Hiccup in Irish (Snag): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for hiccup?

The Irish for hiccup is snag (pronounced “snag”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is snaganna. Depending on context it can also mean lull.

Q: What is the plural of hiccup in Irish?

The plural of snag is snaganna; with the article, na snaganna means “the hiccups”. The genitive plural is snaganna, as in leigheas ar na snaganna (a cure for hiccups).

Q: Does snag have more than one meaning?

Yes. Snag can mean hiccup or lull, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “hiccup” in Irish

Irish:: snag
English:: hiccup, lull
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “snag” /sn̪ˠaɡ/

Various forms

Plural:: snaganna (hiccups)
Genitive singular:: snaga, an tsnaga (e.g. leigheas an tsnaga, the cure for the hiccup)
Genitive plural:: snaganna, na snaganna (e.g. leigheas ar na snaganna, a cure for hiccups)

What does “snag” mean?

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

hiccup: A hiccup, or a catch in the breath or voice, as when sobbing or gasping.Also: catch, gasp, sob, hiccough.

1 other meaning: lull

2lull: A short pause or break in activity, a lull.Also: pause, break, respite.

“Snag” with the article

The plural of hiccup in Irish is snaganna. Here is snag after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an snag

the hiccup

No change after an

na snaganna

the hiccups

Plural: no change after na

“Snag” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using snag, the Irish word for hiccup.

Tá snag orm ó mhaidin.

I've had hiccups since this morning.

Bhí snag ina glór agus í ag caint.

There was a catch in her voice as she spoke.

Ól gloine uisce agus imeoidh an snag.

Drink a glass of water and the hiccups will go.

Bhí sí ag gol agus snag uirthi.

She was crying and sobbing.

Ní raibh snag sa bháisteach an lá ar fad.

There was no let-up in the rain all day.

Ní féidir liom stopadh den snag seo.

I can't get rid of these hiccups.

Tháinig snag san obair tar éis am lóin.

There was a lull in the work after lunchtime.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Hiccup in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for hiccup?

The Irish for hiccup is snag (pronounced “snag”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is snaganna. Depending on context it can also mean lull.

How do you pronounce snag in Irish?

Snag is said like “snag” (IPA /sn̪ˠaɡ/).

What is the plural of hiccup in Irish?

The plural of snag is snaganna; with the article, na snaganna means “the hiccups”. The genitive plural is snaganna, as in leigheas ar na snaganna (a cure for hiccups).

Does snag have more than one meaning?

Yes. Snag can mean hiccup or lull, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does snag change to shnag?

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

How do I say 'I have hiccups' in Irish?

Say 'Tá snag orm', literally 'there is a hiccup on me'. 'Fail' is also used in some areas.

Is 'snag' related to the English word 'snag'?

No. Irish 'snag' means a hiccup, sob or lull, not an obstacle; an English snag is 'constaic' or 'bac'.

Hiccup in Irish (Snag): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage