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 is living with a strange...

00:10:51

What is living with a strange name like?

Moncrieff

00:10:51


Why are the Irish so secretive...

00:15:11

Why are the Irish so secretive? - Henry McKean Asks

Moncrieff

00:15:11


Finding solace for your mental...

00:16:13

Finding solace for your mental health in a café

Moncrieff

00:16:13


The Home Squad: Home Office De...

00:11:57

The Home Squad: Home Office Design

Lunchtime Live

00:11:57