Click here to add text.
Additionally there are many locations on Cape Cod that still retain the place names in the
original Wôpanâak language. Here is a sampling of some of those locations.
Original Name: Mâseepee (maa-see-pee)
Current Name: Mashpee
Translation: Big water. This refers to Mashpee Pond.
Original Name: Kut8ut (ku-too-ut)
Current Name: Cotuit
Translation: Talking place. This was most likely a place for meetings.
Original Name: Sôty8ut (sonh-too-ut)
Current Name: Santuit
Translation: Sachem's place. This refers to the residency or burial ground of a Sachem.
Original Name: Seep8eesut
Current Name: Sippewisset
Translation: Brook Place. This refers to a particular brook there.
Original Name: Ahshum8ut
Current Name Ashumet
Translation: Fresh water spring place. This refers to a particular spring there.
Original Name: Weeqay8ut
Current Name: Waquoit
Translation: Place of Light
Original Name: Mônâmashkayut,
Current Name: Monamascoy
Translation: Abundant grass and herb place.
Here are some words used in our every day American language that are derived from Wôpanâak:
Pumpkin: Pôhpukun (ponh-pu-kun) = ‘grows forth round’
Moccasin: Mahkus (mah-kus) = ‘Covers the whole foot’
Skunk: Sukôk (su-konk) = ‘Ejects body fluid’
Moose: M8s (moos) = ‘moose’
Powwow: Pawâw (pa-waaw) = ‘s/he is healing/heals (someone)’
