You may know that when we are abroad, there are certain phrases we use as Irish people that are not necessarily used abroad. In fact, they look at us like we have two heads when we utter any of the following. Here are thirteen Irish phrases nobody understands abroad.
1. It’s in the press.
What the hell is a press? Ok fine, the cupboard.
2. Stop plamásing
I’m sorry, you want me to do what? MESSING! Stop the messing! Unfortunately, this could also mean sweet-talking. So you’re messing and flattering at the same time.
3. Devil a bit
Person 1: What have you been doing with your time? Anything happening?
Person 2: Devil a bit.
Person 1: Sure. What?
4. Sure, he’s not all there.
He’s not all where?
5. That came out arseways
It came out what way? WRONG! It came out wrong.
6. I’m knackered
A certain Her.ie member got kicked out of class for saying this, but it’s a pretty common phrase in Ireland.
7. Will you have a bag of Taytos?
A bag of what? Oh, crisps. You mean crisps.
8. Will you have a mineral yourself?
Will I have what? Oh, a drink. You meant a drink.
9. They’re in the hot press
Another variation of press, the hot press is the airing cupboard.
10. You’re some yoke
I am some what?! Sorry, don’t ask me to explain that. I have no idea what it means.
11. I’m going on the gargle/piss/batter
You’re going where?
12. Great drying out
The weather is amazing! There’s great drying out! Great what?
13. Sure, you know yourself
I know what myself!
14. I will yeah…
This one is all about tone and delivery. You have no intention doing what you say you’re going to do… A certain sarcastic tone will help.
