| < previous | next > MEANINGS (continued) - Plug = element that fits a socket (usually electrical) OR a shameless advertisement, frrequently informal or verbal (such as an announcement at an event for a forthcoming event)
- Windscreen = windshield
- Chip = piece of fried potato, small stone, small element removed from a larger section. See other uses of chip here.
- Readies = cash [the saying probably originates from borrowed money, eg, "have you got the readies?"]
- Sprog = child
- Slag = to mock someone, not a woman of ill repute!
- Windy = scared (as well as when the isobars become closer on the weather chart)
- Shagged = tired, knackered
- Devil's buttermilk = Guinness. An allusion to the power of alcohol over the (Christian) soul.
- Rigmarole = complicated sequence of events
- Mongrel = crossbred dog [mutt]
- Pearer = pencil sharpener
- Gallivanting = having a good time, a carefree existance [probably from the French "Galant" meaning stylish, gentlemanly etc.
- Quid = pound [and now a Euro], "I owe you a quid" = here's a Euro.
- gouger = knacker, low life, someone likely to rob you
- knacker = word to describe someone out of work who is always in trouble with the authorities, a scumbag or alcoholic could also be called a knacker [ed - US equivalent might be 'street bum'. Thanks to Natalie
- Jackeen = slur on Dubliners from the time of the free state when the Union jack was still flown at Dublin castle. On the use of the word "jacks" for toilets, see here. Thanks to Darragh (Dublin)
- Whippersnapper = a young upstart, a cheeky child or youth
- langered = totally drunk, palatic etc
- moithered = bothered, hassled
- gawm = fool, eejit (see below)
- eccar = exercises, homework for schoolchildren
- gargle = booze, drink, alcohol.
- yoke = lad, guy (thanks to G.Fitzsimons for sending this).
- Cute hoor = sly or smart person (thanks to Niamh from Louth).
- dear = expensive. Rarely used as an affectionate address! Thanks to Ellen.
- gurrier = a person of low repute, often involved in petty crimes. I suspect the word derives from the French for 'war'. However, all the letters are pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable.
- mad = wild, innovative, over the top, whacky. Often used as a compliment, It doesn't meanthe 'mad' person or idea should be locked up! "Peter Scott is a mad lad..."
- craic = fun, enjoyment, laughs, having a good time, etc. Usually describes time spent in pubs with friends, or at parties, or anywhere associated with drinking! "The craic was mighty!" (this expression originates outside Dublin).
top of page | | Guest sayings James Rogers, [Dublin] now Australia:.your trap or gob = shut your mouth cham = bloke laticho = idiot on the gur = out all night dosser = down on his luck Paddy know all = bloke who knows everything Mary banger = girl with no dress sense Tony Ward (Dublin): Are you wearing her = meaning are you going out with her and kissing her etc I'll box your ears = give a good hiding smack etc | |
