Tinker in Irish (Tincéir): Meaning & Pronunciation

Q: What is the Irish for tinker?

The Irish for tinker is tincéir (pronounced “tin-KAYR”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tincéirí. Depending on context it can also mean rough person.

Q: What is the plural of tinker in Irish?

The plural of tincéir is tincéirí; with the article, na tincéirí means “the tinkers”. The genitive plural is tincéirí, as in saol na dtincéirí (the life of the tinkers).

Q: Does tincéir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tincéir can mean tinker or rough person, depending on context; the first is the most common.

How to say “tinker” in Irish

Irish:: tincéir
English:: tinker, rough person
Word type:: noun
Gender:: masculine, third declension
Pronunciation:: “tin-KAYR” /tʲiːɲˈceːɾʲ/

Various forms

Plural:: tincéirí (tinkers)
Genitive singular:: tincéara, an tincéara (e.g. cairt an tincéara, the tinker's cart)
Genitive plural:: tincéirí, na dtincéirí (e.g. saol na dtincéirí, the life of the tinkers)

What does “tincéir” mean?

“Tincéir” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

tinker: A travelling tinsmith who mends pots and pans; also an older, now often offensive, word for a member of the Travelling community.Also: tinsmith, traveller, itinerant.

1 other meaning: rough person

2rough person: Used figuratively as an insult for a rough, unkempt or mischievous person.Also: rascal, scamp.

“Tincéir” with the article

The plural of tinker in Irish is tincéirí. Here is tincéir after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an tincéir

the tinker

No change after an

na tincéirí

the tinkers

Plural: no change after na

“Tincéir” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using tincéir, the Irish word for tinker.

Tháinig tincéir chuig an doras inné.

A tinker came to the door yesterday.

Dheisigh an tincéir an sáspan dúinn.

The tinker mended the saucepan for us.

Bhí asal an tincéara ag ithe féir.

The tinker's donkey was eating grass.

Bhíodh na tincéirí ag taisteal ó áit go háit.

The tinkers used to travel from place to place.

Ba thincéir é mo shin-seanathair.

My great-grandfather was a tinker.

Ní deas an focal tincéir a úsáid anois.

It isn't nice to use the word tinker now.

Chuala mé scéal faoi thincéirí sa scoil.

I heard a story about tinkers in school.

Other nouns in Irish

More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.

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Tinker in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for tinker?

The Irish for tinker is tincéir (pronounced “tin-KAYR”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is tincéirí. Depending on context it can also mean rough person.

How do you pronounce tincéir in Irish?

Tincéir is said like “tin-KAYR” (IPA /tʲiːɲˈceːɾʲ/).

What is the plural of tinker in Irish?

The plural of tincéir is tincéirí; with the article, na tincéirí means “the tinkers”. The genitive plural is tincéirí, as in saol na dtincéirí (the life of the tinkers).

Does tincéir have more than one meaning?

Yes. Tincéir can mean tinker or rough person, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does tincéir change to thincéir or dtincéir?

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

Is 'tincéir' an acceptable word for a Traveller?

No, it is now considered offensive; use 'Taistealaí' or 'an Lucht Siúil' instead.

Tinker in Irish (Tincéir): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage