Need a translation for a Tattoo

Hi everyone,

I need the help from this community.
I would like to get a tattoo of a leprechaun.

The saying "lucky bastard" should be written under the tattoo, but translated into Gaelic. Unfortunately I cannot find any useful translations and I hope that you can help me.

Best regards from Hanover, Germany
Kay

Hi Kay,

That's for sure an interesting translation request! 😂 

I too, have tattoos with Irish writing and what I found was that literal translations from English (or another language) to Irish often doesn't work as words or expressions might be missing or not making sense in Irish.

We have a couple of fluent members who will probably be able to help you further with that, but it might be worth thinking about what message you want your text to really mean.

Another option would be to get in touch with a few of the places that offer Irish classes for tourists and therefore might be open to help with a one-off request like this. We have a great thread listing a few, don't hesitate to check it out.

Hi Kay,
I have asked a number of people and have been advised, that 'Lucky Bastard' does not translate directly.

There are a number of option you could use -
“Tá an t-ádh dearg leis anamadán sin”.
There is no word in Irish for 'bastard', so you would have to use the word 'eejit', which translates to amadán.


I hope this helps and good luck. And don't forget to add a picture of the tattoo to your post, once you got it done.

Hello Christoph,
thank you very much for your effort. :-)

What exactly does "eejit" mean?
What is the exact translation of "tá ant-ádh dearg ort!"?

Hi Kay,
I have received another couple of possible translations - 

Tá an t-ádh dearg ort! (same as the one I posted yesterday and you asked for a translation for, please see below)
Tá an t-ádh i do chaipín!
Tá an tseamair Mhuire agat!

They’re all “You’re a lucky bastard” as there’s no real direct translation in Gaeilge.

With regards to your other question - 'eejit' is slang for idiot.

I hope this helps.