| Letter dated 20/03/1977 |
| [note] | As you must know, the diphthong ‘eu’ is always pronounced ‘eeaa’ in Lochaber. An speur – the sky is certainly an exception. |
| Word-list dated 21/03/1977 |
| [sliochd] | “Fàsaidh sibh mar an luachair / Is crionaidh sibh mar an raineach, / Is thig sliochd eile ’nur n’àite / Is thig crioch air sliochd na mollachd.” I don’t know what place this refers to – I consider that ‘mollachd’ must be wrong: it is a very strong word. |
| [crúban] | Dean crúban – a child is asked to sit on his heels or ‘houkers’. |
| meanbh-chuileag | a midge. |
| coinnspeach | a wasp. |
| seilean | a bee. |
| [cinnt] | Tha fios is cinnt nach d’rinn e sin. – It is absolutely certain he did not do that. |
| [snasail] | Obair-laimhe snasail – neat handiwork. |
| [caitheamh] | Brògan caithimh – everyday shoes. |
| [caomhnadh] | Brògan caomhnaidh – shoes for better occasions. Aodach caomhnaidh – ‘Sunday-best’ clothes. |
| [làmh] | Fhuair iad làmh an uachdair. – They got the upper hand. |
| [cur dheth] | Bha e a cur dheth aig taobh na h-amhna. – He was talking his head off at the riverside. Note the peculiar genitive pronounced há-oo-na. [The following note copied from the letter dated 24/03/1977:] I have drawn your attention to the fact that the genitive of ‘amhuinn’ (river) in Lochaber was considered to be ‘amhna’, e.g. taobh na h-amhna. Elsewhere it is considered to be ‘aimhne’ as in Garrynahine. |
| am briuthas | the illicit still in the hills. |
| am bòcan | the ghost. |
| [car-a-mhuilltein] | Rinn am balach car-a-mhuilltein. – The boy did a somersault. |
| múthadh | loose change. |
| [brògan] | Brògan ùr – new shoes. Seana bhrògan – old shoes. |
| [sàsaichte] | Dh’ith iad gus an robh iad sàsaichte. – They ate till they were satisfied. |
| cor a bhiod | on tiptoe. |
| spionadh | Spionadh na circe – defeathering a bird. |
| spionnadh | muscular strength. |
| an deal déirce | the poor deprived person. |
| an grudh | the croudy. |
| an gruidheam | the croudy. |
| [bàsaich] | Bhàsaich an cú. – The dog died. But: Chaochail an duine. – The man died. |
| [caochail] | Chaochail an duine. – The man died. But: Bhàsaich an cú. – The dog died. |
| [beò] | Gu ma fada beò thu is ceò thar (?) do thigh! |
| Leig dhiot! | said to a child misbehaving or being a nuisance. |
| [comhdhail] | Droch comhdhail ort, a ghocain uidhir, is le’d ghocail nach fhuirich thu a-stigh!!! – said to an inquisitive child by a very pious old lady. |
| Word-list dated 25/03/1977 |
| [song] | A song my mother used to sing: “Latha dhomhsa ’s mi na’m ònar / Dol troimh ’n choill ’s mi siubhal mòna / Thachair orms a ghruagach bhoidheach / Rinn mi comhradh rith ’s greis anail.” Refrain “Thug sibh air nighean donn nam meall-shuil / ’S trom mo cheum an deigh do gheallaidh / Thug sibh air nighean donn nam meall shuil.” |
| àm briseadh an duilleach | this was responsible for spots and blemishes on the faces of the young. |
| [greim] | Dean greim air sin! – Catch that! |
| [súrd] | Rinn iad súrd rium. – They gave me a joyous welcome. |
| an còmhnard | a piece of flat ground like a lawn. |
| [teanga] | Teanga gun urrainn – a piece of land about opposite Cranachan in Glenroy. Meaning? |
| an Socach | Do. [i.e. a place in Glenroy?] |
| [sròn] | Sròn dubh an t-sithein. |
| [teanga] | Chan eil e agam air mo theanga. – I cannot repeat it from memory. |
| [aobhar] | Chan eil aobhar sam bith air sin a dheanamh. – There is no obligation to do that. |
| [aghaidh] | Bha mi an aghaidh sin a dheanamh. – I was against doing that. |
| [fathun] | Chuala mi fathun (fathum) de sin. – I heard a rumour of that. |
| [socair] | Gabh air do shocair! – not so fast. |
| culag | a back-tooth. |
| miaran | a thimble. |
| [snathad] | Snathad is snath – needle and thread. |
| [fingers] | The fingers: òrdag, miarag, gille fada, macanAba, girgean (?), ludag (?). |
| [smèid] | Smèid e orm. – He signalled to me to come. |
| [rathad] | Chan ’eil a phrís sin as an rathad. – That’s a reasonable price. |
| brúchd | a rude noise made after eating quickly. |
| Tigh Iain Ghròd | John o’ Groats. |
| [siorram] | Mouth music: “Siorram sios, siorram suas / Cha robh ball de Ruaraidh agam / Siorram sios, siorram suas / Cha robh agam Ruaraidh.” I don’t know any more of it. |
| an gorman | a small flat grassy space free of weeds and other growth. Suitable for children to play chucks. |
| buille ’n ùird | a hammer blow. |
| sgòrnan | the throat. |
| biadh blasda | tasty food. |
| A Chàisg | Easter. |
| Di-dòmhnaich Càsga | Easter Sunday. |
| Latha nan tri righrean | Feast of the Visit of the 3 Kings, 6th January. |
| Achadh na bó báine | a farm (?) in the Spean Bridge area. |
| onarach | honest. |
| sgàn | mirror. |
| blasad bìdh | a meal. |
| [buntàta] | buntàta dubh is buntàta geal – black potatoes and white. Buntàta grod – rotten potatoes. |
| bainne goirt | sour milk. |
| [call] | Fhuair mi am peann a bha air chall. – I found the pen which was lost (temporarily). |
| [clàr] | Thubhairt e rium an clàr an aodainn. – He said to me boldly or straight in the face. |
| [crioch] | Cuir crioch air an obair. – Finish the job. |
| [buin] | An rud nach buin dut na buin dà! – Don’t keep anything that does not belong to you. |
| [mionaid] | Ní mi sin ’s a mhionaid. – I shall do that at once! |
| [breislichean] | Tha e am breislichean. – He is delirious. |
| faoisgeag | (from memory) something to do with a hazel-nut. |
| faloisg | heather burning. |
| an tuthadh | the thatch. |
| an sgoil fhuaghail | in my mother’s day it was customary for girls to go to a sewing school in Fort William. |
| “A’ choileum” | was perhaps a ford on the River Roy which enabled people in Clianaig to cross the river to church which in my time was directly opposite. |
| [fiughar] | Bha fiughar agam gun tigeadh e. – I expected he would come. |
| [slachdadh] | Fhuair iad slachdadh aig an sgoil. – They got a beating at school. |
| fèith ri dheireadh | wait for a result, quite unexpected. |
