The people of Northern Ireland are known for their unique and colorful way of speaking. Here is a list of common phrases you might hear, with a little explanation for each one. Learning a few of these will have you blending in with the locals in no time!

Common Greetings & Responses

• "What's the craic?" - A very common greeting, meaning "How are you?" or "What's happening?" The "craic" can also refer to gossip or fun.
• "Aye" - A simple and very common word for "yes." It's used in everyday conversation.
• "Bout ye?" - Another greeting, a shortened way of asking "How about you?" or "How are you doing?"
• "Dead on" - This means "good," "alright," or "perfect." For example, "That taxi driver was dead on." It can also be used sarcastically.
• "Sláinte" - A common Irish toast, pronounced "slawn-cha," meaning "cheers" or "good health."

Describing People & Things

• "Yoke" - A word for any object or thing you can't remember the name of. "Can you hand me that yoke over there?"
• "Eejit" - An affectionate or playful term for an idiot or a silly person. "Ah, don't mind him, he's a harmless eejit."
• "Aul' Fella" / "Aul' Woman" - Affectionate terms for one's father or mother, respectively.
• "Cat" - Not good or terrible. "That weather is absolutely cat."
• "A slabber" - A loudmouth or someone who talks a lot of rubbish. "Don't be listening to him, he's a right slabber."

Actions & Emotions

• "A wee dander" - Refers to a short, leisurely walk. "Fancy a wee dander down by the river?"
• "Foundered" - A term for being very cold. You might hear someone say, "I'm foundered!" on a chilly day.
• "Scundered" - To be embarrassed or mortified. "I was absolutely scundered when I fell over."
• "Banjaxed" - Broken or ruined. For example, "My phone is completely banjaxed."
• "Wise up" - A friendly expression that can mean "pay attention" or "don't be silly."
• "Houl yer whisht" - Literally means "hold your silence," or "be quiet."
• "Stall the ball" - An expression to tell someone to stop what they are doing.
• "Caught on" - To understand or realize something. "He finally caught on to what I was saying."
• "Go on, lad" - An expression of encouragement or a friendly way of urging someone to do something.