HeyRuaHow to say “smallpox” in Irish
- Irish:
- bolgach
- English:
- smallpox, pox
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- feminine, second declension
- Pronunciation:
- “BOL-ug-ukh” /ˈbˠɔlˠəɡəx/
- Genitive singular:
- bolgaí, na bolgaí (e.g. vacsaín na bolgaí, the smallpox vaccine)
What does “bolgach” mean?
“Bolgach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- smallpox
- A serious infectious disease that causes fever and pus-filled blisters on the skin.Also: variola, pox.
1 other meaning: pox
- 2pox
- Any disease that brings out blisters or pustules on the skin, as in an bholgach Fhrancach (syphilis).Also: pock disease, pustular disease.
“Bolgach” with the article
Here is bolgach after the article (an t-alt).
“Bolgach” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bolgach, the Irish word for smallpox.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Smallpox in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for smallpox?
The Irish for smallpox is bolgach (pronounced “BOL-ug-ukh”). It’s a feminine noun. Depending on context it can also mean pox.
How do you pronounce bolgach in Irish?
Bolgach is said like “BOL-ug-ukh” (IPA /ˈbˠɔlˠəɡəx/).
Does bolgach have a plural?
No plural form is given for bolgach in the standard. Many abstract and mass nouns in Irish have no plural.
Does bolgach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bolgach can mean smallpox or pox, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bolgach change to bholgach or mbolgach?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bolgach becomes mo bholgach (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbolgach (eclipsis).
What is the Irish for chickenpox, and is it the same as 'bolgach'?
No: chickenpox is 'deilgneach', while 'an bholgach' is smallpox. Older speakers sometimes used 'bolgach' loosely for pox diseases.
