Magyars

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A group of people native to Hungary, primarily known for their unique language and cultural heritage
2. The ethnic group that forms the majority population in Hungary, with significant historical influences on Central Europe
3. Referring to the citizens of Hungary, particularly those who identify with the Hungarian national identity and traditions

Etymology: The English word "Magyars" is simply the plural of "Magyar", the name the Hungarians use for themselves. The surprise is that the Hungarians' own name for their people is not a grand title or a tribal label but a plain word for a human being. "Magyar" comes from Hungarian, where it descends from a Proto-Ugric form meaning "man" or "person", a root the Uralic languages share. In other words, the people who call themselves Magyars were, in effect, calling themselves "people". Because the word is native to Hungarian, English borrowed it from the language of the people themselves rather than from a foreign neighbour's label, which is why the name has remained in use alongside the older English "Hungarians". The plural form simply follows English practice for borrowed ethnic names.

Synonyms: hungarians