HeyRuaHow to say “trick” in Irish
- Irish:
- bob
- English:
- trick, fringe, tuft
- Word type:
- noun
- Gender:
- masculine, fourth declension
- Pronunciation:
- “bub” /bˠɔbˠ/
- Plural:
- bobanna (tricks)
- Genitive singular:
- bob, an bhob (e.g. íobartach an bhob, the victim of the trick)
- Genitive plural:
- bobanna, na mbobanna (e.g. rí na mbobanna, the king of tricks)
What does “bob” mean?
“Bob” has three alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- trick
- A prank or practical joke played on someone to fool them.Also: prank, practical joke, hoax.
2 other meanings: fringe or tuft
- 2fringe
- A short lock of hair cut to hang over the forehead, or a bob of hair.Also: bangs, bob, forelock.
- 3tuft
- A small bunch or tassel of something such as hair, wool or thread.Also: tassel, bob, bobtail.
Other Irish words for trick: cleas (trick)
“Bob” with the article
The plural of trick in Irish is bobanna. Here is bob after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.
“Bob” in a sentence: Irish examples
Common Irish sentences using bob, the Irish word for trick.
Other nouns in Irish
More everyday Irish nouns to learn next.
Trick in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for trick?
The Irish for trick is bob (pronounced “bub”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is bobanna. Depending on context it can also mean fringe or tuft.
How do you pronounce bob in Irish?
Bob is said like “bub” (IPA /bˠɔbˠ/).
What is the plural of trick in Irish?
The plural of bob is bobanna; with the article, na bobanna means “the tricks”. The genitive plural is bobanna, as in rí na mbobanna (the king of tricks).
Does bob have more than one meaning?
Yes. Bob can mean trick, fringe or tuft, depending on context; the first is the most common.
Why does bob change to bhob or mbob?
Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) bob becomes mo bhob (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár mbob (eclipsis).
How do I say 'to play a trick on someone' in Irish?
Say 'bob a bhualadh ar dhuine', for example 'bhuail sí bob orm' (she played a trick on me).
What is the difference between 'bob' and 'cleas'?
'Bob' is a prank to fool someone, while 'cleas' is broader and can mean a trick, a skill or a stunt.
