ganja
UK[ˈɡændʒə]US[ˈɡɑːndʒə]
n
The dried leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant, used as an intoxicating drug.
Etymology
The word 'ganja' entered the English language in the late 17th century, borrowed directly from the Hindi and Urdu term 'gānjā'. This South Asian term traces its lineage back to the classical Sanskrit word 'gañjā', which specifically denoted the hemp plant. The journey of the word into global English lexicon was significantly propelled by the cultural and trade practices of the British Empire in India. Unlike many scientific or botanical terms, 'ganja' retained its specific association with the prepared, intoxicating form of cannabis, carrying with it the cultural contexts of its origin into modern usage.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword. It originates from the Hindi/Urdu word 'gānjā', which itself derives from the Sanskrit 'gañjā', referring to the hemp plant.
Examples
The police seized a large quantity of ganja from the hidden compartment.
In some cultures, the use of ganja has traditional religious significance.
The documentary explored the history of ganja cultivation in the region.