| [cairís] | Bha mi ’n am chairís fad na h-oidhche. – I was up all night. |
| [dachaidh] | Bi falbh dhachaidh. – Run off home. |
| a choinneal | the candle. |
| a choingeal | the candle. |
| Oidhche Choinnle | the eve of a certain church feast day. I forget which. Duan: Oidhche choinnle, oidhche shonais, / Oidhch air am bi… / So an tigh ’s a bheil mo gnothuch / ’S chan eil romham dol ’n as fhaide. (Possibly you can find someone to fill in the blanks.) |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| [liuthad] | Chan fhag iad liuthad mo bhrògan agam. – They are depriving me of even my shoes. |
| [geall] | Cuiridh mi geall nach bi e ann an àm. – I bet he will not be in time. |
| [cridhe] | Tha sin a cur sgian ’nam chridhe. – That is a source of grief to me. |
| [lamh] | Fhuair iad an lamh an uachdair. – They got the upper hand. |
| an dosan | a fringe of hair on the forehead. |
| [traisg] | Tha mi ’nam thraisg. – I am fasting. (eccles.) |
| [crioman] | Crioman arain – a little bit of bread. |
| [buan] | ’S e maireach Diluain is bidh an t-seachduinn cho buan ’s a bha i riamh. Aodach or stùth buan – long-lasting cloth. |
| [trobhad] | Trobhad seo. – Come here. |
| [galar] | Galar a’ bhuntàta – potato disease. |
| [cruinn] | Nuair bha iad uile cruinn – when all were present or gathered together. |
| [súil] | Díreach air a shúil – exactly. |
| [glagadaich] | Bha iad a glagadaich. – They were laughing loudly. |
| [glag] | Rinn e glag gaire. – He made a sudden burst of laughter. |
| sgròban | a throat. |
| sgòrnan | a throat. |
| [sgìth] | Tha mi cho sgith [sic] ri cú. – I am tired out. |
| [cuir] | Dé tha cur ort? – What is troubling you? |
| [leisg] | Is leisg le leisgean dol a laidhe ach is seachd leisg leis éirigh. |
| [balgam] | Gabhaidh mi balgam tí. – I’ll take a mouthful (?) of tea. |
| [crodh] | Crodh laoigh nam bodach x 3 / ’S iad a togail ri gleann. / Ma tha, mo thogair x 3 / Chan eil mo chrodh ann. (sung) |
| [car] | Thug e an car asam. – He played a trick on me. |
| [gnothuch] | A dh’aona ghnothuch. – on purpose. |
| [air ais] | Tha e fad air ais. – He is backward. |
| criobhachdan | mannerisms, twitchings. |
| [nadur] | Nach ann aige tha an droch nadur! – What a bad temper he has. |
| [labhairt] | Tha deagh chomas labhairt aige. – He is a fluent speaker. |
| [dòigh] | Tha mi air mo dhòigh an so. – I am happy here. |
| [cothrom] | Cha d’fhuair mi cothrom air sin a dheanamh. – I did not get an opportunity to do that. |
| [fathunn] | Chuala mi fathunn de sin an dé. – I heard a rumour (?) of that yesterday. |
| [fóid] | Fóid mòna – a piece of peat. |
| torra-sgian | peat cutter. |
| [dorus] | An dorus mór – the front door. An dorus cùil – the back door. |
| am bàthaich | the byre. |
| an tigh-bhainne | the dairy. |
| an sabhal | the barn. |
| [fodar] | Fodar + raineach – straw and bracken for bedding. |
| [laogh] | Laogh is gamhainn – calf and stirk. |
| an crò | the stall. |
| an innear | the manure. |
| am mart (pron. meart) | the cow. |
| an tarbh | the bull. |
| [sguab] | Sguab arbhair – a sheaf of corn. |
| a’ sitrich (?) | neighing. (?) |
| [muillean] | Muillean fodair – bundle (?) of straw. Probably “muillean fodair” should be written “muidhlean” to achieve correct pronunciation. |
| a chraobh uinnseann | the ash tree. |
| a choille dharaich | the oak wood. |
| a choille chnò | the hazel wood. |
| na féithean | flat boggy land from which cattle had to be extricated from time to time. |
| cóineach | moss. |
| crios a mhadaidh ruaidh | stag-horn moss. (?) |
| neonan | a daisy. |
| [drubhag] | Am bu mhaith leat drubhag tí? – Would you like some tea? |
| [boinean] | Am bu mhaith leat boinean tí? – Would you like some tea? |
| air corr a’ bhiod | on tip-toe. |
| Word-list ‘Random phrases’ (not dated) |
| a’ chailleach oidhche | the owl. |
| [a’ gal] | Am pàisde a’ gal ’s a rànaich. – The child crying and screaming. |
| [rànaich] | Am pàisde a’ gal ’s a rànaich. – The child crying and screaming. |
| àm briseadh an duilleach | springtime when kids got spotty faces. |
| [buil] | Tha a bhuil air! – The result is obvious! |
| [spionadh] | Tha e spionadh an t-sneachda. – the beginning of a snow-storm. |
| [boinne] | Tha boinne air a ghaoith. – The herald of a rain storm. |
| [crioch] | Cuir crioch onorach air an obair – finish the job properly. |
| an t-srúlag | the tiny burn. |
| [eagal] | Ghabh mi an t-eagal. – I got a fright. |
| am bòcan | the ghost. (?) |
| [laighe] | Bi falbh a laighe! – Be off to bed! |
| [coma] | Coma leat sin! Dean so. – Stop doing that. Do this. |
| smear | marrow. |
| [spiol] | Spiol cnàimh – pick a bone. |
| [cràmhadh] | Tha e cràmhadh ’s an úir. – He is decaying in the grave. |
| cnothan | nuts. |
| faoisgeagan | nuts which easily separate from the husk. |
| an sgian mhór | the carving knife. |
| duthaich fad as | distant country. |
| [spiol] | Spiol cnaimh! – Eat meat right to the bone! |
| beul na h-oidhche | early evening. |
| [spúd] | Chan eil spúd aige. – He has no sense. |
| [cuir] | Bha mi a cur thairis. – I was exhausted. |
| [beachd] | Gabh beachd air a sin. – Pay attention to that. |
| balbhan | a dummy. |
| [bilean] | The e agam air mo bhilean. – It’s on the tip of my tongue! (??) |
| [blasad] | Fhuair mi blasad bìdh. – I got some food. |
| [braiceas] | Bheil am braiceas deas? – Is breakfast ready? |
| [pronnadh] | A pronnadh an arain – breaking up bread into crumbs. |
| [cruaidh-chàs] | Tha mi ann an cruaidh-chàs. – I am in real difficulty. |
| [sitrich] | Tha an làir a sitrich. – The mare is neighing. |
| an iol-lann | the stackyard. |
| [làn] | Làn mo chròig – my handful. |
| [snodha] | Rinn e snodha gàire. – He smiled. |
| [fuineadh] | Tha i a fuineadh. – She is baking. |
| clàr-fuinidh | the baking board. |
| monmhur | murmur. |
| suibheagan | raspberries. |
| dearcagan dubha | blackcurrants. |
| gròiseadan | gooseberries. |
| an curan | the carrot. |
| an nèaba | ‘turnip’. |
| slaman | curds. |
| an gruth | crowdy. |
| an càise | cheese. |
| [blàth] | Tha mi blàth. – I’m warm. |
