Dialect Dictionary: Five Things You Will Only Hear in Limerick

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. 

First up we’re off to the Shannon region and the Treaty City for a guide to Limerick lingo…

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Limerick slang has enjoyed national attention in the past few years thanks to The Rubberbandits and their exaggerated take on a certain Limerick tone, but don’t forget that the Munster city is also home to Terry Wogan, who has one of the most well-to-do accents you’re ever likely to hear. Whether you’re a Mr. Wogan or a Mr. Chrome though, you’ll need to understand these key phrases and terms to converse with a Limerick lad or lass.

 

1) Tackies

Only in Limerick are trainers known as tackies. So if you’re out of the Crescent shopping centre with some new Nike/Adidas/Puma finds – you have bought a daycent pair of tackies.

 

2) Stall on

Similar to ‘C’mere I want ya’, a way to draw attention to the fact that you want to speak to someone who may be on their way elsewhere.   

 

3) Getting the shift 

Use is not limited to Limerick, but certainly more common there than many other parts of the country. To French kiss someone, most likely in The Icon (aka D’icon), Angel Lane (The Lane) or if your night out went in a really strange direction, Teds. Locals can explain.

 

3) Jog on

The polite way to tell someone to go **** themselves, if said in an aggressive way, but often said jokingly to mates when you assume they’re pulling your leg a little…

 

4) Doing a line 

Most definitely not what you think it is. An older man or woman’s way of saying that two people are seeing each other. ‘Did you hear that Imelda is doing a line with that new Munster lad?’ ‘No better woman’.

 

 

Honorable mention: Donkeys for Dinner

No, not a horsemeat-style scandal exclusive to Limerick. Instead, this refers to frequenting the fine fish-and-chip establishment Donkey Ford’s for your dinner. The menu has approximately seven items, and four of those are soft drinks. So it’s basically fish and chips or a battered sausage and chips, but the beauty is in the simplicity. Don’t expect much in terms of looks, but there’s a reason it was last year voted the best spot in the country for a fish and chips supper, visit and find out why for yourself…

 

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