ith gu leòr
The Gaelic phrase for "enjoy your meal" is ith gu leòr.
This phrase is used to wish someone a good appetite before they begin eating.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ith gu leòr literally translates to "eat plenty".
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are addressing more than one person, you should use the plural imperative ithibh gu leòr instead of ith gu leòr.
Did you know?
- In Gaelic culture, wishing someone to 'eat plenty' with ith gu leòr reflects a traditional historical emphasis on abundance and hospitality during times of scarcity.
- The root of ith is found in the Old Irish word 'ithid', which carries a much more aggressive sense of 'devouring' or 'grazing' than the modern polite English 'enjoy'.
- While ith gu leòr is a friendly wish, in some traditional Highland settings, a more common way to express appreciation for food is simply to say 'Tapadh leat' (thank you) to the cook.
Example conversation
Finlay and Eilidh are sitting down for dinner.
- FinlaySeo an dinnear, Eilidh. Ith gu leòr!Here is dinner, Eilidh. Enjoy your meal!
- EilidhTapadh leat, a Finlaigh.Thank you, Finlay.
- FinlayA bheil e blàth?Is it hot?
- EilidhTha, tha e sgoinneil!Yes, it is wonderful!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gu, ith, leòr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
