Irish people have a unique take on the English language.
Our slang words have been known to confuse our overseas friends.
Most people are probably familiar with words such as ‘craic’ or ‘eejit’ which have become well known over the years.
However, there are plenty of sayings that can leave those unfamiliar scratching their heads.
READ MORE: Four things tourists should never say when visiting Ireland
Here are some of the common words and phrases we use that leave people asking what are they talking about?
The jacks
The jacks is a common way of saying the toilet in Ireland.
Maybe you’ve overheard a shout of “hey I’m just running to the jacks.”
They’re in fact not running to see a person called jack, instead they are nipping to the toilet.
It’s actually an old Tudor phrase for lavatory, likely a reference to Jack Power, who invented the first multiple cubicle toilet.
Sound
If someone tells you you’re sound, take it as a compliment.
Generally speaking it just means you're a good or decent person.
If you do something for someone and they reply with “sound” just think of it as another way of saying thank you.
I will yeah
Don’t be fooled by this, they most certainly won’t.
Yer man/yer wan
This does not mean that the person in question has anything to do with you, most likely they don’t, it’s just a way of referring to another person.
For example, “yer man behind the counter.”
We don’t mean that the man belongs to you.
He's simply, yer man over there.
Gas
Don’t worry there’s no gas leak to fear and no one has broken wind (hopefully).
Gas means something is hilarious.
It can be used to describe funny people too.
For example: “ah jaysus John up the road is a gas character.”
Come here to me
If someone says come here to me be warned you’re about to be told some good gossip.
Usually the scandal will be told in hushed tones so pay attention.
Yoke
Pronounced like yolk, the word has nothing to do with eggs.
It’s usually just a way of referring to any random item.
You’ll often hear the words “would you pass me that yoke over there.”
There will typically be more than one yoke to choose from so grab the right one if you don’t want to look like an eejit.
Acting the maggot
See also: I’m only codding ya
A way of saying messing or joking around.
Acting the maggot is commonly said by the Irish mother when her children won’t sit still may in a trolley in Supervalu or at mass.
I’m only codding ya may be said by your father or uncle when he starts asking why you don’t have a boyfriend.
G’way outta that
If someone says this to you please don’t take offence and definitely don’t up and go.
Chances are you’ve just said something shocking to an Irish person and they’re just expressing disbelief.
If anything they want you to keep talking, we’re nosey people after all.
Grand
Grand is grand.
How are you? Ah sure I’m grand.
It’s not something big or fancy in Ireland, mostly used when someone or something is or will be okay (see it’ll be grand) or even when they won’t be.
Context is key when it comes to the word grand so be aware.
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