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World Words Trivia Quiz

Many words in the English language are "borrowed" from other languages. In this quiz, we will find out which countries they come from.

A multiple-choice quiz by karyn-li. Estimated time: 2 mins.

Author
karyn-li

Time
2 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
280,460

Updated
Jul 23 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Easy

Avg Score
9 / 10

Plays
2325

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. Which language does "eureka" come from? Hint

Urdu

Chinese

Latin

Greek

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Question 2 of 10

2. Which language does "kaput" come from? Hint

Chinese

Korean

German

Japanese

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Question 3 of 10

3. "Bijou" has been borrowed from which language? Hint

Polish

French

Turkish

Spanish

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Question 4 of 10

4. Which language does "en pension" originate from? Hint

Indian

German

French

Portuguese

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Question 5 of 10

5. From what language is "civilisation" derived from?

Answer: (One word: the language of the Ancient Romans)

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Question 6 of 10

6. What language is "democracy" derived from? Hint

Italian

French

Indian

Greek

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Question 7 of 10

7. Is "kindergarten" derived from Italian?

Yes

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Question 8 of 10

8. From what language does "siesta" originate? Hint

Mayan

French

Spanish

Urdu

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Question 9 of 10

9. From which language does "amphibian" derive? Hint

Indonesian

Polish

Greek

German

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Question 10 of 10

10. What language does "fridge" come from? Hint

Latin

Urdu

Greek

Polish

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Which language does "eureka" come from?

Answer: Greek

"Eureka" is a cry of triumph. It was used by many gold-diggers in Australia at around 1840 when they found gold. "Eureka" was also used by astronauts when they landed on the moon.

2. Which language does "kaput" come from?

Answer: German

"Kaput" means broken, worn out or done with. It was used by the German migrants when they were working in very harsh conditions and for very little pay. "Kaput" is also used as a slang word if a machine is not working or if a car has run out of petrol.

3. "Bijou" has been borrowed from which language?

Answer: French

"Bijou" means small or tiny. "Bijou" also means a jewel or something beautiful. "Bijou" cocktails get their name as they combine the colours of the three most precious jewels in the world.

4. Which language does "en pension" originate from?

Answer: French

"En pension" means a boarding house. It literally means "a lodging with all meals provided".

5. From what language is "civilisation" derived from?

Answer: Latin

"Civilisation" is derived from the Latin word "civitas". "Civitas" means a community of people.

6. What language is "democracy" derived from?

Answer: Greek

"Democracy" is derived from two Greek words, "demos" meaning people and "kratos" meaning to rule. Democracy literally means "rule by the people." Democracy was first used in Ancient Greece. Its purpose was to make decisions based on the opinions of not one but many.

7. Is "kindergarten" derived from Italian?

Answer: No

"Kindergarten" is derived from German. It is made up of two German words, "Kinder", meaning children and "Garten" meaning garden. "Kindergarten" literally means "a garden for the children".

8. From what language does "siesta" originate?

Answer: Spanish

"Siesta" means to sleep, a nap. It is used to describe the action of sleeping for a short time, a "cat nap".

9. From which language does "amphibian" derive?

Answer: Greek

Amphibian literally means "double life". When young, they breathe water through gills, but as adults they breathe air.

10. What language does "fridge" come from?

Answer: Latin

"Fridge" comes from the Latin word "Frigidarium". A "Frigidarium" was the cold room at the Roman baths. Its temperature was under 10 degrees Celsius.

Source: Author karyn-li

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor CellarDoor before going online.
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