| [fuar] | Tha mi fuar. – I’m cold. |
| [gríseach] | Tha mi gríseach. – I’m shivery. |
| bòsdail | proud, conceited. |
| am brocair | badger-hunter. |
| [fad] | Fad an latha – the whole day. Fad an rathaid – the whole way. Fad na h’ùine – the whole time. |
| [sguab] | Sguab an t-úrlar. – Sweep the floor. |
| breid-soithichean | dish towel. |
| [stuama] | Duine stuama – a righteous man. |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| Oidhche Choinnle | New Year’s night. Oidhche Choinnle, oidhche shonais, oidhche air am bi … is … / So an tigh ’s a bheil mo gnothuch / ’S chan eil romham dol na’s fhaide. Duan, one of many which could be recited in order to gain admittance on New Year’s Eve. |
| àm briseadh an duilleach | springtime when the young faces became spotty. |
| [greim] | Dean greim air sin. – Catch or hold that. |
| an comhnard | a flat piece of ground like a lawn. |
| An Socach | in Glenroy. |
| Sròn dubh an t-sithein | in Glenroy. |
| Teanga gun Urrainn | in Glenroy. |
| [teanga] | Chan eil e agam air mo theanga. – I don’t know it off by heart. |
| [socair] | Gabh air do shocair! – Not so fast! |
| cùlag | a back tooth. |
| miaran | a thimble. |
| [fingers] | Thumb and four fingers: ordag, meurag (miarag), gille fada, mac an aba, gircean. |
| lùdag | possibly the little finger. (?) |
| [smèid] | Smèid e orm. – He signalled to me to come. |
| [rathad] | Chan eil a phrís sin as an rathad. – That is not an exorbitant price. |
| [cùram] | Tha e cur cùram orm gu bheil e fada gun tilleadh. – I am worried that he is late in returning. |
| brùchd | a rude noise from the throat after eating quickly. |
| Tigh Iain Ghròd | John o’ Groat’s house. |
| an gorman | a small flat grassy place, say, for playing chucks. |
| [siorram] | Siorram sios, siorram suas / Cha robh ball de Ruaraidh agam / Siorram sios, siorram suas / Cha robh agam Ruaraidh, etc. Mouth-music for Highland Schottische. |
| sgòrnan | the throat. |
| biadh blasda | tasty food. |
| a Chàisg | Easter time. Didòmhnaich Càsga – Easter Sunday. |
| Ach na bó bàine | a farm between Roy and Spean Bridge. |
| Là nan trì rìghrean | Feast of Epiphany, 6th January, visit of the 3 Kings. |
| onorach | honest. |
| sgàn | a mirror. |
| [blasad] | An d’fhuair thu blasad bìdh? – Have you had any food? |
| [cuir a mach] | Bha e a cur a mach. – He was vomiting. [NOTES: the spelling is a bit unclear; it could be ‘curamach’.] |
| buntàta dubh | the purple skinned potato. |
| buntàta grod | rotten potato. |
| bainne gòirt | [sic] sour milk. |
| an t-uachdar | cream (of milk). |
| [call] | Fhuair mi am peann a bha air chall. – I found the missing pen. |
| caillte | lost (irrevocably). |
| [clàr] | Thubhairt e rium an clàr an aodainn. – Straight in the face or boldly. |
| [crioch] | Cuir crioch air an obair! – Finish the job! |
| [mionaid] | Cuiridh ’s a mhionaid. – Yes, immediately. |
| [buin] | An rud nach buin dut, na buin dà. – Don’t keep anything that does not belong to you. |
| [breislichean] | Ann am breislichean – delirious. |
| faoisgeag | I think this was a hazel nut which was released easily from its “husk”. |
| faloisg (spelling?) | heather burning. |
| [fiuthair] | Bha fiuthair agam gu’n tigeadh e. – I had an idea he would come. |
| [nàdur] | An droch nàdur – ill temper, usually referring to a child. |
| an tuthadh | the thatch. |
| [sadadh] | Bha a ghaoth gan sadadh. – A strong wing was beating down on them. |
| [féith] | Féith ri dheireadh! – The result is obvious. |
| [cairis] | Bha mi nam chairis fad na h-oidhche. – I sat up all night. |
| [dachaidh] | Bi falbh dhachaidh! – Be off home! |
| [blas] | Tha blas na Beurla air a Ghaidhlig aige. – His Gaelic has an English flavour. |
| a choinneal | the candle. A choinneal choisrigte – the blessed, consecrated, candle. |
| a choingeal | the candle. |
| [dòigh] | Tha mi air mo dhòigh an so. – I am very happy here. |
| am burraidh! | The stupid fellow! |
| Word-list dated 07/12/1977 |
| sgiollag (sgiullag) | a tiny trout. |
| slat-iasgaich | a fishing-rod. |
| dubhan | a hook. |
| [gabh] | Gabh ort nach cuala thu e. – Pretend you did not hear him. |
| [cuir] | Dé tha a’ cur ort? – What is troubling you? |
| [smèid] | Smèid e orm tighinn a nall. – He beckoned me to come over. |
| am fuaran | the well. |
| fad is farsuinn | far and wide. |
| [sop] | Gabhaidh mi ort le sop. – I’ll smack you with a wisp of hay. |
| am bòcan | the ghost. (?) |
| [dorus] | An dorus mór – the front door. Am dorus cùil – the back door. Leac an doruis – the stone-slab outside the door. Lamh an doruis – the door handle. |
| an glas | the lock. |
| [fuirich] | Fuirich far a bheil thu! – Stay where you are! |
| [caraich] | Na caraich! – Don’t move. |
| [gluais] | Na gluais! – Don’t move. |
| [comain] | Tha sinn fada ’n ad chomain. – We are much obliged to you. |
| an dosan | the fringe of short hair on the forehead. |
| an eabar | mud or a muddy spot. |
| am fraochan | the decorative toecap on a shoe. |
| an sgríodan | the scree. |
| an leamhan | the elm tree. |
| na bioranan | small sticks suitable for lighting a fire. |
| am beithe | the birch tree. |
| a’ chraobh èarna | the alder. |
| [bladh] | Obair gun bhladh – useless work. |
| a’ chraobh uinnseann | the ash tree. |
| sròn dubh an t-sithein | the black point of the fairy knoll. |
| teanga gun urrainn | a tongue of land without ownership. (?) |
| [gobhainn] | Cuir fios air a ghobhainn. – Send for the smith. |
| am balbhan | the dumb person. |
| an dallan-dé | the butterfly. |
| am mionach | the “innards”. |
| spòg a’ chait | the cat’s paw. |
| sradag | a spark. |
| sradagach | applies to a man whose temper is easily roused. |
| [ceò] | Tha è cho sean ris a cheò. |
| [tarruing] | B’i d’tharruing (?) – Be off! |
| [ìm] | Tha ím [sic] an Othanaich (Onich), ach ma tha, co bheir as e? – when butter was scarce. |
| [ruidhle] | Ruidhle na Caillich / Eachainn mhoir, agus Shéideadh Seonaid. |
| [beud] | “Bu mhór am beud gu’n tigeadh an t-uisg oirbh.” – a remark made to us in Barra. |
