Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Sanskrit Word in English: Punch

The English word PUNCH, meaning the drink, comes from the Sanskrit pancha and Hindi pancha meaning "five," (compare the Greek root pent- as in pentagram, pentagon, etc.). The idea is that punch is made of five ingredients; compare the Sanskrit compound word panchamrita, the "five nectars," pancha + amrita (a word related to Greek ambrosia) which was made of milk, curd, butter, honey, and molasses.

English punch is made from a mixture of alcoholic and non-alcoholic ingredients, usually wine or liquor mixed with water, fruit (or fruit juice), spices and sugar. It is sometimes served hot. There are also non-alcoholic punch drinks for children.

Punch is traditionally served in a big punch bowl: