Fun With Words
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’
Additionally there are many locations that still retain the place names in the original Wôpanâak language. Here is a sampling of some of those locations:
Original Name:
Weeqay8ut
Current Name: Waquoit
Translation: Place of Light.
Original Name:
Mônâmashkayut
Current Name: Monamascoy
Translation: Abundant grass and herb place.
Original Name:
Âhqunah
Current Name: Aquinnah
Translation: The end of the island.
Moose:
M8s (moos) = ‘moose’
Powwow:
Pawâw (pa-waaw) = ‘s/he is healing/heals (someone)’
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:
Mâsach8sut (maa-sa-choo-sut)
Current Name: Massachusetts
Translation: Place of the foothill. This was probably referring to the Blue Hills.
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.