Small Homes from Around the World
Linguistic Foundations from Bungalow to Yurt
Many English loanwords are sourced from Latin, Greek, French, or German. This story also explores how words from Persian, Hindi and Turkic have also woven their way into the fabric of modern English in these names for small houses.
Bungalow is a type of single-story house that originated in the Bengal region of South Asia and became popular worldwide, especially in the early 20th century. The term “bungalow” derives from the Hindi word “बंगला” (baṅglā), which initially referred to a type of modest, single-story house with a broad front porch, built in the Bengal style.
Over time, the bungalow evolved to include various architectural features such as a low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and large windows — for example the popular ‘California Bungalow’ style from the early 20th century.
Cabin derives from the Middle English word “caban,” which traces its origins to the Old French “cabane.” This, in turn, is likely derived from an Old Provençal or Late Latin word cabanna meaning a hut or a shelter. In American culture, the log cabin is particularly iconic, often associated with the pioneering spirit of the early settlers and the idea of forging a life in the wilderness.
A shelter at a swimming pool or beach can also be called a cabana from the same Latin word (via Spanish cabaña).
Cottage comes from the Middle English “cotage,” rooted in Old English “cot” and “cote,” denoting a small house. German and Dutch have similar words (kotten and kot). It may come from a Uralic language rather than an Indo-European root — see kota in Finnish.
In English literature, cottages have been romanticized as idyllic retreats, symbolizing purity, simplicity, and harmony with nature.
Chalet is a Swiss-French word, derived originally from the Latin casa (for house) via Franco-Provencal çhalè. The chalet-style architecture, while rooted in the practical needs of Alpine farmers, has gained worldwide popularity and can now be found in many countries, especially those with mountainous or snowy regions.
Hut is a primitive dwelling, which can be found in various cultures around the world. The word itself is believed to have Germanic origins; it is akin to the Old High German word “hutta” and the Old English “hytte,” both meaning a hut or a cottage. The term traveled through the languages of Europe, reflecting the widespread nature of this basic form of housing.
A ‘Nissen hut’ is a prefabricated military building — named after Canadian engineer Peter Nissen.
Shack is believed to have emerged in the late 19th century in American English. Its etymology is somewhat uncertain, but it may have derived from the Mexican Spanish word “jacal,” from the Nahuatl word xacallii, which which refers to a hut with a thatched roof and walls made of upright poles or sticks covered with mud or clay.
According to American new wave band the B52s, a ‘love shack’ is ‘a little old place where we can get together’.
Caravan refers to a mobile dwelling or recreational vehicle has an interesting etymological journey. It originates from the Persian word کاروان karwan, denoting a group of people traveling together, often through desert regions, and typically involving trade or pilgrimage. This term was absorbed into English through French, initially retaining its original meaning of a group of travelers.
The word “caravan” was then adopted to describe the horse-drawn wagons used by Romani people, which were often elaborately decorated and served as both transport and home. This association led to the modern usage of “caravan” in the UK, referring to a towed trailer for leisure travel.
Dacha comes from the Russian verb “дать” (dat’), meaning “to give,” reflecting its origins in land grants. Over the centuries, the dacha became a staple of Russian life, especially among the middle and upper classes. In the Soviet era, dachas spread more broadly among the population, as the state allocated parcels of land to workers’ collectives and individuals for recreational use. Today, dachas continue to be an integral part of Russian culture, symbolizing relaxation, self-sufficiency, and a communal way of life.
Igloo has its origins in the Inuktitut language, which is spoken by the Inuit people. In Inuktitut, the word “iglu” simply means “house” or “building.” The term has been adopted into English and other languages specifically to describe the snow houses built by the Inuit, but in its original language, it can refer to any form of dwelling, not just those made of snow. This etymological background highlights the adaptability and resilience of Inuit architectural practices in some of the world’s most challenging living conditions.
Yurts are s a portable, round tents traditionally used by nomads in the steppes of Central Asia, particularly in countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. The term “yurt” reached English from French (yourte) or German (Jurte), from Russian ю́рта (júrta, “yurt”) and before that from a Turkic language of Central Asia meaning (“dwelling place”).
The linguistic journey of these small-house terms from their origins to their current use in English is a fascinating reflection of the language’s adaptability and global reach. Each word, from ‘bungalow’ to ‘yurt,’ carries with it a story of cultural exchange, architectural evolution, and the human instinct to create a sense of home.
These terms enrich the English language, offering a vivid tapestry of international influences that go beyond the typical sources of linguistic borrowing. They remind us that language is not just a tool for communication but a living, evolving entity that captures the essence of human experience across time and space.
If you like the artwork you’ll love the tea towel
I don’t speak most of the languages used in this article — fortunately, ChatGPT did. Explore other ways to use it to learn more about language here:
