Etymology Map
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Ayran

3 stages from Turkic to English.

Today it means a cold salted drink of yogurt mixed with water

Where does the word "ayran" come from? It comes from Turkic ayran, passing through Turkish before entering English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
ayran
Turkic · medieval
"yogurt drink"
made by Turkic nomads from soured milk, long before it reached Anatolia
2
Stage 2 of 3
ayran
Turkish · 1900s
"yogurt drink"
Turkey's prime minister declared it the national drink in 2013
3
Stage 3 of 3
ayran
English · 1900s
"salted yogurt drink"
entered English through Turkish restaurants and kebab shops
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Read the full story

Ayran’s story begins in Turkic: ayran meant “yogurt drink.” Made by Turkic nomads from soured milk, long before it reached Anatolia. By 1900s, the word had taken hold in Turkish as ayran. Turkey's prime minister declared it the national drink in 2013. It reached English by 1900s as ayran. Entered English through Turkish restaurants and kebab shops. Today, ayran means a cold salted drink of yogurt mixed with water.