Focal an Lae #317
The Word of the Day in Irish

Word: fáinne (FAWN-yuh) [faːn′ə]

Meaning: fáinne = ring

Usage:

History: Old Irish “áinne” comes from the Indo-European root *āno- (ring). Cognates in English, from Latin, include “annular” and “anus”... which brings to mind Brendan Behan’s definition of the ring-shaped lapel pin called a “fáinne” that was once popular among Irish-language enthusiasts: “the Erse-hole”!

Scottish Gaelic: fàinne

2008-06-19 CPD