un-English
|un-eng-lish|
/ʌnˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
not English; not typical of English
Etymology
'un-English' originates from English, specifically formed from the prefix 'un-' (from Old English 'un-') meaning 'not' and the word 'English' (Old English 'Englisc'), where 'Englisc' meant 'of the Angles'.
'English' changed from Old English 'Englisc', which derived from the name of the Germanic tribe the 'Angles' (Old English 'Englas' / Proto-Germanic *anglaz). The negative prefix 'un-' comes from Old English 'un-' (from Proto-Germanic *un-), and the compound 'un-English' developed by attaching the prefix to 'English' in Modern English.
Initially it would have meant simply 'not English' (i.e., not of or relating to England/the English language); over time the usage broadened to mean 'not characteristic of English behavior, style, or standard English usage' and is often used evaluatively to mark something as odd or improper by English norms.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not typical of English people or English culture; contrary to English customs, manners, or social norms.
His loud, boastful behavior was seen as un-English at the formal dinner.
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Adjective 2
not conforming to standard English usage; awkward, incorrect, or non-standard in the English language.
The sentence sounded un-English to the native speakers and needed rewriting.
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Adjective 3
not English in origin or nationality; foreign (less common usage, often overlapping with 'non-English').
Some customs at the festival were described as un-English by visitors from England.
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Last updated: 2026/01/12 04:05