After the great hit that was The Dublin Slang Starter Pack it is finally time to release the much-anticipated sequel. As opposed to the first article I thought I would switch it up a bit and release a kind of greatest hits of Dublin Slang style article. So, without further ado let’s get crackin’.
I’ll reef the head off ya! – This is normally something you would hear from the average Dublin girlo in her natural habitat (north inner-city Dublin) and would be normally followed by hair grabbing.
See you ya little muppet! – not to be mistaken for a reference to the famous kids TV show of the same name being a said ‘’little muppet’’ is a generalised term that you are likely to hear while walking the streets of our fair city.
Q-ball head – Normally said referring to a man that is of the bald persuasion.
Fit to be nicked! – Normally this is said when referring to goods that have been left in places that they can be easily stolen. If you hear a person saying this it is very likely that if you wait a while, said patron will return and steal the goods himself.
What’s the suss? – This can be a very versatile phrase to add to your Dublinese vernacular. You can use this in almost any scenario and in a variety of different scenarios. ‘’The Suss’’ is a way of life if you will.
You’re the dogs bollox! – not referring to an animal’s genitals at all this is the ultimate term of endearment that you can receive from a Dublin native. This is normally said in an ironic manner though, so just bear that in mind if you hear it out in the wild.
That’s for the birds – usually you would hear this if you were caught in a bare faced lie. Why getting caught out in a white lie gets given to the birds Is beyond me, however.
He’s as mad as a box of spiders! – I’ve personally never seen a box of spiders, although if I were to associate a word to this imaginary box of spiders, it would indeed be ‘Mad.’
Ill give ya a slap for free! – This one is a bit niche. Its usually used in retaliation to an annoying customer in any retail establishment suggesting something may be in fact free if there was a mistake made in pricing etc.
Will ya meet me mate? – for anyone outside of Dublin meet is the equivalent to shift, I shall say no more.
You’ve a head like a spice bag – this is insinuating that the person you are insulting is similar in appearance to a Chinese takeaway style spice bag.
Look at the head on yer wan – This is a genderless phrase and can be applied to any kind of expression of strong emotion.
You’d get more out of a brick wall – This is normally used when referring to a conversation you had with someone that doesn’t seem to want to engage in said conversation.
How’s your ma? Is your da workin’? - a common greeting used in Dublin when you haven’t seen the person in a period of time but are, however familiar with the other persons family. If, however, your da isn’t working but your ma is, by saying this to the person asking the question you may in fact break the space time continuum.
I think that covers everything for now. But! Stay tuned as soon I will conclude the Dublinese saga with the much-anticipated trilogy conclusion.
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