| an cnatan | the cough or cold. |
| [dúrachd] | Fiosachd caillich mar a dúrachd – the woman’s fortune-telling depends on her attitude towards you. |
| [banarach] | Chan fhaod Calum carachadh, / Chan fhaod Calum eirigh / ’S a bhanarach… ? |
| [fathunn] | Chuala mi fathunn de sin. – I heard a rumour about that. |
| Word-list dated 19/01/1978 |
| [rúth-ràth] | Tha an tigh “rúth-ràth”. (spelling?) – The house is in disorder. |
| an leth-pheighinn | a small grazing area in Lochaber. |
| An Socach | Sorry, I have forgotten its location. [NOTES: crossed out.] |
| crodh seisg | cows whose milking season had ceased. |
| an gob | the beak of a bird. |
| na ladhran | the hooves. (?) |
| [casaid] | Chasaid e orm. – He “told” on me. |
| slat-iasgaich | a fishing rod. |
| smugaid | a spit (from the mouth). |
| casad | a cough. |
| a casadaich | coughing. |
| buras | a caterpillar. |
| [marcaich] | ’S mall a mharcaicheas am fear a bheachdaicheas. – The person who would notice this must be riding slowly. |
| [làmh] | Cùl mo laimhe ri fear cho olc!!! – an objection! |
| pearsa-eaglais | a clergyman. |
| [caothach] | Bha an caothach air. – He was madly furious! |
| [spiol] | An spiol thu cnaimh? – Will you pick a bone? |
| tairneanach is dealanach | thunder and lightning. |
| an gilbeirneach | the curlew. |
| a choire-ghriothach | the heron. |
| [blas] | Tha blas na Beurla air a’ Ghaidhlig aige. – He speaks Gaelic with an English accent. |
| bioran, pl. bioranan | sticks suitable for kindling. |
| eallach chonnaidh | a load of firewood. |
| an searrach | the foal. |
| am bioraiche | a young animal, possibly a horse. In my young days, a young man bore that nickname. |
| cnothan | hazel nuts. |
| faoisgeagan | ripe nuts which came away easily from the “husk”. |
| a choille chnò | the nut wood. |
| a choille dharaich | the oak wood. |
| obair snasail | neat (?) job. |
| an crann | the plough. |
| am faladair | the scythe. |
| an speal | swath of cut hay. (?) |
| dail nan ubhal | the orchard. |
| [sgug] | Sgug bhorunaich! – A fool of a woman! |
| mogan | a stocking with a short top, a bed sock. (?) |
| lúb, pl. lúban | knitting-stitches on the needle. |
| [toinnean] | Toinnean fada an tailleir leisg. – The lazy tailor uses a long thread in his needle. |
| [feairrde] | ’S fheairrde mi sin! – I am the better of/for (?) that! |
| Latha bhreathanais! | The Day of Judgment! |
| [peacadh] | Peacadh bàis – a mortal sin! |
| Letter dated 20/01/1978 |
| [spàigean] | By the way, “spàigean” one might say, was a derivative of “spàgach” and described a baby at the stage when he or she walked with legs well apart in order to balance. |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| [smèid] | Smèid e orm tighinn far an robh e. – He signalled to me to come to him. |
| [lús] | Chaill mi mo lús a gàireachdaich. – I became weak with laughter. |
| [tàr] | Thàr e as. – He moved away. |
| “Fraochan” | name given to a terrier. |
| [filleadh] | Dean filleadh air a phaipeir – fold the paper. |
| na spuir | the claws. |
| blagairt | a rough, rude boy (probably from blackguard). |
| [prioba] | Am prioba na sùla – in the twinkling of an eye. |
| [spàr] | Spàr connadh air an teine. – Throw firewood on the fire. |
| [dòigh] | Tha mi air mo dhòigh an so. – I am supremely happy here. |
| latha an trusaidh | sheep-gathering day. |
| eas | a cataract on a river. (?) |
| linne | a deep pool in a river. |
| [spadadh] | Chaidh a spadadh. – He was killed. |
| [filleadh] | Dean filleadh air an aodach – make a fold/hem [?] on the cloth. |
| am fàradh | the ladder. |
| [boiseag] | Bheir mi boiseag do’d aodann. – I’ll give your face a wee wipe. |
| aran cruinneachd | wheaten bread. |
| aran coirc | oatcake. |
| [bonnach] | Rinn mi bonnach arain. – I made a large griddle scone. |
| [spleuc] | Cha léir dhomh spleuc leis na gloinneachan-so. – I can’t see a thing with these glasses. |
| [buidh] | ’S buidh dhut, a Mhór, bidh tu pòsd ann am mios. – You are lucky, Sarah, you will be married in a month. (In Scots. Yellow to your muckle, you will be married in a plate.) |
| [brod] | Brod na poite – the lid of a pot. |
| [buntata] | Latha cur a bhuntata – potato planting day. Latha togail a bhuntata – potato lifting day. |
| aotroman (muic) | bag used in the bagpipes. |
| craobh eòrna | alder tree. |
| craobh uinnseann | ash tree. |
| craobh beithe | birch tree. |
| craobh dharach | oak. |
| craobh leabhan | elm. |
| piurnea | cotton reel. |
| snàth | thread. |
| clòidh | wool. |
| bòdainnean | boots. |
| brògan | shoes. |
| [breislichean] | Bha e am breislichean. – He was delirious. |
| am peasan | the naughty boy or girl. |
| a’ ghlunnag | a deep pool in a stream. |
| [tòir] | Thig mi air do thòir aig aon uair. – I shall call for you at 1pm. |
| [gas] | Chan eil gas siucair air fhagail. – There isn’t a grain of sugar left. |
| [brod] | brod na poite – the pot lid. |
| [latha] | “A h-uile latha sona dhut gun aon latha dona dhut.” |
| [beachd] | Gabh beachd air na tha mi ag radh riut. – Take note of what I am saying to you. |
| snaim | knot. |
| buidseachd | a curse. |
| beannachd | a blessing or good wish. |
| [slaodach] | Boirionnach slaodach – a slack woman. |
| lasair | a flame. |
| [cuir] | Bha e a cur a mach. – He was vomiting. |
| teinne dé | a red-hot stick being waved in the air. (?) |
| gobhar adhar | |
| [cron] | Bheil thu ri cron? – Are you engaged in mischief? |
| [sàil] | Sàil na bròige – heel of a shoe. |
| [bonn] | Bonn na bròige – sole of a shoe. |
| [cuir] | Bha e cur dheth fad an rathaid – He was “declaiming” the whole way. |
| bogha frois | rainbow. |
| car a mhuilltein | a somersault. |
| [beul] | Am beul na oidhche – early evening. |
| na basan | palms of the hands. |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| [clàr] | ‘Thubhairt e rium an clàr an aodainn.’ – He told mi straight/boldly in the face. |
| [spaideil] | Duine spaideil – a smart “flashy” man. |
| culaidh thruaighse | an object of pity. |
