How to say Music Genres in Irish

April 12, 2021 The G-Man Vocab

Before we break into translations for hipster phrases like “buzzsaw guitars”, “ethereal” and “bangers” let’s stick with a basic top-down approach: genre. Here is how you describe seánraI ceoil/musical genres as gaeilge.

Is é an ceol mo reiligiún.
Jimi Hendrix

Jazz – Snagcheol

The Irish for jazz is snagcheol. However there are many urban tales regarding the origin of the word “jazz” linked to the Irish language. Some have stated that jazz derived from deas, the Irish word for “nice”. A steamier origin-story refers to a more sexualised background story with teas, meaning heat or passion, of jazz being used as an interchangeable word for sex. Let’s not let the truth get in the way of a good story.

The Irish for jazz is snagcheol. pic.twitter.com/jhUPX4p3rO

— The Irish For 🐳 (@theirishfor) January 6, 2020

Folk/Country – Ceol Tíre/Ceol Tuaithe

As the line between folk and country music is often very fine, so it is with the translation of both as gaeilge. Although tír does translate into the word “country”, it is probably better defined as land and therefore ceol tíre can be translated as music of the land i.e. folk. If looking for Gram, Emmylou and the gang, choose a bottle of ceol tuaithe from the top-shelf.

Alternative – Ailtéarnach

Alternative is a relevant word for low trees based on past choices. Based on focloir.ie‘s definition, ailtéarnach is the most suitable word for alternative in the sense of “not mainstream”. For an almost nightly experience of ceol ailtéarnach make sure to tune the dial to An Taobh Tuathail (The Other Side) hosted completely in Irish by Cian Ó’Cíobháin on rte.ie/rnag/an-taobh-tuathail.

Pop – Popcheol

It’s a straight-forward translation but just because it’s so much fun to say let’s go for it. Popcheol. And if you want to sing along to Dua Lipa as gaeilge, turn to Gaeltacht Coláiste Lurgan. Performed by Rachel Nic Cormaic & Cúrsa B 2K18 and complete with full Irish translation, take a listen to IDGAF.