What’s in a name? The surprising origins of common diseases

Reading time: 5 min

Even though we have already entered March, the month that gives us the first taste of spring, seasonal illnesses are still going strong. Lately, our office has felt more like a doctor’s waiting room than a workplace. Between the flu, persistent coughs, and relentless allergies (we’re looking at you, pollen), our coffee break conversations have shifted from weekend plans and all sorts of chit chat a more pressing topic – home remedies that actually work. Of course, given that we specialize in medical and pharmaceutical translations, discussions about health are nothing new in our office.

But as linguists, we could not help but take the conversation in a different direction. Beyond the symptoms and treatments, what about the words themselves? Why do some diseases have such peculiar names? Some sound almost poetic, while others seem downright frightening. Who decided these names, and how did they come to be? And just like that, the idea for this article was born.

Disease names have always been shaped by a mix of folklore, observation, and evolving scientific understanding. In the past, people turned to nature, religion, or even animals for inspiration. Some names have endured for centuries because they are simple, widely recognised, or deeply rooted in tradition, while others have faded as medical advancements exposed their inaccuracies or as society reconsidered stigmatising terminology. Today, modern medicine leans toward clinical, systematic names, with organizations like the WHO promoting neutral, non-stigmatising terminology. Yet, older, more colourful names still linger in our vocabulary, showing the lasting impact of history and culture on medical terminology.

In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the most interesting disease names, uncovering their surprising origins and the stories behind them. From ancient superstitions to misunderstood symptoms, the etymology of diseases reveals a fascinating intersection of language, history, and medicine.

Malaria (Slovenian: malarija)

The name malaria comes from the Italian words mala aria, meaning “bad air.” In medieval Europe, people believed the disease was caused by foul-smelling swamp air rather than the mosquitoes that actually transmit it. The Slovenian term malarija is a direct adaptation of the Italian word, preserving the original misconception.

Influenza (Slovenian: gripa)

The word influenza is the official term for flu in both English and Slovenian. It originates from the Italian phrase influenza di stelle (“influence of the stars”), reflecting the medieval belief that periodic outbreak of the disease were caused by the celestial movements. Over time, the name was shortened to just influenza. The Slovenian term gripa, however, comes from the French grippe, literally meaning “seizure” and describes the sudden onset of the illness.

Consumption (Slovenian: sušica)

Before tuberculosis was fully understood, it was commonly known as “consumption” in English, named for the way it appeared to consume the body, causing extreme weight loss. Similarly, the old Slovenian term sušica comes from sušiti (“to dry out”), emphasising the disease’s wasting effects. While medical terminology has moved on, these old names linger as reminders of how people once described the illness.

Epilepsy (Slovenian: božjast)

The English word epilepsy comes from the Greek epilēpsis (“seizure” or “to be taken hold of”), as people believed the condition was caused by supernatural forces seizing the body. The Slovenian word božjast reflects a similar belief, as it is derived from božji (“divine”), referring to the long-held understanding that epilepsy was a sacred or divine affliction.

Whooping Cough (Slovenian: oslovski kašelj)

The English name whooping cough refers to the characteristic “whooping” sound made by infected individuals when they struggle to breathe after intense coughing fits. The Slovenian name oslovski kašelj translates to “donkey cough”, a reference to the resemblance between the harsh cough and a donkey’s bray.

Rabies (Slovenian: steklina)

The word rabies comes from the Latin rabere, meaning “to rag” or “to be mad”, describing the aggression and agitation seen in infected animals. The Slovenian term steklina comes from “stekel”, meaning “rabid” or “furious” emphasising the same extreme behavioural changes. This disease name reflects the fear and danger associated with rabies throughout history.

Chickenpox (Slovenian: norice)

Despite its name, chickenpox has nothing to do with chickens. The name has been around for centuries and the most common theory says it comes from the resemblance of the rash to chickpeas (cicer in Latin). The Slovenian term norice, however, is in no way related to the similar-sounding word for crazy (“nor”). Instead, it derives from the Proto-Slavic word nora̋, meaning “cave” or “hole.” The name refers to the small, pitted scars that can form if the patient scratches the blisters too much, creating little “caves” or indentations in the skin.

While our understanding of diseases has advanced, their names often reflect the beliefs and observations of the past. Whether descriptive, symbolic, or entirely misleading, they offer a unique linguistic snapshot of how people once made sense of illness. Even as medicine adopts more precise terminology, these historical names remind us how language and science evolve together.

As translators, we know that using appropriate language matters. Whether it is translating informal discussions, doctor’s notes or clinical trials, our expert linguists know exactly which terms to opt for and our experience of over 20 years in the medical and pharmaceutical fields ensures accurate and professional results every time. Get in touch and let us know how we can help you with all your translation needs!

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