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

TV on the Radio: The Sopranos...

00:17:50

TV on the Radio: The Sopranos & The Gentlemen

TV On The Radio

00:17:50


West Kerry grandfather on his...

00:12:25

West Kerry grandfather on his 9 month solo sail around the world

Moncrieff

00:12:25


Can you have shared custody of...

00:08:20

Can you have shared custody of a dog after a breakup?

Moncrieff

00:08:20


Four Questions: The Joy of Mis...

00:19:47

Four Questions: The Joy of Missing Out

Moncrieff

00:19:47