How do Irish say 'what the heck'?

Answer 1

It is problematic translating phrases like this without context. It could be used as 'What the heck are you doing?' or in a phrase meaning "It didn't work. What the heck?' as if to say 'Who cares? So what?'

So, 'What the heck do you want?' is Céard sa diabhal atá tú a iarraidh?

'What do I care?' is Nach cuma liom? 'It is no loss' Ní fearr ann é!

(2k3r021)

.................................................................................................................

This is a nonsensical English figure of speech, the meaning of which is not literal even in English, and it cannot be translated into Gaelic and connote what it does in English.

"Heck" is a variation of "Hell", evidently derived to avoid saying a word that it was considered impolite or taboo to utter. "Feck" results from a similar taboo on uttering another profane word.

Even if the figure of speech is rendered as "what in the Hell....?", however, the phrase may confuse a native Gaelic speaker, as it really means "What is that?!"

"What?" in (Scottish) Gaelic is "dè". "Hell" is "ifrinn". "In" is "ann" or "anns". "Is" is "tha".

You could try "Dè tha anns an Ifrinn...?!", but don't blame me if you get blank stares.