Blarney Stone
/ˈblɑːrni stoʊn/noun
A limestone block built into Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland, traditionally believed to grant eloquence to anyone who kisses it.
Did you know?The Blarney Stone’s reputation for granting eloquence is linked to the Irish concept of ‘blarney,’ meaning flattering or deceptive talk, while the stone’s exact identity remains disputed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂-
“To stand or remain firm; the ancient root associated with the word family behind stone and stand.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*stainaz
“Stone or rock.”
Old English
Old English
stān
“Stone, rock, or a piece of mineral matter.”
Medieval Irish
Irish
An blárna
“The place-name associated with Blarney; its precise etymology is uncertain, though it has been connected with a plain or field.”
15th–16th Century
English/Irish
Blarney Stone
“The stone incorporated into Blarney Castle, traditionally identified with the famous kissing stone.”
Modern English
English
Blarney Stone
“A legendary object said to bestow eloquence, and figuratively a source of persuasive or flattering speech.”