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Word of the Day – Machree

By July 14, 2018Word of the Day

Machree (noun) (Irish/Scots)

ma’k-ree

As a form of address: my dear. Now chiefly in “Mother Machree”, expressing (usually ironically) a stereotyped conception of Celtic or Irish identity.

Late 17th century; earliest use found in Irish Hudibras. From Irish mo chroí (Scottish Gaelic mo chridhe) my heart, my beloved from mo my + croí (Scottish Gaelic cridhe) heart from Early Irish cride heart, cognate with heart [interjection, adverb].

Example sentences

“Now Mother Machree, we know you love it when all your babies are back in the nest and visiting home.”

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