“All slang is a metaphor, and all metaphor is poetry” or so G.K. Chesterton says.
One of the many questions we get asked at Hotel Isaacs is if there are any colloquialisms that are typical of the Cork region that visitors should be aware of. With this question in mind, we have put our creative heads together to create an insider’s guide to some of Cork’s best slang with the English translations beside it. As you explore our great city, have a listen out for some of the following:
Guuurl
When to use? How you doing guuurl?
Translation: How are you girl? (to any female)
Odd
When to use? He was very odd with me today.
Translation: He was very angry with me today.
Mank
When to use? That coleslaw is mank!
Translation: That coleslaw is disgusting!
Gawk
When to use? I think I’m going to be gawk.
Translation: I think I’m going to be sick.
Langer
When to use? He is such a langer
Translation: He is such an idiot!
Langered
When to use? She was langered last night.
Translation: She was very drunk last night.
Mint
When to use? That’s mint!
Translation: That’s cool!
Jointed
When to use? The pub was jointed.
Translation: The pub was crowded.
Feen
When to use? He is a good-looking feen.
Translation: He is a good-looking man.
I will yeah
When to use? Will I do that? I will yeah!
Translation: Will I do that? Not a chance!
I’m in bits
When to use? I’m in bits after last night.
Translation: I’m extremely hungover.
Sketch
When to use? Sketch! The police are coming.
Translation: Run! The police are coming.
I’m allergic
When to use? I’m allergic to him right now.
Translation I can’t tolerate him right now.
Flah
When to use? She is some flah.
Translation: She is very attractive
Coola boola
When to use? Coola boola, I’ll be there.
Translation: Sounds good, I’ll be there.
D’ya know like
When to use? I went home early, d’ya know like.
Translation: I went home early (a statement)
Your “wan”
When to use? Would you look at your wan?
Translation: Look at that person!
I’m weak
When to use? I’m weak from the chats.
Translation: I’m weak from laughing.
Of course, even if you don’t manage to hear all of the above during your stay at our boutique city-centre hotel, you will undoubtedly hear the word “like” prop up in almost every sentence we utter. What does “like” mean? Absolutely nothing! However, rest assured, once you start using it, it’s nearly impossible to stop saying it in every second sentence.
Want to find a way of practising your newly acquired Cork slang with the locals? Pop over to our multi-award-winning cocktail bar Cask, indulge in a carefully crafted local cocktail, and have a chat with our expert cocktail makers and locals. Surely the best way to integrate and practice any new language?
For the best rate guarantee contact us today to make your reservation, or visit our website to talk to our friendly staff and make a booking.
