taigh-beag
The Gaelic word for toilet is taigh-beag.
taigh-beag refers to a fixture used for urination and defecation.
Meaning: fixture used for urination and defecation (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term taigh-beag literally translates to little house.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Irish Gaelic, seomra folctha is occasionally used as an alternative for toilet.
How does it change in a sentence?
The definite form of the noun is an taigh-beag.
Did you know?
- The word taigh-beag is so common as a polite euphemism that using the actual name of the fixture in a formal setting can feel as blunt as using 'latrine' in English.
- The linguistic habit of calling small rooms 'little houses' extends beyond toilets to other private spaces in Gaelic culture.
- If you are looking for a bathroom in a public building, you might see seomra folctha on a sign, which literally means 'washing room' and is often used for more formal facilities.
Examples in context
- Tha an taigh-beag an seo.The toilet is here.
- Càit a bheil an taigh-beag?Where is the toilet?
- Tha an taigh-beag glan.The toilet is clean.
Example conversation
Callum and Eilidh are at a restaurant.
- CallumEilidh, a bheil thu a' hionairt am taigh-beag?Eilidh, do you know where the toilet is?
- EilidhTha e air an adhart.It is over there.
- CallumTapadh leat, bidh mi air ais sa bhad.Thanks, I'll be back in a bit.
- EilidhChan eil duilgheadas ann.No problem.
