Special Sub-Topic: Irish Sayings Click Here To Play: Irish Sayings

If you heard the term "A right headcase" what would it mean?

Someone who goes over the top in a good or a bad manner.. The saying "A right headcase" is used throughout Ireland and is often used as a term of endearment for someone behaving in a very comical/funny sense. It can also be used as a derogatory comment for someone who behaves in a bad, outlandish manner.

If someone told you "Not a child in the house washed" what would they mean?

I'm late/behind with housework.. This saying has to be one of my favourite sayings. It's meaning is light hearted and originates from Woman of Ireland - Mna na Eireann. When the common work place for a woman was in the home, children would be washed and dressed before any other house work duties would be carried out. If a woman commented on the time of day and said "Not a child in the house washed", it meant she was very far behind with her daily duties. Today it refers to being late.

If you overheard someone saying "Thick as two planks" what did they mean?

Stupid. This saying is widely used and understood throughout Ireland. It's a very derogative comment and refers to someone who acts in a very foolish manner and/or one who is ignorant.

If someone asks you "What's the crack?" what are they referring to?

What's happening?. Originating from the Irish word 'Craic' meaning good times/gossip/good fun. If asked "What's the crack?" by an Irish person, you are expected to give a reply which includes information on how you are, what you are doing, where are you going, with whom are you going there, have you any interesting gossip.

If the statement "It's lashing down" is made, what does it mean?

Very heavy rain.. To say "It's lashing down" in Ireland refers to the weather and simply means that it is raining very heavily.

"The head on you and the price of turnips!" In Ireland, what does this mean?

Something said to person that is not looking their best/often hung-over.. "The head on you and the price of turnips" is widely used as a derogatory reference to a person's appearance.It is most commonly used to someone who looks as thought they are suffering from the affects of a hangover. Although 'turnip'is the most commonly used word in this saying,it has been known to differ from each county. Some counties use the word 'cabbage' instead of turnip in this saying. The usage and meaning remain the same.

Widely used in Ireland is the quote "Some langer" but what is it referring to?

Someone foolish.. Originating from Co. Cork but widely used and understood throughout Ireland. "Some langer" is a reference to someone who is foolish and/or acting in a foolish manner.

If you are told to "Cop on" in Ireland, what are you being asked to do?

Come to your senses.. A saying requesting that someone should comes to their senses and behave themselves. "Would ya ever cop yerself on" and "Cop on to yerself" are very common sayings in Ireland.

"Begrugger" What is this a common reference to?

A person who is envious.. This is widely used in Ireland. The word begrugger from the word begrudge is mostly heard in the saying "Feic the begruggers". Gaelic translation for 'Feic' is 'To see'. Its meaning is a dismissive reference to someone who is envious of another people.

"Tis only massive". What does this popular Co.Cork phrase mean?

It's great/brilliant.. This saying originates from Co. Cork Ireland and is understood nationwide. 'Tis' is a local phrase for 'It is' and 'only massive' refers to the brilliance of something or someone.