HeyRuaHow to say “contempt” in Irish
- Irish:
- tarcaisne
- English:
- contempt, insult
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “TAR-kish-nyuh” /ˈt̪ˠaɾˠkəʃnʲə/
- Plural:
- tarcaisní (contempts)
- Genitive singular:
- tarcaisne, na tarcaisne (e.g. focal tarcaisne, a word of contempt)
- Genitive plural:
- tarcaisní, na dtarcaisní (e.g. liosta na dtarcaisní, the list of insults)
What does “tarcaisne” mean?
“Tarcaisne” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- contempt
- A feeling or attitude that someone or something is worthless and deserves no respect.Also: scorn, disdain, disparagement.
1 other meaning: insult
- 2insult
- A remark or act that is rude and hurtful to someone's dignity.Also: affront, slight, indignity, taunt.
Other Irish words for contempt: dímheas (contempt), drochmheas (contempt), beagmheas (disrespect)
“Tarcaisne” with the article
The plural of contempt in Irish is tarcaisní. Here is tarcaisne after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Tarcaisne” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using tarcaisne, the Irish word for contempt.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Contempt in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for contempt?
The Irish for contempt is tarcaisne (pronounced “TAR-kish-nyuh”). It’s a feminine noun and the plural is tarcaisní. Depending on context it can also mean insult.
How do you pronounce tarcaisne in Irish?
Tarcaisne is said like “TAR-kish-nyuh” (IPA /ˈt̪ˠaɾˠkəʃnʲə/).
What is the plural of contempt in Irish?
The plural of tarcaisne is tarcaisní; with the article, na tarcaisní means “the contempts”. The genitive plural is tarcaisní, as in liosta na dtarcaisní (the list of insults).
Does tarcaisne have more than one meaning?
Yes. Tarcaisne can mean contempt or insult, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does tarcaisne change to tharcaisne or dtarcaisne?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) tarcaisne becomes mo tharcaisne (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár dtarcaisne (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'tarcaisne' and 'masla'?
Both can mean insult, but 'masla' is the usual everyday word for an insult, while 'tarcaisne' also carries the sense of contempt or scorn.
How do I say 'to add insult to injury'?
Say 'an tarcaisne a chur i gceann na héagóra'.