| sgug | a brainless, stupid woman. |
| aotroman muic | a pig’s bladder, possibly used in the making of bagpipes. |
| [aire] | Thug mi an aire air a’ phàisd. – I looked after the child. |
| feòdar | pewter. |
| sgrìodan | a scree. |
| burras | a caterpillar. |
| [spleuchd] | Cha léir dhomh spleuchd. – a case where specs were unsuitable. |
| obair inntinneach | interesting work, a work which kept the mind happy. |
| [làmh] | Cùl mo làimh ris – an attitude of strong disapproval. |
| [buil] | Tha bhuil air. – The result is evident. |
| [tigh-aire] | In my childhood, Lochaber, i.e. the Braes of Lochaber, was 95% Catholic. When a death occurred in a house, people flocked to pay their respects and remained to pray. It was customary to lay one’s hand on the forehead of the dead for a moment (the head was normally covered by the sheet but the sheet was turned down momentarily to allow the hand to be laid on the forehead). People took it in turn to remain in the room “’s an tigh-aire” where prayers and litanies were said night and day till the day of the funeral – food was provided for people. On the day of the funeral, the coffin was carried shoulder-high on a bier for the few miles to Cill-a-Chaorail. The ancient church of St. Cyril of Alexandria has been restored of recent times and I understand the burial-service is held there now. [NOTES: the following comment copied from the letter dated 24/03/1977:] In my remarks about funeral practices in a previous letter, I had intended to mention the custom of building cairns. I have understood that when the mourners stopped for a rest and possibly refreshment, each man looked around for a sizeable stone and a cairn was built and was called the deceased’s cairn. With the widening of the roads, I fear the cairns have disappeared on the main roads. |
| Word-list dated 22/04/1978 |
| [cead] | Le cead na cuideachd – used before making a vulgar statement. |
| [cuir] | Bha e ’cur a mach. – He was vomiting. |
| [cuir] | Bha e ’cur dheth. – He was declaiming, “speechifying”. |
| [fuirich] | Fuirich far a bheil thu! – Stay where you are. |
| othaisg, na h’óisgean | year-old lamb, lambs. |
| [gabh] | Na gabh ort gun do chaill thu am fàinne. – Don’t disclose that you lost the ring. |
| mion(?)-eòlach | slightly (?) acquainted or known. |
| sean-eòlach | well acquainted. Tha mi sean-eòlach air. – I know him well. |
| [sgillinn] | Chan eil sgillinn ruadh agam. – I haven’t a bean! |
| crodh seisg | cows whose milking season is over. |
| [blasad] | Fhuair mi blasad bìdh bho Seònaid. – I had a meal from Janet. |
| am fàradh | the ladder. |
| an calaman | the pigeon, dove. |
| [mi-chiatach] | Gnothuch mi-chiatach – a disgraceful occurrence. |
| [fuil] | Tha fuil air. – He is closely pursued. |
| am fàsach | the desert, wilderness. |
| [galar] | Galar a bhuntàta – potato disease. |
| [buidseachd] | Tha buidseachd air an obair. – The work is cursed, going awry. |
| [baile] | Bheil duine aig baile? – Is there anyone at home? |
| groiseidean | gooseberries. |
| [dearcagan] | Dearcagan dubha – black currants. Dearcagan dearg – red currants. |
| mil | honey. |
| ceis mhòna | a large basket made locally for carrying peats on the back. |
| clàr fuinidh | baking-board. |
| fiaras dearg | scarlet fever. |
| fiaras dubh | pneumonia. (?) |
| a ghriuthrach | measles. |
| an triuthach | whooping cough. |
| meatagan | gloves. |
| fuarag | cream in the churn halfway to butter-making. |
| blàthach | buttermilk. |
| am burraidh! | the stupid man! |
| [fingers] | Òrdag, miarag, gille fada, mac-an-aba, girgean – the five fingers. |
| [aghaidh] | Nach ann aige tha an dearg aghaidh? – Hasn’t he the utter impertinence? |
| sgaomaire | a feather-brain? |
| [suainn] | Tha i ’na suainn. Tha i ’na suainn chadail. – She’s sound asleep. |
| am peasan | a naughty boy or girl. |
| [fianuis] | Thuirt mi sin ’na fhianuis – I said that in his presence. |
| eallach chonnaidh | a load of firewood. |
| a siabadh as | creeping away stealthily. |
| frith-rathad | short-cut (road). |
| brògan | shoes. |
| bòdainnean | boots. |
| a breabadh | kicking. |
| am biasd-dubh | an otter. (?) |
| [buin] | “An rud nach buin dut [sic], na buin dà.” |
| a fuineadh | baking. |
| [torc] | Torc fiaclach an fhodraich ’s e g’iarraidh gu Cròideach is a chaoidh cha? ? ? (perhaps “cha ruig e gu bràch e”) I can still hear my father saying this! |
| smugaid | spittle. |
| faloisg | heather-burning. |
| [leisg] | “Is leisg le leisgein dol a laidhe ach ’s seachd leisg leis eirigh.” |
| an amhuinn | the river. Taobh na h-amhna (pron. ‘háoona’) – riverside (Lochaber). |
| [place-names] | Lochaber place-names which have puzzled many people: Boloinn, Bohínidh, Bo-h-iunntainn, Bochàsgaidh. |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| leibideach | of trifling value. |
| coiseachd bhras | quick walking. |
| [cothrom] | Ma gheabh [sic] mi an cothrom. – If I get the chance! |
| pongail | dependable. (?) |
| [feairt] | Na tabhair feairt air! – Don’t take any notice of what he says. |
| culaidh thrunghais | an object of pity. |
| [geall] | Cuiridh mi geall nach tig e. – I bet he won’t come. |
| [car] | Thug e an car asam. – He played a trick on me. |
| [co-aoisean] | Bha iad na co-aoisean (pron. coshun) – of same age. |
| [urad] | Dé urad ’s a cheannaich thu? – How much did you buy? |
| [fingers] | Ordag, miarag, gille fada, macanaba, ’s girgean – the five fingers. |
| [ceann] | Ceann mór air duine glic, is ceann circ air amadan!! – A large head on a wise man, a “chicken’s” head on a fool. |
| [beud] | Bu mhór am beud gu’n tigeadh an t-uisge oirbh! – response by a man in Barra to a friend and me when I remarked “Tha’n t-eagal orm nach eil an t-uisge fad as!” |
| miaran | a thimble. |
| [coma] | Tha i coma co-dhiubh (pron. co-chiudh). – She is careless or slovenly. Coma leat sin! – Don’t bother about that or omit that! Leave it alone! |
| [suainn] | Bha mi ’nam shuainn. – I was sound asleep. (an expression with a most beautiful sound) |
