Borrowed Tongues

Every English word is a traveler. Trace the ancient roots, solve elegant puzzles, and uncover the surprising history of the language you use every day.

The History of English, Reimagined

Dive into the surprising and messy history of the English language! Borrowed Tongues is an elegant, swipe-to-solve puzzle game where you uncover the hidden origins of modern vocabulary.

English isn't just a single language; it's a derivative mishmash of stolen words, borrowed phrases, and immigrant voices. Trace these linguistic roots across time and cultures, unravel historical mysteries, and build your own personal Codex of etymology!

Embark on Your Linguistic Journey

Choose from a diverse map of historical worlds—from Norse Invaders and Arabic Influence to Immigrant Voices and Modern Subcultures. Pick your first three quests and start unraveling history!

Choose 3 worlds to start your quest

Uncover the Surprising History

Dive deep into the fascinating lore behind the language. Learn how Arab astronomers, Dutch traders, and Celtic settlers shaped the very vocabulary we use today.

Learn about the historical worlds that created our language

Swipe to Rebuild the Past

Every word was borrowed from somewhere. Swipe and drag ancient linguistic roots together to reconstruct modern English words in a satisfying, tactile puzzle experience.

Swipe the roots to create the word

Collect & Share Your Codex

Every word you solve is bound into your personal, collectible Codex. Unlock new volumes for each world, take your newfound knowledge with you, and share mind-blowing etymology facts with friends and family!

Collect words in a codex you earn and share

Master the Melting Pot

Immerse yourself in beautifully themed environments. Swipe across the roots, connect the historical fragments, and discover the hidden stories behind the everyday English language.

Gameplay: swipe and connect the historical roots