We certainly have our own unique way with words.
While our little collection of sayings might make sense to us, tourists visiting Ireland might run into trouble understanding our phrases.
Tim is an American who recently transferred to Galway, where he now works in an Irish office full of people using their colloquial chatter to another level.
What people didn’t realise was Tim has been keeping a notebook of Irish sayings, translating them into a more familiar American English for himself.
Sent in to our brothers over at JOE.ie, here’s Tim’s personal dictionary to date:
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*
Tim, you’re a genius!
Thanks to Katelyn Divilly for sending this on to our brothers over at JOE.ie – if you have something you think our readers would love, hit us up at hello@her.ie or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
