cúlchaint
The Irish word for the noun gossip is cúlchaint.
cúlchaint refers to idle talk or gossip.
Meaning: idle talk (noun)
Did you know?
- In Irish, the concept of gossip is tied to the idea of 'back-seeing', which implies spying on someone from a hidden position.
- The word cúl used in cúlchaint also refers to the 'rear' or 'back' of a house, linking the act of gossiping to the private, hidden spaces of a home.
- While cúlchaint is the noun for the act, a person who gossips is often described using the word scéalaí, which simply means 'storyteller'.
Example conversation
Two friends are chatting in a cafe.
- SaoirseAn bhfuil cúlchaint nua agat, a Chonaire?Do you have any new gossip, Conor?
- ConorTá mé tiredness an cúlchaint, a Saoirse.I am tired of the gossip, Saoirse.
- SaoirseAch tá sé spraíúil an uair is uair!But it is fun once in a while!
- ConorNí ceases an cúlchaint riamh inniu.The gossip never ceases today.
