Fuddland

Hands down, the best ever Word of the Day email I’ve received from AskOxford:

glaistig

A Gaelic word for a beautiful fairy, usually seen at the bank of a stream. Also, a hag in the shape of a goat.

#1

Jann | 2004 / 01 / 19 – 14:44

Excellent. Maybe that’s where the derivative ‘Stig’ comes from as the delightful term for a less than attractive woman.

…and perhaps, Stig of the dump.

#2

David | 2004 / 01 / 19 – 15:30

Re #1: Never heard of ‘stig’ as a derogatory term myself. Read Stig of the Dump at school though, like everyone else educated in English state schools during the 70s/80s.

#3

bsag | 2004 / 01 / 19 – 15:42

Hey, you *really* don’t want to get those two meanings of the same word muddled up. What changes the sense? My guess would be how much you’ve had to drink just prior to reaching the bank of the stream: small alcoholic intake = ‘hag in shape of goat’, while large alcoholic intake = ‘beautiful fairy’.

That’s why I love the Gaelic language.

#4

mrtn | 2004 / 01 / 19 – 15:58

re #3: can be both! many stories describe glaistigs as having the head and upper body of a beautiful woman - just right for seducing farmers - and a goat like lower body which is kept hidden beneath a long flowing robe or dress (until it’s too late…)

the literal translation of glaistig (in scot’s gaelic at least) is ‘water imp’ btw…

#5

David | 2004 / 01 / 19 – 16:14

Re #3: I think I know what you mean. I guess you could use it as an ambiguous compliment/insult. ;)

Re #4: I guess that explains how Stig [of the Dump fame] got his name — I’m making the leap and presuming ‘stig’ is the part that means ‘imp’.

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