| [blas] | Tha blas na Beurla air a Ghaidhlig aige. – He speaks Gaelic with an English accent. (?) |
| [galar] | Tha galar anns a’ bhuntàta. – The potatoes have a disease. |
| marcachd shíona | the riding storm. |
| [fathunn] | Chuala mi fathunn de sin. – I heard a rumour (?) of that. |
| [suim] | Gabh suim de na tha mi ag radh. – Pay attention to what I am saying. |
| am balbhan | the dumb person. |
| [sgíth] | Tha mi cho sgíth ri cú. – I am dead tired. |
| [cuir] | Cuir dhiot do chòta. – Take off your coat. |
| [meal] | Gu’m meal is gu’n caith thu e, is gum faidh thu duine ri linn. – May you enjoy and wear (say, a new coat) and get a husband while it lasts. |
| [grian] | Aig àm dol sios na gréine – at sunset. Aig àm éirigh na gréine – at sunrise. |
| [cairich] | Na cairich! – Don’t move! when someone gets up to offer one a seat. |
| [cudtromach] | Gnothuichean cudtromach – important matters. |
| [blasad] | An do thairg iad blasad bídh dhut? – Did they offer you any food? |
| [crioman] | Gabhaidh mi crioman arain, ma ’s e ur toil e. – I’ll have a little bread, please. |
| [tiota] | Gheibh thu sin ann an tiota. – You’ll get that in a jiffy. |
| [brot] | Fhuair mi brot mór làidir is thog mi orm. – I got some thick broth and set off. |
| [prioba] | Am prioba na súla – in the blinking of an eye, viz. immediately. |
| [traisg] | Tha mi ’nam thraisg. – I have had no food. |
| [grian] | Cùl gaoith is aghaidh gréine – back to the wind and facing the sun. |
| [smùid] | Tha smúid [sic] air a’ bhodach. – The old man is dead drunk. |
| [cuir] | Tha e leis fhéin is a cur dheth! – He is alone and ranting. |
| an t-srùlag (srúthlag?) | the little hillside burn. |
| an conusg | the whin bush. |
| [greim] | Dean greim air sin. – Hold or catch that. |
| spàgach | applied to one who walks with legs well apart; splay-footed. [Cf. spàigean.] |
| spàigean | applied to a baby whose early attempts at walking. [sic] [Cf. spàgach.] |
| [toinnean] | Toinnean fada an tailleir leisg – a long thread (in the needle) is the sign of a lazy tailor. |
| [dachaidh] | Bi falbh dhachaidh! – Be off home! |
| Ruidhle Thulaichean | The reel of Tulloch. |
| [ciall] | Chaidh e as a chiall. – He became insane. |
| [lús] | Chaill mi mo lús [sic] a garachdaich. – I became weak with laughter. |
| [dol] | Dé tha dol? – What’s the news? |
| [cuimseach] | Cuimseach maith – pretty good. |
| [dol] | Chan eil dol as aige. – He is cornered. |
| [cadal] | Tha an cadal orm. – I am sleepy. |
| [pathadh] | Tha am pathadh orm. |
| [acras] | Tha an t-acras orm. |
| cúlag | a back-tooth. |
| tinneas an rígh | King’s Evil. |
| cruaidh-chàs | hardship. |
| am blàr mòine | the peat bog. |
| [beag] | Is beag orm coin. – I dislike dogs. |
| [comhartaich] | A bhi comhartaich – barking. |
| [gleusda] | Ciamar tha sibh? Tha sinn gu gleusda. |
| [gleusadh] | A gleusadh na fídhle – tuning the fiddle. |
| am barra-rotha | the wheelbarrow. |
| an t-each iarruinn | the bicycle. |
| an corran | the sickle. |
| [còp] | Chòp iad a chairt mhona. – They emptied the peat-cart by tilting it and the peat all fell out. ‘Cop’ [sic] also meant to upset. |
| an luachar | the rushes. |
| dearc-luachrach | lizard. |
| a bhile-ruadh | [sic] Mulroy (Lochaber), where a battle was fought. |
| Cruach-Innse | a hill directly opposite on the other side of the River Roy. |
| Dail nan ubhal | a field at Keppoch, Lochaber. |
| a bheul-àth | I think that is where Rivers Roy and Spean meet. |
| [gar] | Thig is gar thu fhein. – Come and get warm at the fire. |
| [fuinneadh] | Tha mi a fuinneadh. – I am baking (scones?). |
| an clàr-fuinnidh | the baking board. |
| a ghreideal | the griddle. |
| aran coirc | oatcakes. |
| [trustar-bhodaich] | Mouth-music: Nam biodh agam trustar-bhodaich / Bhogainn anns an allt e. / Mur biodh e glan ’nuair bhithinn deas / Bhogainn rithis ann e. / Bhogainn e, bhogainn anns an allt / ’S mur biodh e glan ’nuair bhithinn deas bhogainn rithis ann e. |
| [seachd] | Tha mi seachd sgìth. |
| [torman] | Torman an uillt – the bubbling brook. |
| [mèilich] | Tha an t-uan a mèilich. – The lamb is bleating. |
| [comhartaich] | Tha an cù a comhartaich. – The dog is barking. |
| [mèogail] | Tha an cat a mèogail. |
| [comain] | Tha mi fada ’nad chomain. – I am much obliged. |
| [éirich] | Dé dh’éirich dhut? – What happened to you? |
| [crioch] | Cuir crioch onorach air. – Finish it properly. |
| [biorach] | Brògan biorach – shoes with pointed toes. |
| iallan | shoe laces. |
| [tacaideach] | brògan tacaideach – tackety boots. |
| príne fuilt | a hair pin. |
| ceis-mhòine | large basket of peat (carried on the back). |
| prabagan | small heaps of hay in the field. |
| [muidhlean] | muidhlean fodair – a small bundle of straw. (?) |
| na h’adagan | the corn stooks. |
| [cruach] | Cruach arbhair – corn stack. Cruach fheoir – hay stack. |
| [gort] | Chan eil an so ach a’ ghort. – There is nothing here but famine. (?) |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| [note] | Please excuse the condition in which I send these scraps. |
| [dòigh] | Tha mi air mo dhòigh. |
| crùbach | |
| [caitheamh] | Brògan caitheimh – everyday footwear. |
| [caomhnadh] | Brògan caomhnaidh – Sunday shoes. Aodach caomhnaidh – Sunday best. |
| brògan | women referred to their shoes as brògan. |
| bòdainnean | boots. |
| soc, co | [?] |
| cliobach | clumsy-handed, inclined to let things drop. |
| togsaid | woman of ample proportions. |
| criobhachdan | signs of nervous tension. |
| gruamach | |
| aoidheil | |
| ladarna | |
| cridheil | |
| fialaidh | |
| [Diluain] | Imrich Diluain gu tuath. Imrich Disathurne gu deas. Ged nach biodh agam ach an t-uan / ’S ann Diluain dh’fhalbhainn leis. |
| [cadal] | Cadal cha dean mi, cadal cha dean mise / Lochd cha d’fhuair an raoir / ’S an nochd chan fhaigh drùb idir. |
| [òrdag] | The fingers of a hand: òrdag, miarag, gille fada, macanAba, girgean. |
| duine glan | handsome man. |
| duine mór | |
| gasda | |
| láidir | |
| lasgaire | |
