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flahoolach
< Gaelic 'flaitheamhlach'
DCHP-2 (May 2016)
Spelling variants:flahoolagh, flooholic,
adj. — Newfoundland
generous, extravagant or wasteful.
Type: 2. Preservation — The term flahoolach is a word of Irish Gaelic origin (Clarke 2010b: 108) that describes the qualities of being generous, lavish or wasteful (see the 1989 quotation). As suggested by DNE, the term flahoolach likely derives from the Irish Gaelic word "flaitheamhlach", which is defined as 'generous, hospitable, big-hearted' (Dinneen 1927: 462). Note that flahoolach is sometimes used ironically (see DNE, s.v. "flahoolach"). Clarke (2010b: 107) describes many of the uncommon Irish Gaelic borrowings in Newfoundland and Labrador English as "depict[ing] human beings, particularly in terms of undesirable characteristics".
Quotations
1982
Once explained, the language is rich and clever and colorful. Much more than a book of definitions, this dictionary is a flahoolach repository of the folklore and the folkways and even the sound and the spirit of pre-Hibernian oilfield, pre-Confederation Newfoundland.
1989
Irish words pepper Hiberno-English. "Foostering" is making a fuss. A "flahoolagh" dinner is one of generosity and plenty. Such an evening could leave one "peloothered," or drunk. A "bostoon" is an idiot. A "gombeen man" is a usurer.
2003
However, it was reviewed with great warmth across Canada. For instance, one of the leading authorities on Canadian English, J.K. Chambers of the University of Toronto, praised it in a national paper as "more than a book of definitions...a flahoolach repository of the folklore and the folkways and even the sound and the spirit of...Newfoundland" (flahoolach is a Newfoundland word meaning "lavish, generous") and added that it "is a book which, combined with a working fireplace, can use up your whole winter" (Globe and Mail 22 December 1982: 19)
References
- DNE
- Clarke (2010b)
- Dinneen (1927)