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 that 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 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.
His co-workers sent a copy of Tim’s endeavors to the Irish website Joe.ie in 2016, 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, like
Sick as a small hospital = Sick
I'm knackered = I'm tired
* Originally published in 2016, updated in 2024.
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