When I first met my husband and visited Donegal, I found it difficult to understand what everyone was saying. Im so glad you found my website its a nice way to link with others who feel connected to Ireland and want to learn more about our culture and heritage. He sets his novels in Derryclaims to have lived there for a timebut the way he paints the city and especially its people is disgusting. Television does not help either. I couldnt agree more with you about stage Irish dialogue. A casual Irish word for mouth (the toast gob fliuch, for example); also used for beak. Its the adverbs that get a writer in trouble; they tell the reader the writers take on whats happening in the story, which deprives the reader of arriving at their own conclusion. A term for cash that has journeyed around American, British and Irish slang and could actually comes from the Greek spondulox, a type of shell used as an early form of money. Our favourite theory is the India-based Royal Munster Fusiliers being pestered by langur monkeys. Its lovely to learn that you too observe similarities between the Irish and Mexican cultures. Eighteenth- and 19th-century Scottish and English schoolboy slang (sapskull, saphead) that the Irish took and shortened. When I first typed the phrase I put down an, but then I changed back to a. I know just what you mean. As in the character from A Midsummer Nights Dream. Barbecues In Ireland And The Big Grill Festival, https://www.irishamericanmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Puff-of-smoke-video.mp4, Best Irish Desserts and Recipes You Need to Try, Cucumber Salad: A Delicious And Healthy Picnic Recipe, Exploring The Advantages Of Buying Seasonal Foods, 19th Century Irish Immigrants Who Made Multiple Journeys To America, Read More About The Irish American Mom Community. Its very difficult for a non-Irish person to get it right.
The ultimate Irish response and affirmation that in any other context means something far . A disposition, a state of being, a sin to not be any, the craic like many quintessentially Irish things, from St Patrick to chippers isnt Irish at all but is very much our own. COPYRIGHT 2022. After living in America for many years my ears are in shock for a few weeks upon first returning to Ireland. A history of Ireland in 100 words: 2 Gubu. A phrase that was born in 1492, when the Butlers of Ormonde and the FitzGeralds of Kildare were involved in a dispute that culminated in the Butlers going to St Patricks Cathedral in Dublin, where they were followed by the FitzGeralds. This term for a girl, attractive woman or someones girlfriend, which has various spellings, emerged from the term for woman in Shelta, the old Traveller language. I was interested to see your post about the word wains used as a word for children. I tucked into my County Cork, like any good Cork woman might, and as I experienced the new taste explosions of mingling corned beef, sauerkraut, cheese and Thousand Island dressing, I had to pause to exclaim . I guess the best thing to do, is make a novel in the States, and Do what the Romans do here, and if you want to sell it in Ireland, just change it using adjectives. Ireland has great writers, better than 99.5% of the professors teaching courses on how to write. Language, He should write about things like when all the women in our street ( my mam incuded) were out banging their bin lids to warn of the RUC or the British soldiers coming in to commit atrocities against innocent families, and how we protected one another. And sure any he has its all beside the mark, describing the sound of a gull, in Finnegans Wake. Up in Scotland, fun is a rarefied thing obviously. Less offensive than the other bad word, and popularised in Britain when Father Ted became a hit.
Pure sound, like. Photograph: E+/Getty. I have a feeling its probably a Scottish dialect word which found its way to Northern Ireland with Scottish settlers. In Ireland we would use a historical novel, since we pronounce hs with a very distinct huh sound. All the best, In the Irish language (Gaeilge or Gaelic) many adjectives end in -ach which is pronounced -ock, like in clock. Best wishes, Its good to hear that you too tended towards the more verbose with your writing. Speaking of Irish authors you mentioned some of my favourites too, and I also love the novels by Marian Keyes and Melissa Foster. A history of Ireland in our favourite words: 39 quark. Photograph: Cern. My mouth is watering already.
