asal
/ˈas̪al̪ˠ/
The Gaelic word for jackass is asal.
asal is used to describe a foolish or stupid person. Much like the English word jackass, it is applied metaphorically to someone behaving in a foolish or stubborn manner.
Meaning: foolish or stupid person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word asal literally means 'donkey'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈas̪al̪ˠ/
Did you know?
- In traditional Gaelic folklore, donkeys were not native to Ireland, meaning the term asal entered the language via trade and foreign influence.
- The Gaelic word asal is a cognate of the Spanish word asno and the Italian asino, as all three trace back to the same Latin root.
- The word asal is a diminutive, meaning it specifically describes a 'small' or 'young' donkey rather than a full-grown one.
Examples in context
- Dìreach an asal a th' ann.He is just a jackass.
Example conversation
Eilidh and Hamish are arguing about a bad decision.
- EilidhDè an rud a rinn thu, a Hamish?What have you done, Hamish?
- HamishCha bhiodh mi a' dèanamh sin a aithghearr.I wouldn't do that again.
- EilidhTha thu na asal!You are a jackass!
- HamishTha mi duilich, Eilidh.I am sorry, Eilidh.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry asal, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries asal, CC BY-SA 4.0.
