ciaróg
/ciəˈɾˠoːɡ/
The Irish word for cockroach is ciaróg.
ciaróg is used to refer to this specific type of insect.
Meaning: type of insect (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/ciəˈɾˠoːɡ/
Did you know?
- Unlike the English word 'cockroach', which comes from Spanish 'cucaracha', the Irish ciaróg has no linguistic connection to the Spanish or Latin roots used in most European languages.
- In Irish, the suffix '-óg' used in ciaróg is often used to create words of endearment or to make something sound small and cute.
- The word ciaróg literally translates to 'little black thing', because it combines the color 'black' with a diminutive suffix.
Example conversation
Saoirse and Cian are in the kitchen.
- SaoirseCian, féach ar an ciaróg sin!Cian, look at that cockroach!
- CianÓ lár! Cáráistín, cá bhfuil sí?Oh my! Goodness, where is it?
- SaoirseTá sí taobh thall as an traill.It is over there by the bin.
- CianNár mhaith liom ciaróg sa teach.I don't like a cockroach in the house.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ciaróg, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ciaróg, CC BY-SA 4.0.
