A small, slow dictionary of the words and phrases of Ireland: the inheritances, the localisms, and the standard words bent to a different shape by an Irish tongue.
Word of the week
Fernenst
In front of. Opposite. Facing. 'Fernenst the church' means right in front of the church, or directly opposite it. The preposition that English does without - 'in front of', 'opposite to', or 'over against' do the same work in three words rather than one.
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Read more →Abú
interj.
Hurray. A rallying cry, especially in sporting and political contexts. Almost always after a proper noun: 'Up the Dubs, Mayo abú!' = 'Up Dublin, Mayo for the win!'. A condensed cheer rooted in Irish-language battle-cries.
Ach
interj.
An interjection expressing mild annoyance, resignation, dismissal, or affectionate scepticism. 'Ach, away with you.' 'Ach, sure I don't mind.' The throat-clearing 'ch' marks the speaker's Northern register; the meaning is in the tone.
Acht
n.
Property, ownership - usually with a jocular or contemptuous edge. 'Whas acht's thon?' = whose property is that? (= what's-his-name's that?). The construction often serves to identify someone obliquely or to disclaim ownership.
Acting the Maggot
verb phrase
Behaving foolishly. Messing about, usually with a hint of deliberate annoyance to the person watching. 'Stop acting the maggot' is the standard Hiberno-English instruction to a child or pretend-child who is fooling around. Less serious than 'misbehaving'; more pointed than 'horsing around'.