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Bullying in Irish (Maistíneacht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘maistíneacht’ also means: rudeness

The Irish for bullying is maistíneacht, a feminine noun.
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “bullying” in Irish

Irish:
maistíneacht
English:
bullying, rudeness
Word type:
noun
Gender:
feminine
Pronunciation:
“MASH-tee-nyakht”  /ˈmˠaʃtʲiːnʲəxt̪/
Various forms
Genitive singular:
maistíneachta, na maistíneachta (e.g. fadhb na maistíneachta, the problem of bullying)

What does “maistíneacht” mean?

“Maistíneacht” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

bullying
Rough, intimidating behaviour towards others, acting like a bully.Also: intimidation, thuggery, hooliganism.
1 other meaning: rudeness
2rudeness
Coarse, ill-mannered or currish behaviour.Also: currishness, loutishness, misbehaviour.

Other Irish words for bullying: bulaíocht (bullying)

“Maistíneacht” with the article

Here is maistíneacht after the article (an t-alt).

an mhaistíneacht
the bullying
Lenition: m becomes mh after an (feminine noun)

“Maistíneacht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using maistíneacht, the Irish word for bullying.

Ní ghlacfar le maistíneacht sa scoil seo.
Bullying will not be tolerated in this school.
Bhí an mhaistíneacht ag dul in olcas sa chlós.
The bullying was getting worse in the yard.
Tá polasaí in aghaidh na maistíneachta ag an scoil.
The school has a policy against bullying.
D'fhulaing sé maistíneacht ar feadh na mblianta.
He suffered bullying for years.
Labhair an múinteoir linn faoin maistíneacht.
The teacher spoke to us about bullying.
Ná bí ag maistíneacht ar do dheartháir beag.
Don't be bullying your little brother.
Is maistíneacht í sin, dar liomsa.
That is bullying, in my opinion.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

Bullying in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for bullying?

The Irish for bullying is maistíneacht (pronounced “MASH-tee-nyakht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean rudeness.

How do you pronounce maistíneacht in Irish?

Maistíneacht is said like “MASH-tee-nyakht” (IPA /ˈmˠaʃtʲiːnʲəxt̪/).

Does maistíneacht have a plural?

No plural form is given for maistíneacht in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does maistíneacht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Maistíneacht can mean bullying or rudeness, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does maistíneacht change to mhaistíneacht?

After words like mo (my) and do (your) the first letter is lenited: mo mhaistíneacht. After ár (our) it stays ár maistíneacht, because m does not take eclipsis.

Is there another Irish word for bullying?

Yes, 'bulaíocht' is also widely used, especially in schools, while 'maistíneacht' comes from 'maistín', a cur or bully.

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