| MEANINGS (continued) - 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. 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).
< previous | next > | | 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 | |
