HeyRuaHow to say “pooka” in Irish
- Irish:
- púca
- English:
- pooka, surly person
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “POO-kuh” /ˈpˠuːkə/
- Plural:
- púcaí (pookas)
- Genitive singular:
- púca, an phúca (e.g. scéal an phúca, the story of the pooka)
- Genitive plural:
- púcaí, na bpúcaí (e.g. oíche na bpúcaí, the night of the pookas)
What does “púca” mean?
“Púca” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- pooka
- A mischievous spirit or hobgoblin in Irish folklore, often appearing as a dark horse or goat.Also: puck, hobgoblin, goblin, spirit, bogeyman.
1 other meaning: surly person
- 2surly person
- A sullen, uncommunicative person.Also: sullen person, uncommunicative person.
“Púca” with the article
The plural of pooka in Irish is púcaí. Here is púca after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Púca” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using púca, the Irish word for pooka.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Pooka in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for pooka?
The Irish for pooka is púca (pronounced “POO-kuh”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is púcaí. Depending on context it can also mean surly person.
How do you pronounce púca in Irish?
Púca is said like “POO-kuh” (IPA /ˈpˠuːkə/).
What is the plural of pooka in Irish?
The plural of púca is púcaí; with the article, na púcaí means “the pookas”. The genitive plural is púcaí, as in oíche na bpúcaí (the night of the pookas).
Does púca have more than one meaning?
Yes. Púca can mean pooka or surly person, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does púca change to phúca or bpúca?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) púca becomes mo phúca (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bpúca (eclipsis).
Is a 'púca' the same as a 'taibhse'?
No. A 'taibhse' is a ghost of a dead person, while a 'púca' is a shape-shifting goblin spirit of folklore.
Why shouldn't blackberries be picked late in the year?
Tradition says the 'púca' spoils them after Samhain, hence 'púca na sméar'.
