Dialect Dictionary: Five Dublin Slang Terms You Need To Know

Ireland. We’re a tiny country, in the grand scheme of things, but all you have to do is cross a county border and you’re in the land of a whole new language. We’ve paired up with 7UP Free for a regular Dialect Dictionary to help you on your travels across the Emerald Isle and assist you in any attempt to 'Irish It Up'. On today's menu - some Dublinese for you, madam?

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Ah, Dublin...

The dirty old town that’s also a fair city.

Where salt of the earth northsiders and poshie southsiders look upon each other with scorn and distrust.

Where the taxi drivers are the most opinionated and chatty in the world and don’t know when to just stop talking...

If you talk to Dubliners, you’ll quickly realise that it’s a tale of two cities but there’s one thing that unites all Dubs and that’s our colourful and highly descriptive Dublinese slang.

It was hard to narrow it down to just five, but this carefully edited selection is sure to get you by, if you’re new to the big schmoke.

1. State

This simple one word insult is an abbreviation of ‘the state of...’ and is used to express dislike about another person’s appearance.

How to use:
Bitchy girl number one: "Ugh, did you see what she was wearing?"
Bitchy girl number two: "Yeah, state."
 
2. Bleedin' massive

In Dublin, the better or more attractive you are, the more massive you are. And if you’re bleedin massive, you’re simply extra attractive and not dripping in blood.

How to use: "Oh my Jaysus, he’s only bleedin massive."

3. Deadly

Contrary to its actual meaning, in Dublin, ‘deadly’ is the highest honour you can bestow upon a person. Want to express admiration or delight in something? Then describe it as deadly. Want to give a new restaurant the thumbs up? Describe it as deadly. Want to make sure your new fella is into you? Make sure he thinks you’re deadly.

How to use: "You’re/He’s/She’s/It’s/That’s deadly."

4. Buzzin

Buzzin is the Dublin way of saying "I’m only taking the p*ss". However, when referring to oneself as "buzzin", it usually means you’re having an enjoyable time.

How to use: "Relax, I’m only buzzin off ye" or "Jaysus, this place is deadly. I’m buzzin."

5. Ride

From getting it to looking like one, the word ride is used to describe a good looking person, or as words of encouragement if a friend is feeling a bit low and unattractive.

How to use: “Jaysus, he’s a total ride” or “Ah, would you stop you big ride”.

 

For 'Five Things You'll Only Hear in Limerick', click here! 

Check back for more Dialect Diaries here over the coming weeks with 7UP Free