HeyRuaHow to say “lout” in Irish
- Irish:
- bastún
- English:
- lout, soft person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, first declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bas-TOON” /bˠəˈsˠt̪ˠuːnˠ/
- Plural:
- bastúin (louts)
- Genitive singular:
- bastúin, an bhastúin (e.g. iompar an bhastúin, the lout's behaviour)
- Genitive plural:
- bastún, na mbastún (e.g. iompar na mbastún, the louts' behaviour)
What does “bastún” mean?
“Bastún” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- lout
- A rough, ill-mannered or stupid person, used as an insult.Also: boor, oaf, dolt, blockhead.
1 other meaning: soft person
- 2soft person
- A spineless, weak or foolish person who is easily led.Also: softy, wimp, weakling, fool.
Other Irish words for lout: bodach (lout)
“Bastún” with the article
The plural of lout in Irish is bastúin. Here is bastún after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bastún” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bastún, the Irish word for lout.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Lout in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for lout?
The Irish for lout is bastún (pronounced “bas-TOON”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bastúin. Depending on context it can also mean soft person.
How do you pronounce bastún in Irish?
Bastún is said like “bas-TOON” (IPA /bˠəˈsˠt̪ˠuːnˠ/).
What is the plural of lout in Irish?
The plural of bastún is bastúin; with the article, na bastúin means “the louts”. The genitive plural is bastún, as in iompar na mbastún (the louts' behaviour).
Does bastún have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bastún can mean lout or soft person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bastún change to bhastún or mbastún?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bastún becomes mo bhastún (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbastún (eclipsis).
Is 'bastún' the same as English 'bastard'?
No, 'bastún' means a lout or oaf, a much milder insult; 'bastard' in the sense of an illegitimate child is 'leanbh tabhartha'.
