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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Lifestyle
Michelle Cullen

10 slang words used in the West that the rest of Ireland can’t understand

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?

Galway city in Ireland (Getty Images)

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

(Getty Images)

Meaning: to polish something or describe someone in good physical shape.

Meaning in the West: a country person who is probably into farming.

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