We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again, but the Irish have a way with words.
English may not have been Ireland’s native language, but seeing as it was forced upon us, we flexed our creative streak on their language so the English wouldn’t be able to recognize it themselves.
Yes, there are many weird and wonderful phrases native to the Emerald Isle which may leave many tourists to our shores slightly bewildered as to what we could possibly be talking about.
The same could also be said of someone of a different nationality arriving in Ireland and attempting to integrate into an Irish workplace, even if they come from an English-speaking country.
Not expecting such a language barrier can throw you for a loop and, so, an American man, Tim, who recently relocated to an office in Galway decided to create for himself a little guide to get through the workday. An Irish-English to American-English dictionary, if you will.
Read more: 35 Irish sayings and phrases you need to learn before you visit
His co-workers sent a copy of Tim’s endeavors to Irish website Joe.ie, and, we must say, it’s a very comprehensive list. We commend Tim as he continues his linguistic research.
You can see the full list here:
A day out = a wedding
How's she cutting? = How's it going?
Howya horse = Hey, what's up?
There's a grand stretch in the evening = Long sunset
Sound = cool
Grand = Good/fine (depends on tone)
Fair play to ya = Good for you
Craic = fun
I will ya = I won't
Rota = Roster or schedule
Stop the lights = I can't believe it
Great drying out = A nice day
Mind yourself = Pay attention
Coola Bula = Very cool
Cheers big ears = Friendly thank you
Up Mayo = Mayo County
Mayo For Sam = Sports in Mayo
Mad for road = No patience
Drive like you're late for Mass/Goin 90 = In a hurry
That's the berries - brilliant
Now we're sucking diesel - we're moving
A bad dose = Severe illness
Codding = Joking
Eat the head off = Give out
It's a kip = Bad place or dump
Leg it = Hurry or run
(Like) = Put it at the end (of a sentence)
Sick as a small hospital = Sick
I'm knackered = I'm tired
You've got a head on you like a *insert word here*
Have you ever felt at sea in a wave of Irish colloquialisms? Let us know what phrases you find the most confusing or which phrases you still don’t understand in the comments section, below.
Comments