| spliongan | a man of small slender frame. |
| balbhan | a dummy. |
| [galad] | Thig a seo a ghalad. – a term of affection applied on [sic] woman. |
| an deòmhan | |
| an diabhull | |
| am fear air an t-slabhraidh | |
| Dia | |
| Ní math | |
| uile chumhachdach | |
| [fathunn] | Chuala mi fathunn de sin. – I heard a rumour of that. |
| [socair] | Gabh air do shocair. – Take it easy, slow down! Socair ort! – Just a minute! |
| [taigh] | An tigh: na ballachan, na h’uinneagan, an dorus mór, an dorus cùil, làmh an doruis, iuchair, earneis (furniture), snidheachan, bòrd (table). |
| badag | small brush made of heather. |
| teodhair | |
| ceangal | |
| crodh | |
| laogh fireann is boirionn | |
| mart | |
| tarbh | |
| gamhainn | |
| crodh seisg | |
| fàrradh | ladder. |
| fàladair | |
| cliamh | riddle for grain. |
| adag | |
| sguaban arbhair | |
| cruach arbhair | |
| tigh nam muc | |
| an tigh-bhainne | |
| miosan | |
| bainne is uachdar | |
| bonnach arain | large scone divided into four and baked on a griddle or oven. |
| ím ín is ím sailt | [?] |
| slaman | |
| feodhail phronn | |
| rabaid | |
| maigheach | |
| muiltfheoil | mutton. (?) |
| martfheoil | beef. |
| ím | |
| caise | |
| grudh | |
| [teine] | Fire: luath (ashes), gual, fóid mòna, cònnadh (firewood), éileag (red-hot cinder). |
| ceise mhòine | |
| eallach mhòine | load of. |
| fuaran | a well. |
| srùlag | a small burn. |
| amhuinn | a river. |
| àth | ford. Beul-àth. |
| carladh a bhàthaich | |
| [gabh] | Gabhaidh mi ort ma ní thu sin a rithis. |
| Fraochàn | name for a terrier. |
| màm | |
| càrn | |
| na casan | parallel roads. |
| an rathad mór | main road. |
| rathad goirid | short cut. |
| frith-rathad | |
| lamh an uachdair | victory. |
| deise | |
| briogais is galasan | |
| léine | |
| “tie” | |
| peileag is deachaid | |
| stocainnean | |
| gartan is brògan | |
| iallan | laces. |
| bonn | sole. |
| sàil | heel. |
| fraochan | on the toe. |
| ceap | |
| speuclaran | |
| prosbuig | |
| bata | |
| iomaire | field (run-rig system). |
| pleoc | a cut piece of turf. |
| a chomhnard | [?] level ground. |
| coille | wood. |
| coille-dharaich | oak wood. |
| coille bheithe | birch wood. |
| dearcagan dubha | |
| dearcagan dearg | |
| gròiseidean | |
| ubhlan is peuran | |
| plungais | |
| craobh uinnsean | |
| craobh ghiuthais | |
| craobh fhearna | |
| cneas a mhadadhruaidh | kind of fern growing on hills (rare). |
| raineach | bracken. |
| seilisteir | wild yellow iris. |
| séobhrag | primrose. |
| [leigeil] | Tha i leigeil a chruidh. |
| féithean | marshy ground. |
| an giuthas | from the peat bog. |
| bainne goirt | sour milk. |
| bainne blath | |
| bainne lom | |
| uachdar | |
| grudh | |
| gruidheam | rennet. |
| a ghort | scarcity of food. |
| míos | milk basin. |
| barra-rotha | wheelbarrow. |
| cairt | cart. |
| am braiceas | Am braiceas: an lit is bainne fuar, an tí de bainne is siucar, píos de’n bhonnach arain le ím is jam is ma dh’fhaoidhte crioman de’n mulchag chaise; lit is bainne, sgon no aran coirce is ím. |
| dínneir | Dínneir, Tràth meadhoin latha: brot air a dheanamh de sùgh mhuilt-fheòil, rabaid no maigheach is eòrna, cúrain is càil as a gharadh is neaban as an achadh; feall phronn na bhonnaichean beaga; pudding air a dheanamh le sìl mar “rice” agus bainne. Nuair a bhiodh feoil gann, bhiodh buntàta is bainne, slaman is uachdar. Cha robh a chlann déidheil air a bharaille sgadain sailte. Corro uair thigeadh each is cairt an rathad le sgadan úr agus cairt eile le feòil. As a Ghearasdan thigeadh cairtean le gach seàrsa de bhiadh aran as na búithean. |
| mòine | |
| torro sgian | |
| blàr mòine | |
| éileag | red-hot cinders. |
| cliadhamh | harrow. |
| treobhadh | ploughing. |
| a buain | |
| a bhuain | the harvest. |
| fàladair | |
| fàldair | |
| corran | |
| prabagan | |
| bad feòir | |
| sop | |
| ultach | |
| eallach | |
| mulan | |
| clach ghiurachaidh | [?] |
| muidhlean fodair | bundle of straw. |
| clachan meallain | hail stones. |
| rèothadh | frost. |
| sneachd | snow. A cur an t-sneachd (pron. “–treachd”). |
| toiseagan | riddle. |
| Weather |
| marcachd shiona | riding storm. |
| ceò | |
| ceòthar | |
| latha fliuch | |
| briagh | |
| fionnar… (?) is díle | |
| [uisge] | Tha ’n t-uisge ann. – It is raining. |
| [fliuch] | Tha e fliuch. |
| [briagh] | Tha latha briagh. |
| [cialach] | Tha latha cialach. |
| [“curs”] | Tha latha “curs”. |
| [aimsir] | Tha ’n aimsir maith. |
| [reòta] | Latha fuar reòta. |
| an deidh | ice. |
| fras | a shower. |
| [ciúin] | Latha ciúin – calm, windless day. |
| spéilearachd | sliding (on a pond). |
| fire | teine, gual, bioranan, fóid-mòine, am blàr-mòine, torro-sgian (pron. torroshken). |
| barra-rotha | |
| ceis-mhòine | |
| astar fada, goirid | |
| [rathad] | rathad mór, díreach, cumhang (?) |
| achadh | field. |
| socach | stretch of arable land. |
| sgríodan | scree. |
| cluaran | thistle. |
| sruth | |
| sruthlag | |
| caochan | |
| cianalas | |
| fad as | |
| an cois | |
| lamh ri | |
| fad air ais | |
| mu sgaoil | |
| duine beag | |
| duine mór làidir | |
| glan | |
| foghainteach | |
| eireachdail | |
| crom | |
| díreach | |
| bacach | |
| gasda | |
| crùbach | |
| aosda | |
| sean | |
| smiorail | |
| fann | |
| cumadail | |
| euslainsteach | [sic] |
| bochd | |
| spliongan | |
| cridheil | |
| reamhar | |
| tana | |
| fada | |
| maol | |
| glas | |
| dubh | |
| bàn | |
| ruadh | |
| dearg | |
| liath | |
| plamach | |
| aoidheil | |
| sùrdail | |
| stòlda | |
| spàgach | |
| aineolach | |
| euslainteach | |
| faoin | |
| salach | dirty. |
| salachar | dirt. |
| úir | soil. |
| [taigh] | An tigh: mullach an taighe, an simileir, an dorus mór, an dorus cùil, làmh an doruis, an iuchair, èarneis, a chlach-steidhe, bith an doruis, ursainn, coire siuga. |
| an téothar | |
| an crodh | |
| an tarbh | |
| am mart | |
| an laogh | |
| an gamhainn | |
| crodh seisg | |
| píob uisge taobh mach an doruis | |
| cartadh a bhathaich | |
| dail (pl. dailthean) | field. |
