It has long been said that England and the United States are two countries divided by a common language. Although many also say that the Irish speak the most beautiful form of English, that does not mean Americans would have any more luck understanding them.

Unfortunately a good deal of the slang a tourist would hear in Dublin cannot be repeated in polite society, but there are a number of phrases that might draw quizzical looks from visitors which can be related.

Great Craic

Someone sampling the Dublin nightlife might hear a phrase such as “We had great craic that night.” No, they are not talking about a new type of drug, or even plumbers. The term “craic” refers to “fun” or a place with great atmosphere.

After a night out, someone might be said to have been “acting the maggot,” meaning they were behaving foolishly. This could be the result of someone getting “fluthered” or drunk. Another term for having had too much to drink is “stocious.” Someone who found themselves in such a state could feel like an “eejit” or “idiot.” Other terms for feeling like a fool include “gobdow” and “gom.”

Fair Play

On the other hand, should a Dubliner say “Fair play to you,” it signifies approval of someone’s actions or opinions. Similarly, a visitor to Dublin should not take offense upon hearing, “I'm only slagging you,” which means making good-natured fun. Still, a visitor should not be so happy to hear, “That dress is really Mary Hick,” which means drab or unfashionable.

Say What?

Still other expressions do not seem to make any sense at all. For example, in one of Dublin’s pubs, one might hear a story that another answers with, “That's a bit of a horse's hoof I think.” Somehow that means the person is exaggerating. If a visitor to Dublin chooses to stay in lodging with a kitchen, then they might have to make a trip to “get the messages” which means buy groceries.

Knowing these simple slang terms can go a long way to keep tourist from “taking a reddener” or going “scarlet,” both of which mean to blush. It also can help the “culchies” (out of towners) avoid getting a “puck in the gob” (punch in the face) from one of the “jackeens” (Dublin city folk).