HeyRuaHow to say “wordy” in Irish
- Irish:
- foclach
- English:
- wordy, talkative
- Word type:
- adjective
- Wordier:
- níos foclaí
- Wordiest:
- is foclaí
- Plural:
- foclacha
- Pronunciation:
- “FUK-lukh” /ˈfˠɔkˠləx/
What does “foclach” mean?
“Foclach” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.
- wordy
- Using more words than are needed.Also: verbose, long-winded, prolix.
1 other meaning: talkative
- 2talkative
- Fond of talking a lot.Also: garrulous, chatty, loquacious.
“Foclach” after a noun
An Irish adjective comes after its noun. Here is foclach after alt (article, masculine), after óráid (speech, feminine) and after a plural.
séimhiú (the h) the ending
After a feminine noun the adjective gets a séimhiú, an h after its first letter: óráid fhoclach. After a masculine noun it stays as it is: alt foclach.
With a plural noun the adjective takes its plural form, foclacha. It also gets an h after a plural that ends in a slender consonant: ailt fhoclacha; after other plurals it does not: óráidí foclacha.
Wordier, wordiest, very wordy
Tá an dara leagan níos foclaí ná an chéad cheann. The second version is wordier than the first.
| wordier | níos foclaí | in the past tense: ní b'fhoclaí |
|---|---|---|
| wordiest | is foclaí | in the past tense: ab fhoclaí |
| as wordy as | chomh foclach le | no change after chomh |
| very wordy | an-fhoclach | an- lenites, except d, t and s |
| too wordy | rófhoclach | ró- lenites |
“Foclach” in a sentence: Irish examples
With a masculine noun, a feminine noun, a plural, a comparison and on its own.
Other adjectives in Irish
More everyday Irish adjectives to learn next.
Wordy in Irish: frequently asked questions
What is the Irish for wordy?
The Irish for wordy is foclach (pronounced “FUK-lukh”). It comes after the noun: alt foclach, a wordy article; óráid fhoclach, a wordy speech.
How do you say wordier and wordiest in Irish?
níos foclaí is wordier and is foclaí is wordiest. In the past tense they become ní b'fhoclaí and ab fhoclaí.
Why does foclach become fhoclach?
After a feminine singular noun an adjective is lenited: it gets an h after its first letter. So óráid fhoclach (a wordy speech) but alt foclach (a wordy article), because alt is masculine.
What is the plural of foclach?
With a plural noun foclach becomes foclacha: ailt fhoclacha, óráidí foclacha. After a plural that ends in a slender consonant it is lenited as well.
How do you say very wordy in Irish?
an-fhoclach. Too wordy is rófhoclach, and as wordy as is chomh foclach le.
Does foclach have more than one meaning?
Yes. Foclach can mean wordy or talkative, depending on context; the first is the most common.
What is the difference between 'foclach' and 'cainteach'?
'Foclach' usually describes speech or writing that uses too many words, while 'cainteach' describes a person who talks a lot.
