I'm told that the literal meaning of this expression in Irish is "foreigners often good".
According to Patrick O'Brian's book "Desolation Island" it could mean "There is good to be found even in an Englishman".
How would you say this in Gàidhlig?
(Assuming you wanted to, of course - Patrick O'Brian's character comments that in Irish this expression is "not often used, however"!)
Nicholas
Is minic Gall maith
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Is minic Gall maith
I guess "Tha Goill math gu tric" would work.
Note that to refer to Englishmen, one would say "Sasannaich" - "Gall" generally means Lowlander nowadays. Strangers/Foreigners are "coigrich".
Note that to refer to Englishmen, one would say "Sasannaich" - "Gall" generally means Lowlander nowadays. Strangers/Foreigners are "coigrich".
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Is minic Gall maith
Thank you!
Any more thoughts from the forum? I wondered if there is any similar expression already established in Gàidhlig.
Nicholas
Any more thoughts from the forum? I wondered if there is any similar expression already established in Gàidhlig.
Nicholas
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Is minic Gall maith
Is minig X does occur in Gaelic proverbs (with g instead of c) but I'm not aware of one that goes Is minig Gall math.
Do, or do not. There is no try.
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Is minic Gall maith
Thanks again!
Nicholas
Nicholas