Dearg diabhil

n.

Heard in Mayo and Kerry

A small stinging insect with brown stripes on its back that lifts its tail when about to sting. It delivers a particularly vicious sting.

Watch out for that dearg diabhil

Posh English

Do beware of that red devil of an insect.

Related terms

• Givvid back t'ya smallTo give as good as one gets in return.
• WazeeA wasp or stinging flying insect.
• Bit of tailAn attractive woman or girlfriend.
• In two shakes of a lamb's tailIn a very short space of time.
• Ring stingSoreness of the anus, especially after a hot curry.
• As sick as a small hospitalExtremely ill or nauseous.