tochas
The Irish word for itch is tochas.
tochas is a noun used to describe a sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch.
Meaning: a sensation felt on an area of the skin that causes a person or animal to want to scratch (noun)
Did you know?
- While 'itch' is a simple noun in English, Irish speakers often express the state of itching through a periphrastic construction, essentially saying 'an itch is on me'.
- In some Irish dialects, an itch might be described as a 'disturbing' feeling, using words related to 'agitation' rather than just a skin sensation.
- While tochas refers to the sensation, the act of scratching the itch is described by the verb scrábidh, which sounds remarkably similar to the English 'scrub'.
Examples in context
- Tá mlísc uirthi.She has an itch.
Example conversation
Conor is trying to reach a spot on his back.
- ConorSaoirse, an féidir leat cabhrú liom?Saoirse, can you help me?
- SaoirseCad é an fadhb, a Chonaire?What is the problem, Conor?
- ConorTá tochas ar mo chúl.I have an itch on my back.
- SaoirseTáim ag cabhrú leat anois.I am helping you now.
