irish setter
B2formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
A breed of large gun dog with a distinctive chestnut-coloured or mahogany-red coat, originating in Ireland.
The term primarily refers to the specific breed of dog. In an extended or metaphorical sense, it may be used to describe the characteristic reddish colour of the dog's coat.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A hyponym (subtype) of 'setter', which is a type of gun dog. The phrase functions grammatically as a compound noun.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The Kennel Club (UK) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standards are extremely similar, with minor historical variations in desired coat shade.
Connotations
Connotes elegance, energy, and a friendly, sometimes boisterous, temperament in both dialects.
Frequency
Equally recognisable in both regions, though perhaps slightly more common in general discourse in the UK and Ireland due to geographical association.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
We have an [Irish setter].The [Irish setter] is running.She breeds [Irish setters].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific contexts like pet supplies, veterinary services, or dog breeding.
Academic
Used in zoology, veterinary science, or historical texts on dog breeding.
Everyday
Common in conversations about pets, dog breeds, dog shows, or hunting.
Technical
Used in kennel club standards, veterinary diagnostics, and canine genetics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- She bought a scarf in a lovely Irish setter red.
American English
- The car was painted a deep Irish setter red.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I saw a big, red dog. It was an Irish setter.
- The Irish setter is very friendly.
- My neighbour has a beautiful Irish setter that loves to run in the park.
- Irish setters need a lot of exercise because they are very energetic dogs.
- We are considering getting an Irish setter, but we're researching if its high energy levels are suitable for our lifestyle.
- The Irish setter, originally bred for hunting, is now a popular choice as a family companion due to its affectionate nature.
- The mahogany-red coat of the Irish setter requires regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its characteristic sheen.
- While the show-bred Irish setter is famed for its flowing coat, the field-bred variety is often leaner and bred for stamina and working ability.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'SET' to hunt, with a coat the colour of an Irish sunset (red). Irish SETTER.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not applicable for this concrete noun. The colour 'Irish setter red' is a metaphor based on the dog's coat.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a calque like 'ирландский сеттер' being misinterpreted as a piece of furniture or a device ('сеттер' from 'to set'). In this context, it is exclusively a dog breed.
Common Mistakes
- Capitalisation: 'Irish Setter' is often capitalised as a proper noun referring to the breed, though not always required. 'irish setter' in lowercase is also acceptable.
- Using 'setter' alone to mean 'Irish setter'; other setter breeds exist (English, Gordon).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary original function of the Irish setter?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are typically very friendly, affectionate, and good with children, but they require substantial daily exercise and mental stimulation due to their high energy levels.
They are the same breed. 'Red setter' or 'Irish red setter' are common alternative names for the Irish setter.
A considerable amount—at least one to two hours of vigorous exercise per day. They are a sporting breed bred for endurance and can become destructive if under-exercised.
Yes, it is closely related to the English Setter and the Gordon Setter. All are pointing breeds within the wider 'setter' family, developed in the British Isles for finding game birds.