sorry about that rather cliche post, now onto something a little more informational (laughs included).
I think there's something rather dashing about their lingo here, its relaxed. They shorten words as they please and give their language a little more character than we Americans do. Rather than sound like thugs -thank you USA- they actually make Irish slang sound like music. So here are a few phrases you'll catch yourself thinking about before conversing with the locals. It's important to learn fast, and listen fast.
my favorite---> grand: great, good, fine
surname: No, this is not a fancy way to ask if you're royalty..they just want to know your last name.
tink: They just can't get there "th" out when speaking..."think" is what you should really hear.
thanks a mil': Thank you so much
iced tea: ....what's that?....
what would you like to drink?: You've only got four options here people..coke,hot tea, coffee, or warm water
take away: carry-out, to go...don't say either of those, they look at you like you're crazy.
Air conditioning: i'm sorry..what does that mean? This is Ireland. Unless you're experiencing a heat wave in Ireland that only shows up every ten years like I have the pleasure of feeling. Woo.
tings: Things...
chip + laser: No this isn't their version of chips and dip..it's a credit card fitted with an internal chip and uses a laser to charge.
till: register
toilets: bathrooms..there's a difference evidently
quays: the name for the street that lines the rivers
BYOB: bring your own dang bag or you have to pay for one and hold up the whole line
how are you doing today?: NO, they aren't asking to inquire...so don't respond just nod.
you're welcome: ummm did I say thank you? No...they just mean to say, "hey I know you're not from here, but you're welcome here."
troubles: any incident involving Northern Ireland
from the states: they refuse to say America I aware
are you ok? : Yes i'm fine, do I look ill?...they actually mean "how can I help you today?"
second favorite--> runners: sneakers..it drives me crazy when people say tennis shoes at home. I don't play tennis people, I run.
Concepts to Catch-Up on...or get left behind.
Iced tea: I apologize for once bringing up my love of iced tea, but did I mention I LOVE iced tea. For this concept I believe a story is necessary...upon arriving in Blarney, 80 degree weather was killing my thirst (there heat is actually rather intense here and usually unexpected). I headed to the concession stand to get a cup of tea. Like always, I expected the tea to only be served hot which I was willing to risk just to cut my tea craving. When the guy proceeded to pour the water he realized the water heater was not working thus no tea could be made. I asked if he could just put ice over it...let me tell ya, never in my life have I seen a face of shock like his. He just couldn't understand that the tea would still steep and actually taste good cold. When I tried to pay my due of 2 euro, he refused. He said that he was serving me water and that was something he would never charge me for. I desperately tried to explain to him that it would still turn out to be tea and it was the same ingredients just made a little differently...there's no point...he shoved the tea in my hand and walked away. I got to keep my two euro, I finally had iced tea, and I scared the pee out of some pour irishmen all over a cup of tea.
Change: Always expect to either receive ten cents too much or ten cents too little depending on how much change they have in the cash drawer. If you take too long to dig for change they'll just end up saying give me what you have, don't worry about it.
Made in Ireland: You will VERY VERY rarely find something here that is not made in Ireland. Due to the economic collapse not too long ago they take pride in boosting their economy without the use of imports.
Fresh Produce: expect everything from two carrots to a package of grapes to be pre-sealed. I hate this.
Cottage Cheese: just don't even ask, they'll laugh at you.
Magazines: They are twice as expensive here in Ireland, however, they often include free things in the packaging like sunglasses, toothpaste, shampoo, and even nail-polish.
Shop N' Eat: Hungry while shopping? Every single large-scale store here has a cafe with everything from your basic salad to turkey and stuffing. Think IKEA but everywhere.
Ice: Don't even get me started....
Tylenol: Acetaminophen is actually banned here in Ireland due to frequent overdosing in the past. They sell only ONE kind of painkiller; Paracetamol.
No Receipts at ATM's: Don't stand there and stare at the machine..they don't give receipts in order to maintain a cleaner environment.
These all might seem like everyday things we don't give a second thought about when consuming them. It has been a love-hate relationship with grasping their way of functioning here. It's been a process, but once you get the hang of it you feel like a professional. :) Goodbye tourist label, hello traveller.
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