HeyRuaHow to say “fool” in Irish
- Irish:
- pleidhce
- English:
- fool, flake
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “PLY-kuh” /ˈpʲlʲəikʲə/
- Plural:
- pleidhcí (fools)
- Genitive singular:
- pleidhce, an phleidhce (e.g. caint an phleidhce, the fool's talk)
- Genitive plural:
- pleidhcí, na bpleidhcí (e.g. cleasa na bpleidhcí, the tricks of the fools)
What does “pleidhce” mean?
“Pleidhce” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- fool
- A silly or foolish person who acts in a stupid way.Also: simpleton, idiot, eejit, clown.
“Pleidhce” with the article
The plural of fool in Irish is pleidhcí. Here is pleidhce after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Pleidhce” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using pleidhce, the Irish word for fool.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Fool in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for fool?
The Irish for fool is pleidhce (pronounced “PLY-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is pleidhcí. Depending on context it can also mean flake.
How do you pronounce pleidhce in Irish?
Pleidhce is said like “PLY-kuh” (IPA /ˈpʲlʲəikʲə/).
What is the plural of fool in Irish?
The plural of pleidhce is pleidhcí; with the article, na pleidhcí means “the fools”. The genitive plural is pleidhcí, as in cleasa na bpleidhcí (the tricks of the fools).
Does pleidhce have more than one meaning?
Yes. Pleidhce can mean fool or flake, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does pleidhce change to phleidhce or bpleidhce?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) pleidhce becomes mo phleidhce (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpleidhce (eclipsis).
What is the difference between 'pleidhce' and 'amadán'?
Both mean fool; 'amadán' is the most general word, while 'pleidhce' suggests a silly, messing sort of fool. The related noun 'pleidhcíocht' means fooling around.
How do I say 'to make a fool of someone'?
Use 'pleidhce a dhéanamh de dhuine', for example 'Rinne sé pleidhce díom', meaning he made a fool of me.
