Hidden in the margins of a 9th-century Irish manuscript is one of the most unexpectedly human notes ever left by a medieval scribe. Written in the ancient ogham alphabet ᚛ᚂᚐᚈᚆᚓᚔᚏᚈ᚜ , it translates — believe it or not — to “Massive hangover.”

Yes, somewhere between the sacred texts and careful calligraphy, a weary monk confessed his pain the old-fashioned way — not with words, but with lines and notches.

The Word: Láithreirt

The Old Irish word behind this translation is “latheirt” (pronounced law-hret), meaning a hangover or weakness after drinking. It appears tucked neatly into the manuscript’s edge, scratched in ogham script — Ireland’s earliest written language, dating back to the 4th or 5th century CE.

Whether it was the morning after a saint’s feast or just a bit too much monastery ale, we’ll never know. But what we do know is that this little line of ogham captures something timeless — the all-too-human aftermath of a good night gone slightly too far.

From Sacred Script to Shared Story

Ogham was usually reserved for marking graves, boundaries, or blessings — not the fallout of overindulgence. But that’s what makes this inscription so extraordinary: it reminds us that even the scribes of old Ireland had their moments of frailty, humor, and humanity.

Twelve centuries later, that honesty still resonates. It’s proof that while the ink has faded, the spirit — and the hangover — remain very much alive.

Raise a Glass to History

To celebrate this perfect blend of ancient wit and modern relatability, we’ve created the Láithreirt Drinkware Collection — a line of pint and whisky glasses engraved with the ogham for Láithreirt.

So next time you’re feeling the weight of your own Láithreirt, raise a glass — you’re in good company. After all, even a 9th-century monk couldn’t resist jotting down his morning-after regret.