Re: [tied] Fala

Michal Milewski wrote:

> What is the etymology of the Polish word <fala> (wave)? Is it a
> borrowing from German(ic)? Is it related to German verb <fallen> and
> English <fall>)?

It's a late word, which appeared in the 16th century, became common in
the 17th and quickly ousted the inherited words for 'wave', <wel/na> and
<wal/>. Most etymologists connect it German Welle (MHG wëlle), though
the initial <f-> is problematic. Perhaps it was influenced by
association with the verb <fallen> and its derivatives (e.g. <Wasserfall>).

Piotr