amadán
/(ə)mˠəˈd̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
The Irish word for gobshite is amadán.
amadán is a noun used to describe a person who engages in nonsensical chatter.
Meaning: one who engages in nonsensical chatter (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
/(ə)mˠəˈd̪ˠɑːn̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- While 'gobshite' in English is quite vulgar, calling someone an amadán in Irish is often seen as much milder, more like calling someone a 'silly billy' or a 'fool'.
- The word amadán contains a diminutive suffix, '-án', which usually implies something small or cute, yet it is used to label someone as a complete fool.
- The root of the word, 'amaid', historically referred to a 'foolish woman', showing how the gendered origins of the word have evolved over centuries.
Example conversation
Niamh and Cathal are talking about a loud man at the pub.
- NiamhAn bhfuil é ag caint ar an amadán sin?Is that gobshite still talking?
- CathalTá, agus ní stopann é.Yes, and he won't stop.
- NiamhIs amadán iontrim é.He is a complete gobshite.
- CathalTá tú ceart, a Niamh.You are right, Niamh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry amadán, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries amadán, CC BY-SA 4.0.
