Luxembourgish

Part of speech: adjective, noun

Definitions

1. The official language of Luxembourg, a Germanic tongue closely related to Moselle Franconian and German
2. A West Germanic language spoken primarily in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and parts of neighboring regions
3. The native tongue of Luxembourg, belonging to the Franconian language family and influenced by both German and French

Etymology: Luxembourgish is a straightforward formation: the place name Luxembourg with the suffix "-ish" attached, a combination that English has used for centuries to mean "of, relating to, or characteristic of" a people or place. The suffix itself traces back through Middle English "-ish" and Old English "-isc" to a Proto-Germanic form, where it was used to make adjectives from nouns denoting nationality or origin. The same ending appears in many words English speakers use without a second thought, such as "English," "Scottish" and "Danish." "Luxembourgish" follows that pattern exactly, marking the language or qualities associated with Luxembourg, the small European country whose name comes from the castle of Lucilinburhuc.

Synonyms: Luxembourgian