Focal an Lae #241
The Word of the Day in Irish

Word: sleamhain (SHLOW-ihn, OW as in cow) [s′l′aun′]

Meaning: sleamhain = slippery, smooth

Usage:

History: Old Irish “slemon” and Welsh “llyfn” (Old Irish medial “m” and Welsh “f” are both pronounced “v”) come from Common Celtic *sli-m-no-, from the Indo-European root *slei- (slimy). English cognates include “slime” and “slippery”. Irish “slim” (smooth, sleek, slim) appears to be related.

Scottish Gaelic: sleamhainn

2008-06-19 CPD