HeyRuaHow to say “cheek” in Irish
- Irish:
- pluc
- English:
- cheek, pucker
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine
- Pronunciation:
- “pluk” /pˠlˠʊk/
- Plural:
- pluca (cheeks)
- Genitive singular:
- pluice, na pluice (e.g. lasadh na pluice, the flush of the cheek)
- Genitive plural:
- pluc, na bpluc (e.g. luisne na bpluc, the glow of the cheeks)
What does “pluc” mean?
“Pluc” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- cheek
- The full, rounded part of the face below the eye, especially when puffed out.Also: puffed cheek, jowl.
“Pluc” with the article
The plural of cheek in Irish is pluca. Here is pluc after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Pluc” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using pluc, the Irish word for cheek.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Cheek in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for cheek?
The Irish for cheek is pluc (pronounced “pluk”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is pluca. Depending on context it can also mean pucker.
How do you pronounce pluc in Irish?
Pluc is said like “pluk” (IPA /pˠlˠʊk/).
What is the plural of cheek in Irish?
The plural of pluc is pluca; with the article, na pluca means “the cheeks”. The genitive plural is pluc, as in luisne na bpluc (the glow of the cheeks).
Does pluc have more than one meaning?
Yes. Pluc can mean cheek or pucker, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does pluc change to phluc or bpluc?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) pluc becomes mo phluc (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpluc (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'pluc' and 'leiceann'?
'Leiceann' is the ordinary word for cheek, while 'pluc' suggests a full or puffed-out cheek, as in 'pluca dearga' (rosy cheeks). 'Grua' is a more literary word.
Does 'pluc' mean cheek in the sense of impudence?
Not by itself; for impudence use 'plucaireacht' or more commonly 'dánacht' or 'sotal'.
