Focal an Lae #315
The Word of the Day in Irish
Word: cúpla (KOOP-luh) [kuːplə]
Meaning: cúpla = couple, a few, twins
Usage:
- Níl agam ach cúpla punt. (NEEL AH-guhm akh KOOP-luh PUNT) [n′iːl′ agəm ax kuːplə punt]
= I only have a few pounds. (lit., is-not at-me but couple pound)
- An Cúpla (uhn KOOP-luh) [ən kuːplə] = Gemini (the Twins)
History: Classical Irish “cúpla” comes from Anglo-Norman “cuple”, from Latin “copula” (bond, link, pair),
from Indo-European *ko(m)-ap-, a compound of *kom- (with) and *ap- (to take, reach).
English “couple” is an exact cognate.
Scottish Gaelic: cupall
Manx Gaelic: cubbley