Advertisement

What are ‘untranslatable’ words?

Language necessarily evolves to accommodate new ideas, new concepts and new cultural paradigms. B...

Share this article

15.22 26 Mar 2025


What are ‘untranslatable’ words?


Listen to this episode


Share this article

15.22 26 Mar 2025


Language necessarily evolves to accommodate new ideas, new concepts and new cultural paradigms.

But, what happens when a word exists in one language, but not another?

There are lots of so-called ‘untranslatable’ words in English, and some Irish ones have been added to the latest version of the Oxford English Dictionary.

Fiona McPherson is Senior Editor at the Oxford English Dictionary and joins Seán to discuss.


Read more about

Moncrieff Highlights

Related Episodes

What security features are mis...

00:08:01

What security features are missing from the Government Digital Wallet?

The Hard Shoulder

00:08:01


Should you pick a staycation t...

00:07:43

Should you pick a staycation this year?

The Hard Shoulder

00:07:43


Andy Burnham officially become...

00:07:39

Andy Burnham officially becomes new Labour Party leader

The Hard Shoulder

00:07:39


Looking towards the All-Irelan...

00:08:02

Looking towards the All-Ireland Hurling final

The Hard Shoulder

00:08:02