Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun A Christmas or New Year's ceremony, in the Isle of Man; one who takes part in the ceremony. See the first extract.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun Manx English The first person one encounters, either after leaving one's home or (sometimes) outside one's home, especially on New Year's Day.
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
From Manx qualtagh.
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Examples
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I should be the first-foot here, only I'm no use as a qualtagh.
The Manxman A Novel - 1895 Hall Caine 1892
seanahan commented on the word qualtagh
Apparently, this is the first person you see after leaving your house. Evidently pronounced "KWOL-tok".
July 8, 2007
uncleosbert commented on the word qualtagh
it sounds like someone trying to say "quality" with their teeth out...
July 8, 2007
amcd56 commented on the word qualtagh
Leaving now - wonder who my qualtagh will be? Hellooo - anybody out there?
July 8, 2007
oroboros commented on the word qualtagh
I just stepped outside (tho I'm not leaving) and spotted you: Howdy qualtagh!
July 8, 2007
reesetee commented on the word qualtagh
Interesting etymology for this word (according to OED): It once referred to the custom of going in a group from door to door at Christmas or New Year, making a request for food or other gifts in the form of a song. It also referred to the first person to enter one's house on New Year's Day or the first person one meets after leaving home, especially on a special occasion (it derives from the Manx English for "someone who meets or is met," literally, "first-foot").
February 15, 2008
jmjarmstrong commented on the word qualtagh
JM wonders what would happen if your qualtagh is also their qualtagh – would you both be forced to retreat indoors again?
September 5, 2009
qms commented on the word qualtagh
The generous folk who speak Manx
Have swollen our lexical ranks.
Oh, let us exalt it
And welcome the qualtagh!
The new year begins with our thanks.
January 1, 2018
ry commented on the word qualtagh
The first person one encounters, either after leaving one's home or (sometimes) outside one's home, especially on New Year's Day. A term and tradition from the Isle of Man. Term from Manx
September 9, 2020