amaideach
/ˈɑmˠədʲəx/
The Irish word for daft is amaideach.
amaideach is used to describe something or someone as foolish or silly.
Meaning: foolish, silly (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɑmˠədʲəx/
Did you know?
- The word amaideach is closely related to the word amaid, which specifically refers to a 'fool'. In old Irish folklore, the figure of the fool often held a special social status as someone who could speak truths that others could not.
- The word amaideach may actually be a back-formation, meaning it was created by stripping the noun amaideacht down to its simpler parts.
- In some Irish dialects, calling someone amaideach can carry a playful, affectionate tone among friends rather than being a harsh insult.
Examples in context
- Bhí sé ag déanamh gan réasún inniu.He was acting daft today.
- Ná bí amadánach, táim ag magadh!Don't be daft, I'm joking!
- Is amaideach é an smaoineamh sin.That is a daft idea.
- Níl an fear sin ach amaideach.That man is just foolish.
- Ná bí amaideach agus éist liom.Don't be silly and listen to me.
Example conversation
Siobhán and Cian are discussing a prank.
- SiobhánAn mbeadh sé go maith an rud?Would that be a good thing?
- CianTá tú amaideach, a Siobhán!You are daft, Siobhán!
- SiobhánCén fáth a bhfuil tú ag rá é?Why are you saying that?
- CianNí dhéanfaimid an rud sin.We will not do that thing.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “daft” translations and entries amaideach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amaideach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
