first image

Hi.

Welcome to This Awful/Awesome Life! My name is Frances Joyce. I am the publisher and editor of this magazine. We'll be exploring different topics each month to inform, entertain and inspire you. Meet new authors, sharpen your brain and pick up a few tips on life, love, entertaining and business. Enjoy and please share!

March 2026 "What's in a Word? Words from The Emerald Isle" by Fran Joyce

“What’s in a Word” is back in time for St. Patrick’s Day.

I’ve selected  Irish words and expressions in Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge), the official language of Ireland spoken by only about 70,000-75,000 people in Ireland.

I’ve included a wonderful link to a tutorial on learning Irish words and phrases at the end of this list. I’m not the best with pronunciations, but I still enjoy learning a few words in different languages whenever I can. Sometimes it’s fun to just sit back and listen.

 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Bain taitneamh as (bwin tat-nyuv oss) Enjoy!

 

Tá grá agam duit (TAW graw ag-um ditch) means I love you.

Sláinte (SLAWN-cha) means health. It’s often used in toasts to wish someone good health when you drink with them.

Siócháin (SHEE-kawn) means peace.

Draíocht (dree-uct) means magic, charm or enchantment.

Mo chara (Muh KHAR-ah) means friend.

Croí (kree) means heart.

Dóchas (DOH-khus) means hope.

Ná géill go deo (naw gale guh doh) means never give up.

Ceol (kyohl) means music.

Bród (Brohd) means pride, honor, dignity, and self-respect.

Sources:

https://www.google.com/search?q=speak+irish+gaelic&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari - lfId=ChxjMe

Happy Birthday, Ralph Ellison! by Fran Joyce

Dare to Believe: Mary Ann Shadd Cary and Thaddeus Stevens by Fran Joyce