Yens

/jɛnz/ noun

Definition

A strong desire or longing for something, or the plural form of the Japanese currency unit.

Etymology

From Japanese 'en' (円), the currency name adopted in the late 1800s. The English word 'yen' meaning desire likely comes from Chinese 'yan' (烟) meaning craving or addiction, reflecting the historical trade influence.

Kelly Says

It's fascinating that the same word in English can mean both a Japanese money unit AND an intense craving—when English borrowed the currency name, it ended up being a perfect homonym for a completely different word meaning 'to yearn,' creating this useful linguistic accident.

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