news on the ground tonight is our welsh female supporters wearing them in #Qatar are having them taken off them, Not the men, just Women.

From BBC

Many visitors on the Maes at the Welsh language and cultural festival were in agreement, with Helen Llwyd, 28, from Carmarthen, who said "it erases the welsh heritage and the welsh history".

From BBC

The woodland will be given a welsh name and should be open to the public later this year.

From BBC