Origins of the term ‘Irish brogue’ and why some people find it offensive

The Irish accent is one of the most beloved all over the world, but that wasn’t always the case. In fact, one term that is widely used to describe the Irish accent actually started out as an insult.

The term ‘brogue’ refers to a distinctive accent or way of speaking English that is associated with Ireland, but can also refer to Scottish speakers. The word originates from the Irish word for shoe - bróg.

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The term “brogue” is believed to have emerged from the Irish people's rough and unrefined way of speaking compared to the ‘proper’ and polished English pronunciation. The reference to a shoe reinforced the idea that people with the accent were working class, rustic and usually uneducated. Some believe that English plantation owners coined the term when they arrived, determining that the Irish spoke “like they had a shoe in their mouths.”

Another equally offensive explanation is that the term comes from the Irish word ‘barróg,’ meaning "a hold (on the tongue).” This is often used to describe a speech impediment.

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The Irish stereotype, particularly in the US, was negative for a long time. Irish immigrants found it difficult to find employment and acceptance in their new home. Many faced prejudice because of their accent and forcibly changed it to adapt.

Over time, the Irish diaspora became not only accepted but celebrated around the world. Now, the Irish brogue is frequently voted in surveys and polls as the world’s best accent. It is a hugely important part of our culture and though the term “brogue” began as an insult, it has become a comforting reminder of our national identity.

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