WITH tourist numbers in Northern Ireland higher than ever it's probably a good idea for outsiders to learn a bit of the lingo.
Back in 2005, the late Northern Irish humourist Owen Kelly compiled a definitive introduction to the local vernacular, which has now been brought back by O'Brien Press due to popular demand.
Here are 20 of the greatest Northern Irish expressions thanks to Essential Norn Irish:
1. Beetle knockers
Example: “The dactar has me on beetle knockers”
Translation: “My GP has prescribed medication for my high blood pressure”
2. Beg
Example: “Thee quid for a wee beg of spuds?”
Translation: “I consider three pounds for a small sack of potatoes to be exorbitant”
3. X-caped
Example: “They x-caped”
Translation: “They eluded their captors”
4. Dig
Example: “I gave him a dig in the bake”
Translation: “I struck him on the face”
5. Chew
Example: “Stop at chew!”
Translation: “Cease that unacceptable behaviour at once”
6. Mar
Example: “Wassa mar way you?”
Translation: “What is the cause of your present distress?”
7. Yuman bean
Example: “Ama yuman bean”
Translation: “I am a member of the human race”
8. Emmy Grate
Example: “They all had to emmy grate”
Translation: “For economic reasons they were all forced to go and live in another country”
9. War
Example: “Gissa glassa war”
Translation: “Can I have a drink of water, please?”
10. Ulster
Example: “She had a very coarse ulster on her leg”
Translation: “She had a painful condition associated with varicose veins”
11. Bap
Example: “Use yer bap”
Translation: “Think before you act”
12. Tardy
Example: “Am tardy at”
Translation: “I am bored/fed-up/exhausted with this present activity”
13. Dee-teary-ate it
Example: “Things have dee-teary-ate it”
Translation: “The situation has worsened”
14. Sarong
Example: “Sarong way at?”
Translation: “What are your objections to that?”
15. Zizz
Example: “Wanna bitta zizz”
Translation: “I desire a short nap”
16. X-ylem
Example: “Them x-ylem seekers is everywhere nigh”
Translation: “The number of economic migrants in this country is rising steadily”
17. Daisy
Example: “Take a daisy”
Translation: “Please relax”
18. Flan
Example: “I’ll break your flan neck”
Translation: “I will administer corporal punishment”
19. Historical
Example: “She was historical”
Translation: “She reacted in a hysterical manner”
20. Scot
Example: “Scot nothing tae do with you”
Translation: “This does not affect you whatsoever”
