Waterford's Blaa added to Oxford English Dictionary
The Waterford Blaa is now listed in the Oxford English Dictionary.
The word ‘blaa’ has officially been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).
The official definition of the word according to the OED is: “A soft white bread roll dusted with flour, particularly associated with Waterford, Ireland."
Blaa is one of many Irish English words that were added to the OED this week as part of its March update.
This release also sees additions from across the world, including words from Philippine English, Malaysian English, Singapore English, South African English, and Irish English.
OED explain: "Irish is another language from which English has borrowed a wealth of new words.
"Included in this batch of new Irish English words is blaa (earliest seen 1960), the name of a soft white bread roll dusted with flour that is particularly associated with Waterford, Ireland."
"This type of bread roll is usually thought to have been introduced to Waterford by Huguenot immigrants in the 17th century, though its exact history is difficult to determine," OED said.
"Possible origins could be the French words blanc ‘white’ and blé ‘wheat’, but neither of these suggestions can be substantiated."
Other words added in the recent update include ‘class’, ‘debs’, ‘spice bag’, ‘ludraman’ and the phrase ‘to act the maggot’.
Recognition of the humble Waterford blaa has increased globally over the years.
In 2013 it was awarded Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) status by the European Commission.
The ruling ensured that the floury bread roll can only be called by its famous name if made in county Waterford.
Blaas are supplied by traditional family bakers operating since the 1800’s across Waterford.
The time-honoured recipe has been handed down from generation to generation and is still enjoyed by locals.
