Motherfoclóir: Dispatches from a not so dead language - Darach Ó Séaghdhac

Motherfoclóir – foclóir means 'dictionary' and is pronounced like a rather more vulgar English epithet – is a book based on the popular Twitter account @theirishfor. As the title suggests, 'Motherfoclóir' takes an irreverent, pun-friendly and contemporary approach to the Irish language. The translations are expanded on and arranged into broad categories that allow interesting connections to be made, and sprinkled with anecdotes and observations about Irish and Ireland itself, as well as language in general. The author includes stories about his own relationship with Irish, and how it fits in with the most important events in his life. This is a book for all lovers of the quirks of language – any language.

A fada can make all the difference. Fáil – destiny. Fail – hiccup.

The Irish word for an extremist is ‘antioiseach’, not to be confused with ‘An Taoiseach’ (The Irish Prime Minister).