Blarney
Blarney is the Irish word for flattery.
Meaning: flattery (noun)
Did you know?
- The term 'blarney' is actually an Englishization of the place name Blarney, rather than a word that originated from an Irish root meaning 'flattery'.
- The ability to employ blarney was historically seen as a survival skill for dealing with oppressive foreign authorities, allowing the speaker to be polite while remaining subversive.
- The term is linked to the Blarney Stone, located in the castle of the same name. Legend says that kissing the stone grants the speaker the 'gift of the gab' and the ability to use blarney to charm others.
Example conversation
Aoife is complimenting Oisín to get a favor.
- AoifeIs tú an fear is feargaí sa baile, a Oisín!You are the strongest man in town, Oisín!
- OisínStop an Blarney sin anois, a Aoife.Stop that flattery now, Aoife.
- AoifeAn cabhróidh tú liom leis an mbagáil seo?Will you help me with this bag?
- OisínTóg an bagáil, ach ná déan níos mó Blarney.Take the bag, but don't do any more flattery.
