Rediscovering lost Gaelic words
21 May 2025
An online dictionary which has rediscovered lost Gaelic phrases and word meanings
is one of 12 projects set to benefit from Scottish Government funding.
Faclair na Gàidhlig (the Historical Dictionary of Scottish Gaelic) seeks to provide
a better understanding of Gaelic’s history and culture. It is the first dictionary
of the language which aims to detail the origins and meanings of every known Gaelic
word. Compilers expect that it will contain more than 100,000 entries.
As part of the initiative, researchers have investigated historical manuscripts dating
back to the 12th Century.
Rediscovered phrases and word meanings include:
- the phrase “Ciod fo na rionnagan” (“what under the stars”), which was used in the
early 1900s to emphasise a point similar to “what on earth”
- the Gaelic word for prickly pear fruit, “peur stobach”, was first used in a letter
documenting a visit to Saint Helena in 1900
- “uircean”, which is the Gaelic word for “piglet”, also used to mean "whale calf"
in the 1800s
- The investment will build on 20 years of work by helping Faclair na Gàidhlig to reach
new audiences including learners, researchers, writers and speakers of Gaelic.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic Kate Forbes announced
the funding as part of a wider £500,000 package to support the language’s growth
across Scotland. The investment will also support the publication of Gaelic language
books, local mòd events throughout Scotland and Gaelic cultural activities including
a summer school and musical events.
Ms Forbes said: “The dictionary initiative is providing researchers, writers, speakers
and learners of Gaelic with new insight into the language and it will be a valuable
resource for future generations.
“Gaelic is a core part of Scotland’s culture, heritage and history. To support the
language’s growth across Scotland, I am announcing funding for a range of Gaelic
publishing, education, arts and community projects today.
“This will build on measures set out in the Scottish Languages Bill to strengthen
Gaelic education provision and our investment of £35.7 million in initiatives to
promote the language in 2025-26.”
Ola Szczesnowicz, Senior Editor of Faclair na Gàidhlig, said: “Faclair na Gàidhlig
will be the most comprehensive dictionary of Scottish Gaelic compiled on historical
principles, similar to the Oxford English Dictionary. This is a big undertaking,
and we welcome the Scottish Government’s funding to help continue our work. Our dictionary
entries are already going online, freely available to Gaelic speakers and everyone
interested in the language.”
Organisations which will benefit from funding include:
Comunn na Gàidhlig, which has been allocated £134,190 to promote Scottish Gaelic
language and culture
- An Comunn Gàidhealach (organisers of the Royal National Mòd) will benefit from £74,000
to support the organisation of local mòd events
- Fèisean nan Gàidheal (National Association of Scottish Gaelic Arts Youth Tuition
Festivals) will be provided £37,000 to support Gaelic music
- Tobar an Dualchais is to receive £35,000 to support the ongoing collection of online
materials in Gaelic and Scots including songs, stories and rhythms
- Ceòlas is to receive £30,000 to support Gaelic cultural activities including its
summer school and musical events
- Comhairle nan Leabhraichean (Gaelic Book Council), which will receive £49,000, and
Acair Publishing, which will be provided £30,000, to support the publication of Gaelic
books
- Ainmean Àite na h-Alba (Gaelic Place-Names of Scotland) has been allocated £20,000
to continue its work as the national advisory partnership for Gaelic place-names
in Scotland
- Faclair na Gàidhlig will receive £17,500 to reach new audiences in collaboration
with other Gaelic organisations
- Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (Islay Gaelic Centre) has been allocated £17,500 to host
Gaelic classes, exhibitions and early years groups
- Theatre gu Leòr will benefit from £10,000 to deliver Gaelic theatrical performances
across Scotland
