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

The Home Squad: Kids Bedrooms

00:13:55

The Home Squad: Kids Bedrooms

Lunchtime Live

00:13:55


Do we need ‘zombie’ crosswalks...

00:08:11

Do we need ‘zombie’ crosswalks?

Lunchtime Live

00:08:11


What is the impact of lower or...

00:15:00

What is the impact of lower organ transplant levels?

Lunchtime Live

00:15:00


How important are online revie...

00:11:21

How important are online reviews?

Lunchtime Live

00:11:21