But the main part of whisky seems to be uisge I reckon it's done a bit like that, maybe with a very soft w sound on the start of the word...
I like linguistics alot and this was a shot in the dark
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| Celtic Radio Community > Scottish Gaelic > Whiskey/whisky....gaelic Origins? |
| Posted by: Cache K. Bouren 06-Dec-2003, 06:33 PM |
| Hello all, hoping there are some of you who can help me....I have been looking into the words whiskey/whisky, and have found they originate from the Gaelic word usquebaug, shortened from uisge-beatha, meaning "water of life". Im hoping some of you may be familiar with where to find more info on the web, or can help me yourself...with pronunciation tips, and verification. I dont know if it is Scottish or Irish Gaelic....Thanks, everyone... Cache K. Bouren Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Posted by: Macerca 06-Dec-2003, 07:43 PM |
| Cache I have been told by an elderly Scottish Gentleman that the pronunciation would be like saying whiskey but with an uh sound will try to spell it phoneticly uhz-ga-be-bay-tha I think. |
| Posted by: Aon_Daonna 06-Dec-2003, 07:54 PM |
| uisge beatha... gaelic isn't my great subject I have to confess.. I don't understand the rule after which there are syllables left out But the main part of whisky seems to be uisge I reckon it's done a bit like that, maybe with a very soft w sound on the start of the word... I like linguistics alot and this was a shot in the dark |
| Posted by: Faileas 10-Dec-2003, 04:48 PM |
aye folks all right hehe just on pronounciation - oh dear there is no real english equivalent for the ui sound lol - its a bit like the german ue together with an ee sound , tis a straight translation from latin aqua vitae = the water of life  Slaintè hehe |
| Posted by: Aon_Daonna 10-Dec-2003, 05:01 PM |
| so I was getting there |
| Posted by: Iain A.D. 10-Dec-2003, 05:08 PM |
| Only input I can offer is that Whiskey is Irish spelling / Whisky is Scottish. Iain  |
| Posted by: Catriona 10-Dec-2003, 05:28 PM |
| And a few recommendations Highland Park from Orkney Strathisla - a Strathspey Glenkinchie - some unkind people call it a 'woman's' whisky The Glenlivet The Glenfiddich Talisker |
| Posted by: Macerca 10-Dec-2003, 07:58 PM |
| Don't forget The Macallan 18yr old or older |
| Posted by: oldraven 10-Dec-2003, 08:10 PM |
Glenfiddich 12, 15, but most importantly....... 30yr...  Glenlivet 12 too. But not Grants, unless you have to, and under no circumstances should you drink Jonny Walker Black Label. |
| Posted by: Catriona 11-Dec-2003, 03:00 AM |
| Grant's is a blended whisky - and Johnny Walker is more popular in the USA than anywhere else in the world Lagavulin is another good one |
| Posted by: andylucy 11-Dec-2003, 03:10 AM |
| Has anyone here tried Scapa? I THINK I tried it a few years back, and remember it as being a mild Scotch with a slightly peaty taste that finished well. However, this was after a long evening of tasting, and my memory of the occasion is not very distinct. Just my tuppence. Andy |
| Posted by: Catriona 11-Dec-2003, 04:20 AM |
| No, sorry - that''s a new one on me! My husband is the malt whisky 'expert' in our family! He always seems to be able to schedule a visit to a distillery into any trip we take to the Isles or the Highlands! I wonder how he manages THAT? |
| Posted by: andylucy 11-Dec-2003, 05:37 AM | ||
The same way I am always able to work in at least one history/archaeology museum trip per day of any vacation, much to my wife's chagrin... and boredom! It is usually attributable to a single minded devotion to a given area of expertise. Just my tuppence. Andy |
| Posted by: Catriona 11-Dec-2003, 06:15 AM |
| Ahhhhh - I understand completely With me, it's archaeological sites and museums - particularly in Scotland - but also in Italy and Greece |
| Posted by: Guest 11-Dec-2003, 06:24 AM |
| Whisky Pronunciation. Uisge-beatha - Ooshkah beh-uh Literally ' The water of life' Uisge - Water, Beatha - Life Tha uisge-beatha math dhut! ach na dèan cus!!!! Air do shlàinte! |
| Posted by: oldraven 11-Dec-2003, 09:24 AM | ||
Yes, Grants is blended with a special family reserve of Glenfiddich. Which I'm sure they've got plenty of, since it's all the same company.  |
| Posted by: Aon_Daonna 11-Dec-2003, 12:26 PM |
| well, if you like glenfiddich, try the 30yrs ancient reserve *lost her heart to that one!* a wee bit xpensive but it just makes my mouth water.. |