HeyRuaHow to say “backbiting” in Irish
- Irish:
- cúlchaint
- English:
- backbiting
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “KOOL-khant” /ˈkuːlˌxanʲtʲ/
Various forms
- Genitive singular:
- cúlchainte, na cúlchainte (e.g. lucht cúlchainte, backbiters, people who gossip)
What does “cúlchaint” mean?
- backbiting
- Talking unkindly about someone behind their back.Also: gossip, slander, talking behind someone's back.
“Cúlchaint” with the article
Here is cúlchaint after the article (an t-alt).
an chúlchaint
the backbiting
Lenition: c becomes ch after an (feminine noun)
“Cúlchaint” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using cúlchaint, the Irish word for backbiting.
Ní maith liom cúlchaint ar bith.
I don't like any backbiting.
Bhí an chúlchaint ag dul timpeall an bhaile.
The gossip was going around the town.
Ná bí ag cúlchaint ar do chairde.
Don't be talking behind your friends' backs.
Is iomaí cara a cailleadh de bharr cúlchainte.
Many a friend was lost because of backbiting.
Chuir an chúlchaint isteach go mór uirthi.
The backbiting upset her greatly.
Níl ann ach cúlchaint, ná creid é.
It's only gossip, don't believe it.
Bíonn go leor cúlchainte san oifig sin.
There's a lot of backbiting in that office.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Backbiting in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for backbiting?
The Irish for backbiting is cúlchaint (pronounced “KOOL-khant”). It’s a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce cúlchaint in Irish?
Cúlchaint is said like “KOOL-khant” (IPA /ˈkuːlˌxanʲtʲ/).
Does cúlchaint have a plural?
No plural form is given for cúlchaint in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Why does cúlchaint change to chúlchaint or gcúlchaint?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) cúlchaint becomes mo chúlchaint (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár gcúlchaint (eclipsis).
How is cúlchaint different from béadán?
Both mean gossip or backbiting; béadán is slanderous gossip, while cúlchaint stresses talking about someone behind their back (cúl, back, plus caint, talk).
