Rubbish in Irish (Bruscar): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for rubbish?

The Irish for rubbish is bruscar (pronounced “BRUS-kur”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean crumbs or rabble.

Q: Does bruscar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bruscar can mean rubbish, crumbs or rabble, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “rubbish” in Irish

Irish:: bruscar
English:: rubbish, crumbs, rabble
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:: “BRUS-kur” /ˈbˠɾˠʊsˠkəɾˠ/

Various forms

Genitive singular:: bruscair, an bhruscair (e.g. bosca bruscair, rubbish bin)

What does “bruscar” mean?

“Bruscar” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

rubbish: Waste material or things that are thrown away; litter.Also: litter, trash, garbage, refuse, waste.

2 other meanings: crumbs or rabble

2crumbs: Small broken pieces or fragments of something.Also: fragments, bits, scraps.
3rabble: A disorderly crowd of worthless people, used disparagingly.Also: riff-raff, mob.

Other Irish words for rubbish: raiméis (nonsense), seafóid (nonsense), truflais (rubbish)

“Bruscar” with the article

Here is bruscar after the article (an t-alt).

an bruscar

the rubbish

No change after an

“Bruscar” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using bruscar, the Irish word for rubbish.

Bhí siad ag bailiú bruscair ar an trá.

They were collecting rubbish on the beach.

Ná caith bruscar ar an tsráid.

Don't throw litter on the street.

Cuir an bruscar amach anocht, le do thoil.

Put the rubbish out tonight, please.

Tá an mála bruscair lán arís.

The rubbish bag is full again.

Chaith mé mo bhruscar sa bhosca.

I threw my rubbish in the bin.

Bhí bruscar aráin ar fud an bhoird.

There were bread crumbs all over the table.

Tagann leoraí an bhruscair gach Máirt.

The bin lorry comes every Tuesday.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

clárboard páistechild deireadhend pobalcommunity scéalstory saollife

Rubbish in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for rubbish?

The Irish for rubbish is bruscar (pronounced “BRUS-kur”). It’s a masculine noun. Depending on context it can also mean crumbs or rabble.

How do you pronounce bruscar in Irish?

Bruscar is said like “BRUS-kur” (IPA /ˈbˠɾˠʊsˠkəɾˠ/).

Does bruscar have a plural?

No plural form is given for bruscar in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.

Does bruscar have more than one meaning?

Yes. Bruscar can mean rubbish, crumbs or rabble, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does bruscar change to bhruscar or mbruscar?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bruscar becomes mo bhruscar (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbruscar (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'bruscar' and 'dramhaíl'?

'Bruscar' is the everyday word for rubbish or litter, while 'dramhaíl' is more formal and technical, used for waste in official contexts.

Can 'bruscar' mean nonsense, like English 'rubbish'?

For nonsense talk Irish usually says 'raiméis' or 'seafóid' rather than 'bruscar'.

Rubbish in Irish (Bruscar): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage