bastard
The Gaelic word bastard means bastard.
bastard is used as a noun to refer to a person who is considered contemptible.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
Did you know?
- Gaelic has specific terms for different types of 'illegitimacy' that distinguish between children born to unmarried parents and those born into forbidden relationships.
- Depending on the region, a person might use a completely different, more indigenous Gaelic term to express the same contempt, making 'bastard' feel like a borrowed or 'loan' insult.
- In some coastal Gaeltacht areas, insults often rely on animal metaphors. Instead of using 'bastard', a speaker might use a term for a 'dog' to imply a person has no honor or legitimate standing.
Example conversation
Mairead is complaining to Callum about a rude coworker.
- MaireadChuala thu an rud a rinn e?Did you hear what he did?
- CallumCha chuala mise, dè an t-uallach a tha ann?I didn't, what's the trouble?
- MaireadIs e bastard a th' ann!He is a bastard!
- CallumTha thu ceart, a Mhairead.You are right, Mairead.
