HeyRuaHow to say “nonsense” in Irish
- Irish:
- áiféis
- English:
- nonsense, exaggeration, drollery
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “AW-faysh” /ˈɑːfʲeːʃ/
- Genitive singular:
- áiféise, na háiféise (e.g. staicín áiféise, a laughing-stock)
What does “áiféis” mean?
“Áiféis” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- nonsense
- Foolish or ridiculous talk or ideas that make no sense.Also: absurdity, rubbish, ridiculousness.
2 other meanings: exaggeration or drollery
- 2exaggeration
- Overstatement or boastful talk that makes something seem bigger than it is.Also: boasting, overstatement.
- 3drollery
- Comical or ludicrous behaviour that causes amusement.Also: ludicrousness, comicality.
Other Irish words for nonsense: raiméis (nonsense), seafóid (nonsense), gibiris (gibberish), amaideacht (foolishness)
“Áiféis” with the article
Here is áiféis after the article (an t-alt).
“Áiféis” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using áiféis, the Irish word for nonsense.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Nonsense in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for nonsense?
The Irish for nonsense is áiféis (pronounced “AW-faysh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean exaggeration or drollery.
How do you pronounce áiféis in Irish?
Áiféis is said like “AW-faysh” (IPA /ˈɑːfʲeːʃ/).
Does áiféis have a plural?
No plural form is given for áiféis in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does áiféis have more than one meaning?
Yes. Áiféis can mean nonsense, exaggeration or drollery, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does áiféis sometimes have a t or h in front of it?
Irish nouns beginning with a vowel take a prefix after certain words: an áiféis (the nonsense), a háiféis (her nonsense), a n-áiféis (their nonsense).
How is 'áiféis' different from 'seafóid' and 'raiméis'?
All three mean nonsense, but 'áiféis' also carries the idea of exaggeration or absurdity, while 'seafóid' and 'raiméis' are plain silly talk.
What does 'staicín áiféise' mean?
It means a laughing-stock, as in 'Rinne sé staicín áiféise de féin', he made a laughing-stock of himself.
