How Do You Spell KAILYARD?

Pronunciation: [kˈa͡ɪljɑːd] (IPA)

Kailyard is a term used to describe a literary genre that focuses on Scottish rural life. The spelling of this word may seem unusual but can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈkeɪl.jɑːrd/. The first syllable 'kai' is pronounced like 'kale' while the second syllable 'yard' is pronounced like 'yardstick'. The spelling is a combination of 'kale', a vegetable that is commonly grown in Scottish gardens, and 'yard', a common term used to describe a small enclosed area of land.

KAILYARD Meaning and Definition

1. Kailyard refers to a term primarily used in Scottish literature to describe a specific genre of writing that portrays a nostalgic representation of rural Scottish life, often romanticizing idyllic countryside settings and focusing on the lives of humble, working-class characters. The word "kailyard" itself is a compound of two Scots words, "kail," meaning cabbage or greens, and "yard," referring to a small enclosure or garden.

   This literary genre emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, featuring works from renowned Scottish authors such as J.M. Barrie, Ian Maclaren, and S.R. Crockett. Kailyard literature typically revolves around themes of community, family, simplicity, and the beauty of nature, often incorporating elements of sentimentality and gentle humor. It often portrays the characters and their interactions with warmth and tenderness, offering a somewhat idealized view of Scottish rural life.

   However, the term "kailyard" can also carry certain connotations of simplicity and sentimentality that some critics argue limit the scope and depth of the literary works associated with it. These critics contend that the genre tends to overlook the harsh realities and complexities of Scottish society during the time period it represents.

   In summary, kailyard refers to a genre of Scottish literature that romanticizes rural Scottish life, often featuring humble characters and nostalgic portrayals of idyllic settings.

2. A kitchen-garden.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for KAILYARD

• kail-yard
• jailyard
• mailyard
• lailyard
• oailyard
• iailyard
• kzilyard
• ksilyard
• kwilyard
• kqilyard
• kaulyard
• kajlyard
• kaklyard
• kaolyard
• ka9lyard
• ka8lyard
• kaikyard
• kaipyard
• kaioyard
• kailtard

Etymology of KAILYARD

The word "kailyard" comes from Scots dialect, specifically from the combination of two Scottish words: "kail" and "yard".

The word "kail" refers to cabbage or other leafy vegetables in Scots. It can be traced back to the Middle English word "kale" and the Old Norse word "kál". Cabbage and similar vegetables were commonly grown and consumed in Scotland, so the term "kail" became widely used.

The word "yard", on the other hand, has its roots in Old English, where "geard" meant an enclosed area of land, often referring to a small garden or vegetable patch. Over time, it evolved to "yard" in Scots.

Combining these two words, "kail" and "yard", results in "kailyard", which originally referred to a kitchen garden or a small plot of land where vegetables, especially cabbage, were grown.

Plural form of KAILYARD is KAILYARDS