amadan
/ˈamat̪an/masculine
The Gaelic word for "idiot" is amadan. Wiktionary also lists òinseach and burraidh.
Meaning: person of low general intelligence (noun)
Ways to say it
| Gaelic | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| amadan | /ˈamat̪an/ | masculine |
| òinseach | /ˈɔ̃ːʃəx/ | feminine |
| burraidh | masculine |
The term is used to describe a person of low general intelligence.
Which one should you use?
The forms differ based on the gender of the person being described. Use amadan or burraidh for a male and òinseach for a female.
How does it change in a sentence?
The forms are categorized by gender: amadan and burraidh are masculine, while òinseach is feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈamat̪an/
Did you know?
- In traditional Gaelic storytelling, the amadan is a common character type who often accidentally solves a problem through a series of mistakes.
- The word òinseach is derived from an Old Irish root that specifically linked foolishness to a sense of being light-headed or dizzy.
- In some Gaelic dialects, the word amadan is used so frequently as a lighthearted joke among friends that it loses its aggressive edge entirely.
Examples in context
- Is e amadan e.He is an idiot.
Example conversation
Angus forgot his keys inside the locked house.
- AngusChaलेली lorg mi mo iuchabain.I can't find my keys.
- MaireadTha iad an taigh, a Aonghas!They are in the house, Angus!
- AngusOch, tha mi cho crìon.Oh, I am so clumsy.
- MaireadTha thu nad amadan.You are an idiot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “idiot” translations and entries amadan, òinseach, burraidh, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
