Lavengro · Chapter
Complete List of English Gypsy Words Scattered Through Lavengro and Romany Rye explained
This chapter is a glossary of Romani words used in George Borrow's works, providing English translations and, in parentheses, common European Gypsy forms.
What happens
This chapter is a glossary of Romani words used in George Borrow's works, providing English translations and, in parentheses, common European Gypsy forms. It serves as a linguistic reference for the reader.
Themes in this chapter
Philology and Learning
The entire chapter is a philological exercise, cataloging Romani words and their origins.
The Gypsy and the Outsider
The glossary centers on Romani language, highlighting the Gypsy as a distinct cultural and linguistic outsider.
Characters to notice
- Lavengro
The word-master or philologist, central to the glossary's theme of language.
- Jasper Petulengro
A Gypsy king whose name and clan (Petulengro, meaning 'horseshoe') appear in the glossary.
- Tawno Chikno
Mentioned in the glossary as 'Shorty,' a Gypsy youth.
- Isopel Berners
A character associated with the Gypsy world, though not directly named in the glossary.
- The Romany Rye
A Gypsy gentleman, referenced in the glossary as 'Romany Rye.'
Key passages
“Lavengro Word-master, philologist.”
Lavengro means 'word-master' or philologist.
Defines the protagonist's name and role.
“Romany Rye Gypsy gentleman.”
Romany Rye translates to 'Gypsy gentleman.'
Explains the title of Borrow's sequel.
“Petulengro Head of the clan 'Smith.'”
Petulengro means 'head of the smith clan.'
Identifies Jasper Petulengro's family trade.