Patrick
In Irish (Gaelic), what, if anything, is usually said after someone sneezes? In America, we say "Bless you," "God bless you," or "Gesundheit" (German). What is said in the Irish language? Would it be "Slainte"? Thanks.
Apr 4, 2012 8:22 PM
Answers · 5
I feel rather unqualified to answer this, but "sláinte" still sounds like a toast. I don't recall it being used for anything else while I was in Ireland. Some languages do share the same word for toasts and sneezes, but it seems Gaeilge isn't one of them. Apparently it's "Dia Linn" (God be with us), based on a bit of web research. I found an interesting discussion here (and learnt a few things as well!): http://www.irishgaelictranslator.com/translation/topic101946.html
April 5, 2012
Tá slaghdán ort, a ghadaí = You've a cold, you thief! A fun saying used! Dia linn is Muire would be more common in some dialects, chosen over simply Dia linn.
May 5, 2013
As well as "Dia linn", another option is "deiseal", which means "clockwise, sunwise" ("rightwards"). This stems from the ancient belief that clockwise movement brought good fortune and anticlockwise movement brought misfortune.
February 12, 2013
It's "Dia linn".
May 6, 2012
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!