Slang is commonly used across Ireland, but the West (wesht!) seems to have taken it to new heights, almost creating a language of their own.
Here are the top 10 confusing slang terms used in the West.
1. Soonie the beure
Meaning: there is none.
Meaning in the West: This phrase, mainly used in Mayo, means look at the state of yer one.
2. Lush
Meaning: This word has a different slang meaning for something nice. For example, someone might say a new handbag you bought is 'lush'. However, this word has a whole new slang meaning in the West.
Meaning in the West: to drink, ‘lushing’ means ‘to go drinking’, ‘bush lushing’ means to drink outside.
3. Ah nix
Meaning: there is none.
Meaning in the West: an expression of surprise or joy. It can alsosometimes mean disappointment.
4. Stall the digger
Meaning: Stop the digger
Meaning in the West: slow down or wait for me.
5. Wahu
Meaning: expression of delight or celebration.
Meaning in the West: Hello, how are you?
6. Cat
Meaning: a small, domesticated animal with whiskers.
Meaning in the West: something bad. On a rainy day, someone might say, “The weather is cat isn’t it?”
7. Buck
Meaning: Another animal-related one. Buck is usually used to describe a male goat.
Meaning in the West: to have sexual intercourse. Mostly used in Sligo.
8. Sham
Meaning: a trick that deludes or a hoax.
Meaning in the West: A friend or group of people. It can also be used to describe someone who has a high opinion of themselves.
9. Feen
Meaning: misspelling of fiend, which is a person who is extremely addicted to some pernicious habit.
Meaning in the West: another way to say man.
10. Buff
Meaning: to polish something or describe someone in good physical shape.
Meaning in the West: a country person who is probably into farming.
