gaelic
UK[ˈɡeɪlɪk]US[ˈɡeɪlɪk]
adj
Relating to the Celtic people of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of Man, or their languages.
n
The Celtic language of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic) or Ireland (Irish Gaelic).
Etymology
The term 'Gaelic' originates from the name of the Gaelic people, the 'Gaels'. This ethnonym itself comes from Old Irish 'Goídel', which was borrowed from Old Welsh 'Guoidel', meaning 'raider' or 'wild warrior'. The English adjective was formed in the late 16th century by adding the adjectival suffix '-ic' (from Latin '-icus', Greek '-ikos') to the stem 'Gael-', creating a word that denotes belonging or relation to the Gaels and their languages. Thus, the modern term directly connects to the ancient tribal identity, now abstracted to describe their linguistic and cultural heritage.
Analysis
The word 'Gaelic' is a simplex loanword derived from the name of the people, the Gaels. It is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
She is studying Gaelic literature and folklore.
The road signs in the Highlands are written in both English and Gaelic.
He has a deep appreciation for traditional Gaelic music.