Devilment in Irish (Diabhlaíocht): Meaning

Q: What is the Irish for devilment?

The Irish for devilment is diabhlaíocht (pronounced “JOWL-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean devilry.

Q: Does diabhlaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Diabhlaíocht can mean devilment or devilry, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “devilment” in Irish

Irish:: diabhlaíocht
English:: devilment, devilry
Word type:: noun
Gender:: feminine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “JOWL-ee-ukht” /ˈdʲəul̪ˠiːəxt̪ˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: diabhlaíochta, na diabhlaíochta (e.g. lán diabhlaíochta, full of devilment)

What does “diabhlaíocht” mean?

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

devilment: Playful or wicked mischief, the behaviour of someone who likes causing trouble for fun.Also: mischief, devilry, mischievousness, naughtiness.

1 other meaning: devilry

2devilry: Evil or diabolical behaviour, or the black arts and sorcery associated with the devil.Also: wickedness, sorcery, black magic.

“Diabhlaíocht” with the article

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

an diabhlaíocht

the devilment

No change: d and t are not lenited after an

“Diabhlaíocht” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using diabhlaíocht, the Irish word for devilment.

Bhí an diabhlaíocht ag rith sna páistí inniu.

The children were full of mischief today.

Ná bí ag diabhlaíocht sa seomra ranga.

Don't be getting up to mischief in the classroom.

Tá sé lán diabhlaíochta i gcónaí.

He is always full of devilment.

Ní raibh ann ach diabhlaíocht, ní raibh dochar ar bith ann.

It was only mischief, there was no harm in it.

Chonaic mé an diabhlaíocht ina shúile.

I saw the devilment in his eyes.

Rinne siad é le teann diabhlaíochta.

They did it out of sheer devilment.

Cén diabhlaíocht atá ar siúl agaibh anois?

What mischief are you up to now?

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

achtact leithéidthe like fuinneamhenergy seasamhstanding amharcsight gearáncomplaint

Devilment in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for devilment?

The Irish for devilment is diabhlaíocht (pronounced “JOWL-ee-ukht”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean devilry.

How do you pronounce diabhlaíocht in Irish?

Diabhlaíocht is said like “JOWL-ee-ukht” (IPA /ˈdʲəul̪ˠiːəxt̪ˠ/).

Does diabhlaíocht have a plural?

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

Does diabhlaíocht have more than one meaning?

Yes. Diabhlaíocht can mean devilment or devilry, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does diabhlaíocht change to dhiabhlaíocht or ndiabhlaíocht?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) diabhlaíocht becomes mo dhiabhlaíocht (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár ndiabhlaíocht (eclipsis).

How is diabhlaíocht different from ábhaillí?

Both mean mischief, but diabhlaíocht comes from diabhal 'devil' and can suggest bolder or more wicked devilment, while ábhaillí is usually light, playful mischief.

How do I say someone did something out of pure mischief?

Say 'le teann diabhlaíochta', for example 'Rinne sé é le teann diabhlaíochta'.

Devilment in Irish (Diabhlaíocht): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage