Romany
/ˈrɒməni/noun
Relating to the Romani people or their language.
Did you know?The Romani self-designation Rom is widely connected to the Dom, an Indigenous South Asian social group, although the precise ancient pathway remains debated by linguists.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient India
Sanskrit/Prakrit
ḍoma or ḍomba
“A term associated with certain South Asian communities, traditionally including musicians and itinerant performers; this is the commonly proposed source of Rom.”
Early Medieval Period
Indic
ḍom
“A community name that appears in South Asian linguistic and historical records and is considered a possible ancestor of Rom.”
Medieval Period
Romani
rom
“A man or husband; by extension, a member of the Romani people.”
Medieval Period
Romani
Roma
“The plural or collective form referring to Romani people.”
16th Century
English
Romany
“An English adjective and noun referring to the Romani people, their language, or things associated with them.”
Modern English
English
Romany
“Relating to the Romani people or their language; also used as a name for the Romani language.”