The Irish Vernacular -Idioms and

The Irish Vernacular -Idioms and Phrases

(From Bernd Beige)

When in Ireland you will hear people speaking Irish - however less than one percent of the population uses the "native tongue" on a day-to-day basis. The rest use the "Irish vernacular", a local version of English which is influenced by tradition and the Irish language ... and confusing for the non-Irish!

Here are some examples of what you might hear:

• Are you Okay?

This is the universal greeting of the sales assistant or bartender. He or she is absolutely

not interested in your health or well-being. The phrase translates as "I am ready to serve you, what is your desire?"

The correct answer is to place your order, not to detail your ailments. Note that the phrase might be uttered in such a tone of voice that "How dare you to disturb me?" could be a valid translation too.

• Blow-in

A stranger or foreigner, basically anybody whose ancestors have not lived within sight of the parish church for at least ten generations.

• Come here!

If the person saying this is already next to you, you might feel that the concept of personal space is unknown in Ireland. Don’t worry, the phrase simply means "listen up".

• Culchie

An abbreviation of "agricultural" and referring to anybody born and bred outside the few cities of Ireland. Or outside of Dublin.

• Deadly

In everyday conversation this means "very good", like in deadly buzz (roughly "a great time").

• Any Description of Distances, Directions and Time

The "Irish mile" is very flexible. And time is fluid. While you may expect to cover three to four miles walking at home, this will not apply in Ireland. Especially if you have to rely on directions given by locals. They might play down the distance to avoid discouraging walkers, send the same walkers on the "scenic route" or throw in helpful hints like "turn left where the dog usually sits". Get a map.

• Good man yourself!

A phrase denoting agreement or thanks and a bit of respect. Also used as a sort of non-sequitur reply to the ubiquitous greeting "A'right?" (the short form of "How are you?", see below).

• Hole in the Wall

Unless specifically referring to the longest pub in Ireland, this phrase denotes an ATM.

• How are you?

Unless the person asking you is a doctor, nurse or paramedic this simply means "Hello!"

Do not start any long sentences. Just reply with the same phrase or the common "And yourself?"

• Jeanie Mac!

An expression roughly equivalent to the quite common formula "Jesus, Mary, Joseph and all the Holy Martyrs!", avoiding to use the Lord's name in vain.

• Knacker

Usually this word describes a member of the traveling community. It is definitely insulting.