Words only the Irish use.

[Billys Boots]

Anyone hear of 'Kennat'? Not sure how you spell it. It's like an affectionate name for a messer, usually for a very young child. 'You're a little kennat'. Used around Westmeath and Offaly, and now, thanks to me, North Tipp.

I think it's a 'local' pronunciation of 'gnat', as in annoying insect - it would be cinnat in North Longford, South Cavan, South Laythrum. 

[AZOffaly]

That's the one. Phonetically that sounds more like what we say too. Cinnat.

[haranguerer]

Interesting - probably linked to 'Jinnet' (or any variation of that spelling which produces a similar sound) [fermanagh] affectionate name for a young child as AZ states, usually said as pinching said jinnets cheek...

[AZOffaly]

We have jinnet as well, but I always understood that to be a sort of an eegit. As in Jennet, female donkey.

[haranguerer]

We have jinnet as well, but I always understood that to be a sort of an eegit. As in Jennet, female donkey.

Maybe thats where its from, but i've never known it in that context

[Billys Boots]

I thought the jinnet was the offspring of 'relations' between horses and donkeys - not the mule, the other wan!

[AZOffaly]

did you ever hear of 'Bunyoge'? Pronounce 'Bun-Yóg' (sounds like óg)

[AZOffaly]

I thought the jinnet was the offspring of 'relations' between horses and donkeys - not the mule, the other wan!

Maybe. I just thought it was a female donkey. Jack and Jenny, so I assume Jennet was a female donkey. You could be right though.

Here you go. You were right.

Here's your bit of Irish for the day: jennet.
While it might be an English word, its definition is slightly altered here in Ireland. I hadn't actually heard the word before moving here and hearing locals use the word frequently in their metaphors; "He made a jennet out of me" (meaning that one was made to appear foolish) or "I went motoring down the road like a jennet" (meaning one went very fast).
Now the dictionary defines Jennet as "A female Donkey" and "A small Spanish horse." Irish people would disagree with this; a jennet is definitely not a donkey – donkeys reproduce, jennets cannot. A jennet is the offspring of a stallion and a female donkey, akin to a mule, which is the offspring of a mare and a male donkey. Now!

[brokencrossbar1]

I thought the jinnet was the offspring of 'relations' between horses and donkeys - not the mule, the other wan!

Maybe. I just thought it was a female donkey. Jack and Jenny, so I assume Jennet was a female donkey. You could be right though.

Here you go. You were right.

Here's your bit of Irish for the day: jennet.
While it might be an English word, its definition is slightly altered here in Ireland. I hadn't actually heard the word before moving here and hearing locals use the word frequently in their metaphors; "He made a jennet out of me" (meaning that one was made to appear foolish) or "I went motoring down the road like a jennet" (meaning one went very fast).
Now the dictionary defines Jennet as "A female Donkey" and "A small Spanish horse." Irish people would disagree with this; a jennet is definitely not a donkey – donkeys reproduce, jennets cannot. A jennet is the offspring of a stallion and a female donkey, akin to a mule, which is the offspring of a mare and a male donkey. Now!

[ziggysego]

I live outside Omagh.

"I'm going down to Derry"

"I'm going up to Dublin"

What's that about?

[gerrykeegan]

Anyone hear of 'Kennat'? Not sure how you spell it. It's like an affectionate name for a messer, usually for a very young child. 'You're a little kennat'. Used around Westmeath and Offaly, and now, thanks to me, North Tipp.

I call both my young lads that when they are messing. Wouldn't have had a clue how to spell it.

[general_lee]

Which counties use the word 'aye'?

[Orior]

I live outside Omagh.

"I'm going down to Derry"

"I'm going up to Dublin"

What's that about?

The same can be heard in Newry. Also, I remember telling the wife that someone was "away down the street". She was puzzled until I explained it meant away into town.

[Hardy]

Anyone hear of 'Kennat'? Not sure how you spell it. It's like an affectionate name for a messer, usually for a very young child. 'You're a little kennat'. Used around Westmeath and Offaly, and now, thanks to me, North Tipp.

I think it's a 'local' pronunciation of 'gnat', as in annoying insect - it would be cinnat in North Longford, South Cavan, South Laythrum. 

Meath, too and I'm sure I heard my Wexford/Wicklow uncles using it. Never heard of or considered the gnat connection. Maybe.

[DoireGael]

Purdies for Potato's? Used in North Derry and parts of Antrim (Ballycastle) from what I know.