dúr
/d̪ˠuːɾˠ/
The Irish word for 'stupid' is dúr. Wiktionary also lists ainbhiosach and mórcheannach.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Ways to say it
| Irish | IPA |
|---|---|
| dúr | /d̪ˠuːɾˠ/ |
| ainbhiosach | /ˈɛnʲəvʲɨ̞sa(x)/ (Ulster) |
| mórcheannach |
These words are used to describe a person or an action that is lacking in intelligence.
Which one should you use?
dúr is the default form. ainbhiosach and mórcheannach are other ways to express the concept of being stupid.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Connacht, the informal term amaideach may be used instead of amadán.
How do you pronounce it?
/d̪ˠuːɾˠ/
Did you know?
- The word mórcheannach literally translates to 'big-headed'. In Irish, having an oversized head is a way to describe someone as stupid.
- The word dúr is an unexpected relative of the English word 'hard', sharing a common ancestor in the Latin 'dūrus'.
- In Irish culture, calling someone mórcheannach can be a playful or mild insult depending on the tone, whereas other terms for stupidity can be much harsher.
Examples in context
- Níl aon amadán níos mó ná mé féinThere's no bigger fool than myself
Example conversation
Siobhán and Cian are discussing a bad plan.
- SiobhánIs plan dúr é seo, a Chian.This is a stupid plan, Cian.
- CianNí dúr mé, Siobhán!I am not stupid, Siobhán!
- SiobhánSin an rud a cheap mé.That is what I thought.
- CianDéanas muid rud eile.Let's do something else.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries dúr, ainbhiosach, mórcheannach, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ainbhiosach, dúr, mórcheannach, CC BY-SA 4.0.
