Archive for October, 2016
Irish Words for Brothers, Sisters, Stepbrothers, Stepsisters, and Blended Families Posted by róislín on Oct 31, 2016
(le Róislín) Continuing our theme of gaolta teaghlaigh (family relationships), let’s look at brothers, sisters, stepbrothers, stepsisters, and the overall concept of “blended families.” The basic siblíní are probably quite well known: deirfiúr, sister, pl. deirfiúracha deartháir, brother, pl. deartháireacha To say “stepbrother” or “stepsister,” we add the same prefix as for step-parents (leas-). This…
Saying “Stepgrandmother” and “Stepgrandfather” in Irish Posted by róislín on Oct 29, 2016
(le Róislín) While we’re working on kinship terms and words for family members (seanathair, seanmháthair, srl.), it could be helpful to look at “step-” relationships, especially since they are so prevalent these days. The basic scenario is pretty straightforward — we use the prefix “leas-” in front of the noun. It has many other meanings…
If the other grandfather is “Grandpa,” what Irish term can you use? Posted by róislín on Oct 27, 2016
(le Róislín) Here, as previously promised, is a review of Irish words for “grandfather,” “grandpa,” and “grand(d)ad,” written as a companion piece to the recent post, “If the other grandmother is “Grandma,” what Irish term can you use?” As we’ll see, the same three adjectives can be used to create the word “grandfather” from “father”…
If the other grandmother is “Grandma,” what Irish term can you use? Posted by róislín on Oct 24, 2016
(le Róislín) Inspired by a recent comment from reader Rita C., who noted that Irish has “so many choices for Irish grandmother names,” I thought this would be a good time to review some of the terms. This blogpost will deal with grandmothers, and we’ll probably have a companion piece for the grandfathers. Go raibh…
To Be or To Wear: Which Irish Verb for Halloween Costumes (agus éadaí go ginearálta) Posted by róislín on Oct 22, 2016
(le Róislín) The Irish language offers two main verbs for saying you are wearing an item of clothing. One is the verb “to be,” combined with the word “on,” essentially saying “A hat is on me,” for “I am wearing a hat.” The second is the verb “caith,” which can literally mean “wear,” but which…
Arbhar Candaí agus Cúpla Cainíneach Cúláilte Gléasta i gcomhair Oíche Shamhna Posted by róislín on Oct 17, 2016
(le Róislín) According to the National Retail Federation (nasc thíos), this year’s most popular pet costume for Halloween is a pumpkin (puimcín). But the two dogs in this picture are sporting a different edible Halloween theme, arbhar candaí. As far as I know, arbhar candaí is only sold i Meiriceá Thuaidh. If anyone is aware…
Cultacha Banphrionsa vs. Cultacha Sárlaoich: Costume Wars — Princesses vs. Superheroes Posted by róislín on Oct 11, 2016
(le Róislín) Every year around this time I like to check out the articles on the best-selling Halloween costumes (cultacha Oíche Shamhna sárdhíola). Then it’s both fun and, hopefully, informative, to translate them into Irish. Some of them, like “garda” or “comhraiceoir dóiteáin” may also prove to be useful words (focail úsáideacha) for everyday conversation…