| fochann | young corn. |
| an dùn | innear a chruidh is salachar sam bith eile. |
| an dreallag | the swing. |
| a cur na cruidhean | throwing the horseshoes for distance. |
| biathuinne | [?] worm. |
| burras | caterpillar. |
| craitheag | [?] maggot. |
| soc | ploughshare. |
| leac an doruis | |
| geata | gate. |
| cachila | contrived gateway. |
| sguab arbhair | |
| adag | |
| siomain fodair | |
| cruach arbhair | |
| [sliochd] | Fàsaidh sibh mar an luachair is crionaidh sibh mar an raineach / Thig sliochd eile ’nar n’àite s thig crioch air sliochd na mollachd. |
| [cuilibhear] | ’Se cuilibhear uamhasach tha gu bhi umad (annad). |
| figheadair | weaver. |
| [braiceas] | Braiceas: lit is bainne. |
| [meadhan-latha] | Air laithean sgoile cha robh ach aran is ìm is càise ’s a mheadhoinlath [sic]. |
| [dinneir] | An dinneir: brot air a dheana [sic]. |
| Word-list (not dated) |
| an conusg | the whin. |
| an tigh tugha | the thatched house. |
| àm briseadh an duilleach | when leaves begin to appear. |
| am poca salainn | the spider. |
| dubhar | Anns an dubhar – in the shade. |
| [fathunn] | Chuala mi fathunn de sin. – I heard a rumour of that. |
| [leisg] | Is leisg le leisgein dol a laidhe, ach is seachd leisg leis eirigh. – The lazy fellow is lazy to go to bed but seven times lazier to get up. |
| am balbhan | the dumb person. |
| [miananaich] | Bha e miananaich. – He was yawning. |
| [mianan] | Théid am mianan o dhuine gu duine mar theid an t-eunan bho dhoire gu doire. – The yawn passes from one person to another as a dicky bird flies from one clump of trees to another. |
| treabhadh | ploughing. |
| ràcadh | raking. |
| [cur] | A cur a bhuntàta – planting potatoes. |
| a chlach gheuraichidh | stone for sharpening the scythe. |
| [sgàth] | Bheil sgàth ort? – Are you afraid? |
| [uilleir?] | Tha’n (?)/Cha’n (?) uilleir [?] dhut sin a dheanamh gun dàil. – You had better do that at once. |
| an seabhag | the hawk. |
| an dallan-dé | the butterfly. |
| [glan] | Glan do lamhan. – Wash your hands. |
| searbhadair | a towel. |
| am breid-soitheaichean | dish towel. |
| [cír] | Cír do cheann. – Comb your hair. |
| a phoit-bhrot | the soup pot. |
| an àinne | the oven. |
| am buaic | the wick of lamp or candle. |
| am buaicean | the little boy who needs to have his face washed. |
| [faire] | Thoir an fhaire nach tuit thu. – Take care you don’t fall. |
| [inntinn] | Tog t’inntinn ’s gabh òran. – Cheer up and sing a song. |
| a’ bhreac | vaccination [?] smallpox. |
| an ainearaich | the stock pot. |
| [bruich] | Bheil am buntàta bruich? – Are the potatoes boiled? |
| [goil] | Bheil an coire a goil? – Is the kettle boiling? |
| sgadan ùr | fresh herring. |
| [barraille] | Am barraille sgadain – the barrel of herring. |
| am frith-rathad | the short cut. |
| an càl | the cabbage. |
| an nèab | the turnip. |
| an curan | the carrot. |
| am fodar | the straw. |
| a chraobh uinnseann | the ash tree. |
| [gagach] | Tha e gagach. – He stammers. |
| [comas] | Chan eil comas air. – It can’t be helped! |
| spàigean | a toddler. |
| culaidh thruaighse | an object of pity. |
| [smid] | Cha d’thubhairt e smid. – He did not utter a syllable. |
| [bochd] | Is bochd nach fhaca mi e. – It is a pity I did not see him. |
| [suil] | Thoir suil co tha tighinn. – Have a look to see who is coming. |
| [leithid] | Am faca tu riamh a leithid? – Did you ever see the like? Shiubhail mi an saoghal ’s chan fhaca mi riamh a leithid. – I have travelled the world and saw nothing like that. |
| [ceòl] | Cha’n ith mi biadh / Cha’n òl mi dèoch [sic] / Chan éisd mi ceòl / Gus an dean mi sin! |
| Questionnaire (not dated) |
| Coltas an duine (Personal Appearance) |
| duine mór làidir | |
| duine glan | |
| foghainteach | |
| eireachdail | |
| crom | |
| dìreach | |
| gasda | |
| crùbach | |
| aosda | |
| sean | |
| aighearach | |
| smiorail | |
| fann | |
| cumadail | |
| spaideil | |
| euslainteach | |
| bochd | |
| cruaidh | |
| fialaidh | |
| coibhneil | |
| reamhar | |
| tana | |
| maol | |
| fada | |
| glas | |
| ruadh | |
| dubh | |
| bàn | |
| dearg | |
| liath | |
| aineolach | |
| measail | |
| plamach | |
| furanach | |
| aoidheil | |
| sùrdail | |
| stòlda | |
| spàgach | |
| Shapes and general appearance |
| crubach | |
| crom | |
| dìreach | |
| donn | |
| bàn | |
| dubh | |
| balbh | |
| eu-slainteach | |
| spliongan | slender build. |
| deas | |
| Deformities, blemishes, scars |
| crùbach | |
| dall | |
| breac | |
| bodhar | |
| balbh | |
| suil-chrom | |
| cam | |
| bòdann (bodainnean) | boot (-s). |
| Beauty and ugliness |
| sgàirteil | |
| slaodach | |
| sgug | |
| sgugach | |
| Strength, fitness and the opposite |
| lag | |
| laidir | |
| treun | |
| foghainteach | |
| easgaidh | diligent. |
| lasgaidh | |
| leisg | |
| spionnadh | muscular strength. |
| sgoinneil | |
| sgairteil | |
| smearail | |
| Ways of walking, sitting, lying; words for ‘clumsy’, ‘fidgety’ and so on |
| spagach | walking with feet well apart. |
| spàigean | (noun) applied amusingly to a baby learning to walk. |
| creobhachdach | making nervous facial movements. |
| cliobach | clumsy in the sense of letting things drop from the hands. |
| gocach | inquisitive. |
| cliobach | clumsy, tending to drop things. |
| spaidsearachd | |
| [sìneadh] | Bha e ’na shìneadh – stretched out. |
| [gocan] | Droch comhdhail ort, a ghocain uidhir, ’s led ghocail nach fhuirich thu a stigh. |
| Pulling faces, frowns, other expressions; also gestures |
| [glag-gàire] | Rinn e glag-gàire. – a sudden burst of laughter. |
| [snodha] | Rinn e snodha gàire. – He smiled. |
| [fàilte] | Chuir e fàilte orm. – He greeted me. |
| gruamach | |
| [oilltich] | Dh’oilltich orm bhi san dorchadas. |
| àite uaigneach | lonely places [sic]. |
| Clean and untidy |
| rùdh-ràdh | in utter disorder. |
| glan | clean. |
| rèidh (?) | in order. |
| snasail | neat. |
| ròbach | untidy. |
| turach air tharach | |
| salach | dirty. |
| spuaic | a dirty mark on anything. |
| pongail | |
