The long-forgotten Irish Gaelic language is making a comeback in Brooklyn and across the city as many wrap up their St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

The language, which was once thought to be archaic, is now seen in a different light. According to Lehman College student Elaine Ni Bhraonain, speaking Gaelic is "sexy, funny and sophisticated." She says the language is also getting respect from the European Union, which translates official documents into Gaelic.

The revival is due to grants being pumped into Ireland to teach the language, and grants at colleges like Lehman.

Native speakers say many Americans use Gaelic without knowing it. They cite words such as "shanty," "galore" and "smithereens."