uisge-beatha
masculine, standard
The Scottish Gaelic word for "whisky" is uisge-beatha, which literally means "water of life".
You hear it in toasts such as Slàinte mhath!, "Good health!", and when someone asks for a dram.
Meaning: distilled spirit (noun)
When do people say it?
The English word "whisky" comes from this Gaelic name through an older form of it.
Did you know?
- The Gaelic uisge-beatha is the origin of the English word "whisky".
Examples in context
- Tha uisge-beatha Albannach ainmeil.Scottish whisky is famous.
Example conversation
Calum and Màiri sit in a pub on Islay.
- CalumTha mi ag iarraidh uisge-beatha.I want a whisky.
- MàiriSlàinte mhath!Good health!
