Irish slang - deadly

old Irish man laughingSo you think you’ve got a handle on the English language. So ya think you’ll take a holiday (that’s vacation to you, Mr & Mrs USA) to Ireland and understand what folks are saying.

Think again.

Although Ireland is a predominately english-speaking nation, there will be moments when you’ll wonder whether that’s true or not. It’s not the Irish language, but the way the Irish use English that is truly unique. One of the things that tickled my ears the most when I first moved here and that tends to confuse our stateside guests is some of the slang. Below is the twenty-fourth installment in my series of common Irish slang that used to confuse us when we first arrived.

Deadly - Really good.

This does not mean something will kill you, it means that something is fantastic. It’s usually used in one of two ways. Either on its own:

“How was the concert?”

“Deadly.”

Or to describe someone or something:

“He’s a deadly hurler.”


By Seán | Permalink

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Comments

gavin | May 14th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
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Hi,

I am compiling a list of as many Irish Slang phrases as possible. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

Sean | May 14th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
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“Deadly” blog Sean, your readers in Florida were wondering what happened to you for the last week. Glad the Mrs is well keep up the great work.

sean | May 14th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
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Heya Gavin,

Best practice would be a visit to Dublin’s pubs, followed by a visit to Cork’s pubs. Then head through Kerry up to Donegal and over to Derry. You should also stop back through Tuam on your way home.

Or you could go here:

http://www.irelandlogue.com/guide/about-ireland/irish-slang/

To see all the gems I’ve posted on.

Deadly buzz sham!

sean | May 14th, 2007 at 7:48 pm
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Seaaaaaanie!

So that’s where alla them Floridian hits is a’commin frum!

Irish slang - Master Post - About Ireland | August 3rd, 2007 at 2:06 pm
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[...] Yoke Sorry Shift Collect A ride Fanny Schmozzle Chance the arm How’s things T vs TH Deadly Doctor’s surgery chancer muppet Ignorant Feck Lovely Hurling Your one Your man Punter Bye bye bye Gas Petrol Bollocks It went down a bomb You know yourself Jennet Prosperous New Year Happy Christmas homely The head wag The Jack’s The gasping Craíc Tags: About Ireland, celtic slang, English in ireland, Irish English, irish phrases, Irish slang, irish terms, slang in ireland, translation [...]



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