Forgotten Northern Ireland phrases we used to hear all the time

We decided to take a look back at some Northern Ireland expressions and phrases that we used to hear on our streets.

We took to our Facebook page to ask our readers the question "What Belfast or Northern Ireland words or phrases did you used to hear years ago that you don't anymore?" and there were plenty of answers provided.

One person posted: "If I don't see ya through the week, I'll see ya through the window."

While another wrote: "Tough as nails and thick as the wood it goes into."

Have a read of the best responses that are sure to leave you feeling nostalgic.

Going to see a man about a dog

Northern-Irish singer/songwriter and poet Andy White photographed with a dog in his home town of Belfast, Northern Ireland on 19th August, 1986 (John Stoddart/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

As children, many would have heard their father provide this answer, "Going to see a man about a dog" when he wished for his whereabouts to remain a mystery. Many kids were often left disappointed when their Dad would return home empty-handed without a pup.

Let the hare sit

"Let the hare sit" is a Northern Ireland expression that means to stay calm.

I berks!

Adults and children checking out the sweet stall at the Belfast Christmas market on the grounds of the City hall in December 2014 (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

"I berks!" was a phrase used by children back in the day any time you or your mates were headed for the sweet shop. "I berks!" entitled those that shouted it to a share of the sweets you were buying. However, a shout of "No berks!" counteracted this entitlement before everyone and their mother got a share of your sweets.

I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail

This phrase, "I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail", was expressed to say someone wouldn't be long.

Going to do the messages

When was the last time you heard, 'Going to do the messages'. Most Northern Irelanders would fondly remember their grandmother saying this expression when she was going to pick up some groceries at the shop.

Sixth telly

A young boy selling newspapers on a Londonderry Street during the ceasefire in Northern Ireland in August 1994 (Mathieu Polak/Sygma via Getty Images)

"Sixth telly" used to be heard on the streets of Belfast city in the evening as t he Belfast Telegraph boys shouted at the top of their voices. The most popular edition was the sixth as most people were on their way home when it came out.

I'm away up the stairs to throw myself down

If someone said, "I'm away up the stairs to throw myself down", they were heading up to bed to have a rest.

You couldn't swing a cat in our scullery

Growing up in a certain era, you may have heard your mother or grandmother exclaiming, "You couldn't swing a cat in our scullery". For those not in the know of what a scullery is, it would be a small kitchen or back room used for washing the dishes.

Foundered and par-boiled

We reckon it's safe to say that these two expressions are unique to Northern Ireland. "Foundered" translates to feeling cold while on the other end of the scale, "par-boiled" is another way to say feeling hot.

Let us know in the comments of Northern Ireland expressions and phrases that you would have heard or used back in the day.

If you have nostalgic photos of Northern Ireland by-gone days you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at diane.burke@reachplc.com