Gàidhlig / English
Siachaire-cladaich

Siachaire-cladaich

Posted by Edit on Thursday 24th November

This week’s word, siachaire-cladaich, originates in Harris. According to DASG’s Fieldwork archive, it means ‘scrounger’, a person that borrows from or lives off other people. It is also listed as a bird species. Hence, just as mulcaire, which was our word of the week a few weeks ago (as well as others in this blog), this is an example of a word that is used for a type of person as well as an animal with corresponding behaviour. The meaning of siachaire is unclear – however, sìochair appears in Dwelly’s dictionary, meaning ‘contemptible person’, so there might be a connection between these two words.

Another word that appears in the Fieldwork archive, crìochairean-cladaich, might have the same meaning as siachaire-cladaich. Crìochairean-cladaich, also originating from Harris, means fishermen or birds who keep close to the shore. Crìochaire means ‘border guard/keeper’ and hence it might refer to the behaviour of the siachaire-cladaich.

Concerning the species of this bird, crìochran appears in Dwelly, meaning ‘stonechat’ (which is described as a bird of ‘bold behaviour’), and this might be connected to crìochairean-cladaich, though this is also uncertain.

As usual, if you are familiar with siachaire-cladaich or crìochaire(an)-cladaich, you can let us know in the comment section below or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.
 
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