The words of the Cypriot dialect are everywhere, and no one can dispute that! They appear in our daily conversations, jokes among friends, family memories, friendships, and generally in moments. Often, we use them spontaneously, almost mechanically (!), without realizing that many of these are not just ‘words’, but small pieces of history and identity.
So, starting with the letter A, we began to remember and confirm how creative, lively, and unpredictable the language we speak remains.
“Avkazo” (Αβκάζω), verb
Used to describe the moisture rising from the ground and fields after excessive rain or heavy watering, causing the fields to become damp or muddy.
“Agallikkin” (Αγαλλίκκιν), noun
This word means laziness.
“Angalemmenos” (Αγκαλεμμένος, -η, -ον), participle
This is he/she/it who has been summoned or complained against; the accused.
“Angaloloo” (Αγκαλολοώ), verb
To gather ears of grain (the top part of the cereal stem) in order to make them into armfuls, or bundles.
“Angomacho” (Αγκομαχώ), verb (Medieval Greek word)
Otherwise known as askomacho or skomacho; meaning to pant, to gasp for breath, to breathe heavily, to suffer, to be tormented, to be tested.
“Angonno” (Αγκώννω), verb
We mean to puff up, to get angry, or even to boast (swell with pride).
“Agnolastos” (Αγνόλαστος/η/ο), adjective
Usually used in the neuter gender: agnolasto refers to a freshly plowed field.
“Agoueron” (Αγουερόν), noun
It means the infant/baby and comes from the word “agou” (cooing sounds).
“Agrellopolyman” (Αγρελλοπόλυμαν), noun
Refers to the tender shoots of vines, plants, and others.
“Agrapettin” (Αγραπέττιν), also “adrapettin”, “grapettin”, noun
This specific word refers to a person, or even an animal or bird, that makes quick and jumping movements. There is also a small bird that bears this name.
And so, with the letter A, we took a small yet full journey! Ten words, ten stops in traditional courtyards, fields, and simple, everyday moments that continue to live within us.
The Cypriot dialect is not something forgotten… it is alive and always finds a different way to “sneak” into our conversations, our joys, and our pain.
