Bai

n.

Boy. Mate. The Cork (and wider Munster) form of address stuck on the end of nearly every sentence.

Heard in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford

In use

You're sucking diesel now bai.

Lawrence Muck's posh English
Lawrence Muck

Shall I translate it into posh English for you, me aul flower?

Good evening. Here it is in posh English.

You are progressing most satisfactorily now, old chap.

Questions

What does bai mean in Ireland?

Boy. Mate. The Cork (and wider Munster) form of address stuck on the end of nearly every sentence.

Where in Ireland do people say bai?

People say bai in Cork, Kerry, Limerick and Waterford.

How do you use bai in a sentence?

“You're sucking diesel now bai.”

Updated

On the list: Irish slang words

Same phrase, other counties

  • Kerry (not in the dictionary)
  • Limerick (not in the dictionary)
  • Waterford (not in the dictionary)
  • BoiA familiar form of address used in many Sligo sentences when speaking to someone.
  • Hai baiYou there! A form of address to get someone's attention.
  • Holy shmokes baiAn exclamation of disbelief or astonishment.
  • Left hook bai!A forceful warning of physical retribution delivered to an adversary.
  • De one eye'd nearly do herUsed of a woman so thin that one eye would nearly suffice to take her in.
  • TroutCan be used in nearly every sentence possible. Usually used to replace the word 'sound'.

Pick yer county