The lingo

Just because I had parents who lived in Derry, didn't mean that I understood what my relatives or other Irish friends and what they were saying. I had a hard time understanding them which I took them literally but they only joked about a situation.  It took some time on  adjusting but I eventually got used to knowing the Irish lingo. I also took everybody literally, meanwhile they always joked. It wasn't that long until I started to talk with an Irish accent. Here are some of the sayings that I started to pick up.

Is that you? If you're asked this, please don't answer with "Of course it's me, you idiot!". They only want to know if you've finished whatever you're doing.

Are you away? Again, no stupid sarcastic answers. They're asking if you are going out / leaving.

That's wile. It's a terrible thing

What about ye? What's up, How are you?

Catch yourself on! Wise up.

Dead on! Great. Perfect, Really nice. (Often used to describe people.)

Away in the head. Lost his senses. Stupid.

Away on! You're kidding!

Sound. Also a word of praise generally used for describing people.- 'He's dead sound!'

Wait till I tell ye. This is difficult to translate. It's a way of starting a conversation or introducing something important or interesting into the conversation.

I tell a lie. It's what you say when you've realised that you said something wrong!

Class, Cracker, Grand, Stickin' out, Magic, Smashing, Brilliant. Just a few more ways to say something's great.

Ta, Ta-ta, Cheers, Thankin' you. And a few ways to say thanks.

Are you gettin'? Have you been helped / served?

He/she/that/this 'Does my head in.' Drives you up the wall.

Mucker. Mate, friend.

Steady/Steady on. Similar to saying 'Behave' or 'Watch it!'.

I'll do you! I'll kill you.

Clattered, Lamped. Hit, Punched.

Eejit. Local pronunciation of the word idiot.

Bog. Bathroom.

Boggin', Mingin', Mankin'. Messy and horrible.

Snog. Kiss.

One night stand. In N.I. it can mean anything from a kiss, to going all the way.

Yous. Plural of you.

Ach! Oh, or Ah. As in 'Ach, What about ye?'

Aye. Yes.

Crack/Craic. Fun.

The Black Stuff. Guinness.

Dummy. Pacifier.

Pram. Stroller.

Nappy. Diaper.

Biscuit. Cookie.

Poke. Ice cream cone.

Scone. A sweet biscuit...of sorts.

Bun/ Wee bun. Sweet roll, danish.

Round. One portion, i.e.. 'round of toast'.

Gravy ring. Ring doughnut.

Bap. A bun or roll. Used mainly for sandwiches.

Ulster Fry. A fried meal with eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, soda bread, potato bread, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. ALL FRIED.

Sweets. Candy.

Your man/woman. That man/woman.

Cheerio. Good-bye.

All the best! Good-bye, wishing you all the best.