Broken Irish is Better Than Clever English – Framed Print

This proverb rejects a specific kind of shame — the idea that speaking Irish badly is worse than not speaking it at all. It argues the opposite: the attempt matters more than the fluency.

What it means

The proverb is Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste — broken Irish is better than clever English. It follows the comparative pattern is fearr X ná Y, "X is better than Y". The detail worth noticing is the lenition: Gaeilge is a feminine noun so its adjective lenites to bhriste, while Béarla is masculine so its adjective stays cliste — getting one right and not the other is the classic error on Irish-language merchandise. It is a genuine seanfhocal, and it is used encouragingly, to learners and to shy speakers, and as a slogan for Seachtain na Gaeilge. This print is an open edition, made to order and shipped worldwide.

Sizes & Format

• 30 × 40 cm / 12 × 16″
• 45 × 60 cm / 18 × 24″
• 60 × 80 cm / 24 × 32″
• Available framed in black, white, wood

Print & Frame Details

Archival matte paper, 250gsm (110lb), acid-free and FSC-certified — off-white, uncoated. Framed prints: solid oak or ash wood frame, 20mm thick, with shatterproof protective glazing. Ready to hang, hanging kit included. Unframed prints up to A4 ship flat; larger sizes ship rolled in a protective tube.

Free Worldwide Shipping

Framed prints are packed with protective corners and wrap, boxed with reinforced edges, and braced with internal supports for extra rigidity (max 3 frames per package). Every order ships free, made to order and delivered from the hub closest to you: Ireland 3–7 business days · UK 4–8 · USA 5–10 · Canada 6–12 · Australia 7–14.