Irishman: meaning, definitions and examples

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Irishman

 

[ˈaɪrɪʃmən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

person

A man who is a native or inhabitant of Ireland.

Synonyms

Celt, Irish person, Paddy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
Irishman

Used to refer specifically to a male from Ireland. It is neutral and often used in formal and informal contexts.

  • An Irishman won the marathon today.
  • He is proud to be an Irishman.
Irish person

A gender-neutral term used to describe someone from Ireland. Suitable for formal and inclusive language.

  • An Irish person was elected as the new president of the association.
  • It's always a joy to meet an Irish person and hear their stories.
Paddy

A colloquial and often derogatory term used to refer to an Irish man. Historically used as a stereotype, it should be avoided due to its negative connotations.

  • Using the term 'Paddy' can be offensive and is considered inappropriate in formal settings.
  • He warned them not to call him 'Paddy' if they wanted to be respectful.
Celt

Refers to a member of the ancient Celtic people, and can be used for historical or cultural discussions. It implies a broader cultural heritage rather than nationality.

  • The Celts were known for their intricate art and warrior culture.
  • She studies the history of the ancient Celts.

Examples of usage

  • The Irishman greeted us warmly at the pub.
  • She could tell he was an Irishman by his accent.
Context #2 | Noun

film

A 2019 American epic crime film directed by Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci.

Synonyms

film, movie, picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
Irishman

Used to refer specifically to a male person from Ireland.

  • An Irishman told me a fascinating story about Dublin.
  • The Irishman celebrated St. Patrick's Day with great enthusiasm.
movie

Used mainly in American English and implies a more casual or popular culture tone.

  • Let's go see a movie this weekend.
  • The movie was packed with thrilling action scenes.
film

Typically used in British English to refer to a motion picture. More formal or artistic tones are often implied.

  • We watched a classic film at the cinema last night.
  • The film received several awards at the festival.
picture

An older or more formal term for a film or movie. Sometimes used in industry contexts or to imply a certain vintage quality.

  • The picture was a box office hit in the 1950s.
  • She starred in a Hollywood picture last year.

Examples of usage

  • 'The Irishman' received critical acclaim for its performances.
  • Many consider 'The Irishman' to be a cinematic masterpiece.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'Irishman' comes from the Old English 'Irisca,' which referred to a person from the island of Ireland.
  • The term has been used since at least the 14th century, reflecting the long history of the Irish people.
  • In the Irish language, an Irishman is called 'Gaeil,' which also represents a sense of belonging to the Gaelic heritage.

Cultural Significance

  • Irishmen have significantly contributed to folklore and storytelling, often depicted in tales of bravery, heroism, and wit.
  • St. Patrick's Day, celebrated worldwide, highlights Irish culture and celebrates Irish men and their contributions to society.
  • Traditional music played by Irishmen, like jigs and reels, is known for its catchy rhythms and melodies, often performed in pubs.

History

  • Irishmen played critical roles throughout history, notably during the Great Famine in the 19th century which led to major immigration waves.
  • Many Irishmen served in various armies, influencing military history around the world, particularly during the American Civil War.
  • The struggle for independence in the early 20th century featured many notable Irishmen who fought for the nation's sovereignty.

Pop Culture

  • Irishmen are often portrayed in movies as charming, humorous, and sometimes rebellious characters, emphasizing stereotypes of Irish culture.
  • Famous characters like the leprechaun have roots in Irish folklore and often represent the playful spirit associated with Irishmen.
  • Icons like the Dubliners and U2 showcase the influence of Irish musicians and their stories in popular culture worldwide.

Literature

  • Many renowned authors, including James Joyce and W.B. Yeats, were Irishmen whose works have influenced global literature.
  • Irish playwrights, like Samuel Beckett and George Bernard Shaw, transformed theater with their unique contributions.
  • The theme of the Irishman discovering his identity is prevalent in literature, reflecting the complexities of Irish history and culture.

Translations

Translations of the word "Irishman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 irlandês

🇮🇳 आयरिशमैन

🇩🇪 Ire

🇮🇩 Orang Irlandia

🇺🇦 ірландець

🇵🇱 Irlandczyk

🇯🇵 アイルランド人

🇫🇷 Irlandais

🇪🇸 irlandés

🇹🇷 İrlandalı

🇰🇷 아일랜드 사람

🇸🇦 إيرلندي

🇨🇿 Ir

🇸🇰 Ír

🇨🇳 爱尔兰人

🇸🇮 Irec

🇮🇸 Íri

🇰🇿 Ирландиялық

🇬🇪 ირლანდიელი

🇦🇿 İrlandiyalı

🇲🇽 irlandés