leannán
/lʲəˈn̪ˠaːn̪ˠ/
The Irish word for beau is leannán.
The term refers to a dandy.
Meaning: dandy (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/lʲəˈn̪ˠaːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- In Irish folklore, a leannán sí is a fairy lover who inspires poets with artistic genius in exchange for their health and soul.
- Historically, the term leannán was used to describe a partner in a non-marital relationship, acting as a word for a concubine or mistress.
- The word leannán is a diminutive of the Middle Irish word for 'love', making the literal translation more like 'little love' than 'dandy'.
Example conversation
Conor and Saoirse are discussing a man's fancy clothes.
- Conoran bhfuil an t-éadór sin go hálainn?Is that outfit beautiful?
- SaoirseTá sé ró-fhaide, is leannán é.It is too much, he is a dandy.
- ConorTá sé ag iompar mar leannán, a Saoirse.He is behaving like a dandy, Saoirse.
- SaoirseTá tú ceart, a Chonaire.You are right, Conor.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry leannán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries leannán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
