When you actually sit back and think about some of the phrases we use in every day life in Ireland you begin to realise that so much what we say actually makes no sense.
In fact, so much of our dialect would probably be completely incomprehensible to English speakers from other countries. Here are just a few examples.
1. I got a fierce land
In normal English: The person has obtained a piece of land which is said to be fierce. Perhaps they bought it or maybe it was left to them in a relative's will.
In Irish English: I got a huge surprise.
2. Much of it out?
In normal English: Something has sprung a leak and you are inquiring as to how much of the content has leaked out.
In Irish English: Hello.
3. I'll see you now
In normal English: You are ready to meet with a person. Usually said by a doctor or by someone you've been waiting to meet.
In Irish English: Goodbye.
4. I shifted her
In normal English: I grabbed hold of her, lifted her up and moved her somewhere.
In Irish English: I kissed her.
5. Go away out of that
In normal English: Makes absolutely no sense in English.
In Irish English: A way to inform someone that what they are saying is silly.
6. I'll head on
In normal English: You're planning to flick the football into a dangerous area.
In Irish English: I'm going to leave.
7. Your mickey goes hard
In normal English: Someone's friend or relative, called Mickey, loves to party.
In Irish English: Explaining an erection.
8. Hold on now
In normal English: Grab tight to something.
In Irish English: Wait a for a moment.
9. Doing the messages
In normal English: Carrying out an instruction which has been conveyed to you in the form of a message.
In Irish English: To go food shopping.
11. Up the duff
In normal English: You're cheering on a person or place by the name of Duff.
In Irish English: Said person is pregnant.
12. Sure look
In normal English: Perhaps telling a person that something is definitely worth a watch? A sure look?...
In Irish English: A phrase that means nothing and everything all at once. Can be used to answer literally any question in the English language.
Also: How Well Do You Know The 'Irish' English Language?
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