The Irish Word for Kiss: Póg
The Irish Word for Kiss: Póg
The Irish language, Gaeilge in Irish, is rich with ancient roots and beautiful words. One of the most charming and often used terms in this language is the word for 'kiss'. In Irish, the word for kiss is póg.
Etymology of Póg
The word póg has an interesting etymology. It is a very old loanword from the Latin word pax, which means 'peace', or its inflectional stem pace-. Interestingly, in the context of traditional Irish Christian practices, a 'Kiss of Peace' (which translates to Phog Páisí) is a ritual gesture where two people make the sign of the cross on each other's cheek and kiss it. This gesture is a symbol of love, forgiveness, and unity.
Conjugations of Póg
Póg is used in various tenses and forms in Irish, much like any other verb in the language. Here are the conjugations:
Present Tense
pógann mé - I kiss gin mé an póg - I have kissed (past participle) phóg mé - I kissed ta pógann méFuture Tense
pógfaidh mé - I will kissPopular Uses and Cultural References
One of the most memorable uses of the word póg in modern times can be found in various Irish cultural references. For instance, in the 1980s, there was an all-women Irish folk band in Alaska called 'Tabhair Dom Pogue'. This name translates to 'Give Us a Kiss' in Irish, highlighting the cultural charm and tradition of the word.
In Irish slang, the word pogue is often used as an insult or expression, similar to 'kiss my arse' in English slang. However, as an interesting side note, there have been debates and corrections over the spelling of the word. It was originally misspelled as 'pogue', but the correct spelling is 'pog', rhyming with 'vogue' and not 'log'.
Odd Punk Band Incident
A peculiar incident involving a punk band from London further cemented the usage and spelling of pog. Initially, they called themselves 'The Pogue Machones', which is a combination of 'pogue' and 'machones', an English term. However, to get any airtime on Irish radio, they had to shorten it to 'The Pogues', indicating the widespread recognition and usage of the word across different musical and cultural landscapes.
The Pogues, led by the legendary folk-punk singer Shane McGowan, have featured the word pog in their songs and in the band's name, further contributing to its cultural significance.
Conclusion
The Irish word for kiss, póg, is a fascinating and versatile term that carries a rich history and cultural significance. Whether used in a traditional 'Kiss of Peace', as a slang insult, or in the name of a punk band, it continues to be a beloved and meaningful part of the Irish language.