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Home > Phrases & Sayings > Word Origins > "blown To Smithereens". What Is The Origin, Anyone Know?, Thanks.

"blown To Smithereens". What Is The Origin, Anyone Know?, Thanks.

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Davypops | 09:26 Sun 06th Dec 2015 | Word Origins
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chanel5
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In Irish Gaelic (the form I learned at school, anyway) the word "Smiodar" (pronounced "smither") means"small part". Also in Irish Gaelic, the suffix "in" (pronounced "een") means "little". So smiodarins (pronounced "smithereens") are little small parts.
13:18 Sun 06th Dec 2015
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Avatar Image eanceoil
smíodar is small pieces, I suppose it was anglised and called smither, ín pronounced een or íni is tiny so I can only suppose a person or thing was blown to small pieces
09:35 Sun 06th Dec 2015
Avatar Image alavahalf


http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/blown-to-smithereens.html
09:36 Sun 06th Dec 2015
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Avatar Image Davypops
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Ah - thanks you. Never thought it would have Gaelic origins as most sayings are naval or some connection.
05:58 Mon 07th Dec 2015

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