Gàidhlig / English
Balg Buachair

Balg Buachair

Posted by Abi on 15th January 2015

The word Balg Buachair (Toadstool/Mushroom) was collected in Dunoon but it came originally from Barra. The word was collected in a list of biological words and the author explained that ‘càise na Rodair’ (The Rat’s Cheese) was used more commonly. There are many different descriptive forms for the word toadstool or mushroom across the islands.

In South Uist, four different forms have been collected. In Garrynamonie the people used ‘meall coinnain/coinein’ (Rabbit mound) and in Gerinish ‘balga buachaill(e)’ (bag of a shepherd) was collected. In Eochar, ‘balgan buarach’ (bag of a cow fetter) was collected and ‘sgaileaga buachair’ (manure parasol) was collected in Lochcarnan. In Grosebay, Harris the word ‘balg-bhuachair was collected in 1972.

According to ‘The Gaelic Names of Plants’ (Glasgow, J. Mackay, 1900), ‘balg’ is an ancient Celtic word and means a bag or wallet. The Ancient Celts had no explanation for the presence of toadstools or mushrooms but according to Celtic mythology they were used by the fairies as tables for their feasts.

There is more information about mushrooms/toadstools here.

Do you know any interesting local words like balg buachair? If so, we would be interested in hearing from you through Facebook or Twitter.

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