Quechua Loanwords - Words From Quechua

Words From Quechua

Unless otherwise specified, Words in English from Amerindian Languages is among the sources used for each etymology

A number of words from Quechua have entered English, mostly via Spanish

Ayahuasca †

from aya "soul" or "spirit" and huasca "vine", via Spanish ayahuasca

Coca †

from kuka, via Spanish coca

Cocaine †

from kuka (see above), probably via French cocaïne

Condor †

from kuntur, via Spanish cóndor

Guanaco †

from wanaku

Guano †

from wanu/huanu via Spanish guano

Inca †

from Inka "lord, king"

Jerky †

from ch'arki, via Spanish charquí

Lagniappe †

from yapay, "add, addition", via Spanish la ñapa (with the definite article la).

Lima †

from rimay, "speak" (from the name of the city, named for the Rimaq river ("Speaking River"))

Llama †

from llama, via Spanish

Pampa †

from pampa, "flat", via Spanish

Pisco †

from pisqu, "little bird" (not from )

Puma †

from puma, via Spanish

Quinine †

from kinakina, via Spanish quina

Quinoa †

from kinwa

Soroche †

from suruqch'i, "mountain sickness" (not from )

Vicuña †

from wik'uña, via Spanish vicuña