Arra
An interjection of mild disagreement, dismissal, or resigned acceptance. 'Arra, what would you know about it?' 'Arra, sure it doesn't matter.' Tone carries the meaning - the same word can mock, soothe, or shrug.
Etymology
From Irish 'ara' (also 'arú'), an interjection serving the same discourse function in the source language. Most likely a contraction of an older Irish phrase, possibly 'a Ri' (= O King) used as a casual exclamation, though the trail is contested. Carried into Hiberno-English wholesale and preserved with the original tonal range.
In a sentence
"Arra, would you go away with yourself - I never said any such thing."
Historical notes
Arra is a small Hiberno-English discourse marker that English-elsewhere mostly replaces with 'oh' or 'well'. It tends to be used in southern and midland Ireland more than Ulster (where 'ach' covers similar ground). Often the opening word of a casual reply, especially one that gently refuses to take the previous statement seriously. Joyce uses it in Ulysses for Dublin speech.
Sources
- Foclóir Gaeilge-Béarla (Ó Dónaill), entry ara. · dictionary