Trying to find your keys in your bag, forgetting your phone and then having to go back again for your wallet, messing around with a bunch of belongings, putting things in and out of drawers. You This term, meaning a very public quarrel, or brawl, isnt exactly common in Ireland, but it crops up in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and North America. Take care and thanks for joining our discussion on Irish expressions and use of language. And so I hope you enjoyed my whimsical, amusing, and hopefully entertaining ramble about the Irish love of adjectives. Oh, youve hit on one of my very favorite topics the utterly charming Irish way with words. I laughed when you mentioned that ever-so-Irish term F-bomb-all. Take care, Could it mean at 90mph (similar to going ninety, or reaching boiling point, or with a heart rate of more than90bpm? The prolific use of the F-word in Ireland, can really come as quite a surprise to the unsuspecting tourist. And as for your F-bomb comments, you are so right! Ireland has many fine townland names it is one of the glories of the Irish countryside: poetic, historic, evocative, and part of daily intercourse in which the Irish language is kept alive and well. Awww. We can spot it so easily, and can always tell a fake Irish accent within a few words in a film. Perhaps nowhere was the concept of the shebeen more embraced than in South African townships, where they are an important part of the social and cultural landscape. As a child visiting Donegal to see family, I have lovely memories of storytellers and fiddlers calling at the farmhouse and telling wonderful stories and legends and playing music for us. Required fields are marked *. Brian. The illegal period of drinking in a closed pub after hours that Saoirse Ronan blew the cover on when she tried to explain the concept to Jimmy Fallon last year. And nearly always used incorrectly and all. I love many Irish books, but recently many of my favorite Irish writers seem to have passed, like Maeve Binchy, Frank McCourt, Nuala OFaolain, to name but a few. Charlie Haughey, whose response to the discovery of the murderer Charles Macarthur in the attorney generals home, in 1982, Conor Cruise OBrien turned into the acronym. They left out the social ostracisation and lifelong character assassination that can follow for those who don't get the round in. Hi Brian If only you had captured those prancing sisters on camera youd have a viral video on your hands. Ireland has an illustrious history of mineral-inventing. So to be correct, since I wrote this blog post in America, I technically should have used an. I think the adoption of the word feck by the Irish is further proof of how we derive such satisfaction in uttering the -ck sound at the end of words. Blastach (prounounced bloss-thock) = tasty. The slang for a drink overtook jar. Someone brought up the use of the word after in Irish speech and I have to say, I have honestly never heard anyone IRL say they were after doing something. From the Irish maith, meaning good (but also well and like), the term for someones girlfriend. I hope they will always heed my warnings. My theory is that when we Irish speakers transferred over to the English tongue we took with us a desire to express descriptions with the same guttural satisfaction we derived from our old Irish adjectives. Ive always wondered why folks laugh when I say what a lovely cup of coffee and such, seems perfectly normal to me. Best wishes, Ill have to give curing bacon a try. An old term of affection, from a chuisle mo chro (pulse of my heart). * we give an approximate pronunciation guide in brackets where we think it's needed. A pretty old word, dating back to the 15th century, that was used to describe a small knife, then various digging tools and, eventually, the vegetable itself. As for the corned beef and cabbage it really is an American tradition. I get told every blessed year that I must not be truly Irish. Stressed out, agitated, unbelievably busy. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK". Ahh, Mairead, thanks for being such a good sport. (We use a 9.4 liter/40 cup Rubbermaid container, as it fits nicely in the fridge.) I do however try to limit the number I choose, and think carefully before stringing adjectives together. A small, snug area of a bar where women who were less welcome in the main area of the pub could drink discreetly, as could others who wanted a private moment. Another word the Irish have attached multiple meanings to. After 4 days, empty the brine and put your pieces of bacon into freezer bags, or wrap in butcher paper and freeze. And so onto my last theory of the night, and it concerns the Irish love of the not-so-nice F-bomb. Its a lovely word for perhaps something not quite so lovely, and sometimes called 'ould film flam' in Ireland. However, upon discovering my adjective addiction I asked myself why do I love these words so much???? A history of Ireland in our favourite words: 22 leprechaun. (My hubby says it HAS to have a good layer of fat to make tasty bacon. I have begun a study of varying cultural linguistic practices for a fictional story I am writing. There are strong ties to Scotland in his family, (his mother was a Campbell) so whether the term originated in Scotland or Donegal, who knows??? I know some of our expressions are different to those in other parts of Ireland as well. I realize that if I completely omit my beloved adjectives, my writing will no longer reflect my voice as a writer, so I pick my descriptors carefully. From the Irish sbn, this is the first of many words in this list related to general divilment and rla bla. Photograph: Chema Alba/Moment/Getty. A history of Ireland in our favourite words: 58 tenterhooks. The name for the peaty wetland found across Ireland is the Irish for soft. This may seem absurd at first, but I believe Irish peoples love of descriptors runs far deeper than others appreciation of these little words. Mairad, Mairad, To help improve my writing I joined a critique group. Muckanaghederdauhaulia in Co. Galway is our favourite. I am deeply indebted to my fellow critique group members. Hi Kathryn I have read Donal Ryans book The Thing About December. Although in British slang this refers to a huge error, in an Irish context no bodge means no bother. The term for a subatomic particle was inspired by James Joyce. Massive, and therefore great. My granduncle would always chant Yum, yum, pigs bum, cabbage and potatoes, whenever he joined us for a bacon and cabbage dinner. A peculiar word, meaning broken beyond repair, that originated around the 1930s, but its etymology is unknown. I havent read any books by Melissa Foster, so thanks for the recommendation. From bean sdhe, woman of the fairies / supernatural / elves, and an Irish contribution to campfire ghost stories. A true example of a linguistic culture clash. Thepejorative term for people living in rural areas of the United States, particularly around the Ozark Mountains (Oklahoma, Missouri, Arkansas) and Appalachia, initially related to the 18th-century Ulster Protestant settlers in the Appalachian Mountains. This word also translates to joy, bliss or happiness, but is mostly used to say welcome. The term for an airing cupboard that only the Irish use. Just misremembered the names. Quite a difference in meaning! Pangur Bn appeared in an Irish poem found in the margins of an 8th century New Testament tract in an Austrian monastery founded by Irish monks. I was prompted to put in my two cents as they say here in the US(maybe it should be My 2p? And so I asked her what she would say when she is truly enjoying a meal, to which she replied . Ingredients: Sound. We may have even gone so far as to call them heavenly and divine. I find it difficult to read a book where a non-Irish writer tries to paraphrase Irish speech in their characters dialogue. Dying cloth and then (left) drying it on tenter frames. In the late 17th century Whigs were those who didnt want James, duke of York, to succeed Charles II, as he was Catholic. And as for villains, mine are despicable, vicious and vindictive. digging deep for expression? Of course, it all depends on where you go, Im sure.
