Shelta

[ shel-tuh ]

noun

1. a private language, based in part on Irish, used among Travelers in the British Isles.

Shelta

/ ˈʃɛltə /

noun

1. a secret language used by some itinerant tinkers in Ireland and parts of Britain, based on systematically altered Gaelic

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shelta¹

First recorded in 1875–80; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of Shelta¹

C19: from earlier sheldrū, perhaps an arbitrary alteration of Old Irish bēlre speech

Example Sentences

Shelta is perhaps the last Old British dialect as yet existing which has thus far remained undiscovered.

From Project Gutenberg

This language, or jargon, known as Shelta, has been the subject of much learned writing.

From Project Gutenberg

Our informant could give only a single specimen of the Shelta literature.

From Project Gutenberg

Me tu sosti, “Thou shalt be (of) me,” is Romany, which is freely used in Shelta.

From Project Gutenberg