Have you ever thought about the etymology of the word lampshade? What about the enlightening word? Which word do you use most in your daily life, and which is the most appropriate word to use? Let’s start from the beginning, and precisely from the genesis of the word lampshade… This word is widely used in Albania, but where does it stand in relation to other words of the same meaning? Words like “enlightening”…?!
The word lampshade actually comes from the French, and precisely from the word abat-jour. As a loan word it has taken root in our everyday language and not just turning into a very popular slang. Why?
Because to begin with, the meaning is very beautiful, a tool that turns night into day, an instrument that gives you light as if it were day. This was the first, but the second and the most decisive in the use of this word in slang is because, we must take into account that throughout the years of communism, Albania had a great francophone influence, since even the dictator had studied in France, imposing the use of some French words, as in the case of the words: lampshade, byrro, congress, conclusion, formidable, exactamo, madama… and many other words that have taken root in our everyday life, so much so that we do not understand or even think that they are loanwords of French origin.
But what remains to be discussed is the fact that why don’t we use the Albanian word enlightening?
This remains a rhetorical question because no one can understand the power of the word in the mother tongue…
What does enlightening mean?
Very simple… a tool to make light, a tool that illuminates, but it also has a different meaning depending on where it is used eg. A guide, a tool that illuminates the path, but also a person who serves as a guide can be called an enlightener.
If we put the two words we considered on the same plane, we see that although they refer to the same product category, they have completely different initial meaning and explanation, and this is the beauty of etymology.
But on the other hand we can say with pride and complete certainty that Eglo finds application in every purpose to make light. Both in the case of the lampshade and in the case of the lamp.
Wishing you enjoyed the topic and elaboration of today’s blog, we invite you to see all the families of lamps or lampshades from Eglo in the 2021 catalog, where you can find an application for your every desire, taste and need.
15 Sep, 2021