drochfhocail
The English phrase "bad words" is translated into Irish as drochfhocail.
In Irish, if you are describing someone's behavior as foolish or ignorant, you might use the word amadán.
What does it mean word for word?
drochfhocail is a compound word consisting of droch, meaning "bad" and focail, meaning "words".
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form is drochfhocail, while the singular form, meaning "bad word", is drochfhocal.
Did you know?
- In Irish culture, drochfhocail can refer to 'curse words' believed to bring actual physical misfortune or bad luck to the target.
- The word droch is also found in the name of the 'bad' or 'evil' spirits in certain folklore, linking linguistic negativity to the supernatural.
- The phrase drochfhocail can be used to describe not just swearing, but also slander or malicious gossip intended to damage a person's reputation.
Examples in context
- Níor úsáide an leanaí drochfhocail.The child did not use bad words.
- Tá drochfhocail sa leabhar seo.There are bad words in this book.
Example conversation
Conor and Aoife are discussing a child's behavior.
- ConorAn bhfuil an páiste ag rá drochfhocail?Is the child saying bad words?
- AoifeTá, tá sé an-olc inniu.Yes, he is very naughty today.
- ConorNí baigheadh sé drochfhocail uaim.He shouldn't hear bad words from us.
- AoifeTá tú ceart, Conor.You are right, Conor.