And Im a member of the James gang, the outlaw said frankly. I have a theory, Irish genetics are strong and long lasting and thank goodness for that! Love this well pondered blog post! I use too many adjectives for American editors liking. The first could be a reference to someone whose name or identity is uncertain or momentarily forgotten (you know who Im talking about, whats his face, yer man from down the road), the second a coded reference that intentionally omits the identity (we all know what yer wan will think about that). After living in America for many years where the word is seldom used, it seems to assault my ears in Ireland. Lovely is one of my favorite adjectives. The word for yer burd, as it were. Hi Penny I love your strategy for some vibrant expression to alleviate stressful situations. This is believed to be one of the earliest named pets in literature. Mairad. Giving out yards, gave out stink, and so on. Sometimes I think spoken American English is evolving and transforming the adverb. Lashing down: raining hard. So slogan emerged from the battle cries of a clan. One day I was helping a patient wash her hands at the sink, so I asked if I should turn the tap on. Tina Kellegher as Sharon in The Snapper. Ive been teased for how I love to use descriptive words. I also worked in a hospital here, (Social Worker), and my friends adopted the word Grand as an answer to How are you? I did not know that they were making fun of me!! Mairad. Mairad. This post may contain affiliate sales links. Apparently still the default Irish disposition when greeted with anothers success and happiness. The Australian slang for woman comes from the Irish name Sle. A history of Ireland in our favourite words: 16 Boycott. Hi,Phoebe.
Hi Phoebe Your two pence is much appreciated. To solve this we add extra little words of emphasis. The dukes sympathisers became known as Tories. Mairead, Ive often gifted former students and family members with Strunk and Whites Elements of Style. Im pleased to share with you this quote from that classic writers reference book, (a more succinct American version of Fowlers Modern English Usage): Write with nouns and verbs, not adjectives and adverbs. Le meas, Phoebe, Hi Phoebe Thanks for sharing your stories of growing up in Derry. Its really quite easy and cost effective. It is an amazing read. Oddly enough, the common term for a member of the British Conservative Party comes from the Irish traidhe, referring to a bandit. A word that, quite frankly, just sounds better in Irish than in Anglo-Saxon. The Hiberno-English use of after confuses other English speakers, but it represents the Irish conjunction tar is. The term is often used in politics or business to refer to someone who uses smooth talk to get their own way, or borderline-nefarious means for personal benefit. See also word 24. Emerging from British slang, and not exactly deviating from its original etymology of being in a state of health, as in safe and sound, to mean decent. Im not being critical of my critics. I think many Irish people who were pioneers kept a bottle of whiskey in the cupboard for the sole purpose of treating guests. . The Geary Theory On The Irish Love Of Adjectives: The Irish Love Of Some Not So Acceptable Adjectives: Your email address will not be published. So copping something would mean acquiring it, and perhaps therefore became pared down to acquiring sense, but its origins are still a little muddy. Leave the whole lot in the fridge for 4 days to cure. I am thinking of that toilet paper lady wanting people to go commando!!!!). August 18, 2015 by Irish American Mom 51 Comments. Great fun with adverbs of manner, the ly adverbs. a little bit light hearted.
This is not to disparage adjectives or adverbs; they are indispensable parts of speech.In general, however, it is nouns and verbs that give to good writing its toughness and color. S & T further states: Avoid the use of qualifiers: rather, very, little and prettythese are the leeches that infest the pond of prose, sucking the blood of words. Im just as guilty as the next blogger in this arenacant seem to stop using the word just. The whole point of this discussion for writers is not to encumber the reader with the unnecessary weight of words: its the words one leaves out that makes the writing tough and colorful., And by the way , IAM, isnt it an historical novel youre writing? From sluagh-ghairm, the call of a crowd (sluagh is now mostly slua), as in a battle cry. Boycott became one of the first victims when he tried to evict tenants after they demanded a decent rent decrease following a poor harvest at Lough Mask near Ballinrobe. When the solution is cool, use a meat injector to inject some of the brine into the pork. List, When she asked my friend how the dress looked, the Cork girl replied . 