What is your favourite Irish phrase?
I think we should establish right up front that my Irish language ability is limited to whatever I learn from RTE or TG4. I did not study Irish in school, Larry does not speak Irish to me at home and even when I do recognise words or phrases there is a very high chance that my particular pronunciation is waaaaaayyyyyy off. So that said, my favourite Irish phrases are actually in English and they are not highly amusing or otherwise very entertaining.
1. Hot press – the closet (“press” – although presses can also be cabinets) that holds the hot water heater.
This one tickles me because many, many people speak of the hot press with reverence. It is the place where they keep their linens so that they are toasty before use. It is the place where Christmas decorations are stored until little baby Jesus begins to melt slightly and become welded to the sheep. It is the place where damp clothes are left to “dry” creating the delicious wet dog smell that so permeates the city in the winter. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or two of them even lead to Narnia.
2. Make-and-do – arts and crafts.
This one was taught to me by a five year old in a tone of voice that left no room for discussions – I was a complete idiot for not knowing it. In fact I never figured out which the kids liked more, teaching me the phrase or actually completing the collages that we were working on. Probably the phrase, since many parents came up afterwards to ask me what I would call make-and-do. A learning experience for everyone.
3. Makey-uppy – imaginary.
I just like the way it sounds. “Mr. Mollywood was my makey-uppy friend.”
4. Come ‘ere to me – please listen to what I am about to say, as I would like to transmit information that you might find enlightening and/or entertaining.
Sometimes this is just shortened to “come ‘ere” but I don’t think it sounds as good when it is truncated.
5. That yoke there – often said as dat yoke dere – that thing (person and/or inanimate object) that is positioned close to the speaker.
This one defies explanation, it just is.
Hello there!
Popped over to check you out. I love the pix from yesterdays post. Oh, and I went back and checked out you little trip to the Cape. It looked like you had a great time. I had to laugh at the 100plus.
RC
Ta for that post – always love a good lesson in cultural slang.
As a blow in I so love this – the hot press was a complete mystery to me
OH said it was an ironing denial issue….
Hey RC! Glad you made it over!
Amy – I like to do my bit for cross-cultural communication.
Callie – It really is very powerful. Best not to forget that!
Beth – you forgot the best one of all! Can-a-pays… as in the mushy little green tings