Irish Language Question

[Oraisteach]

I know we have a few Irish speakers on the board, so I was wondering if I could get help.

Can anyone tell me if "fear gorm" is Irish for "black man" and if so why "gorm" meaning "blue"?

Also, what is the meaning of "fear dubh"?  Does it mean "black-haired" man?

Thanks

[ardal]

Not going to stand by this but I hope it's ture.

I was advised that the devil was "fear dubh" and as such when the Ireish met black people who were obviously not the devil, they went for the next closest colour, blue.

Not an Irish speaker, but I'd love the reasoning to be true (ish)

[Oraisteach]

Thanks, Ardal

[Denn Forever]

The fear gorm may be from the fact that the british tribes used to cover themselves in blue dye when going into battle?

[Rossfan]

Heard it came from North African Berber traders who either wore a load of blue clothes or had blue dye on their faces.