The Déise Dictionary of Waterford Slang

Twenty years on it's back in a revised and expanded 20th anniversary edition, with books wan an' tew in de wan book.

What's inside

  • Waterford slang words and phrases, each with a meaning and an example
  • Books one and two together in one revised and expanded edition
  • Words spelt the way they're said, so you can hear the accent off the page

The perfect gift for

  • Anyone from the Déise living away from home
  • Blow ins trying to work out what the neighbours are saying
  • Anyone who ever had a blaa and wondered what else they were missing

A taste of what's inside

A few of the Waterford words you'll find in The Déise Dictionary. Tap any word for its meaning and a Posh English translation.

  1. Quare

    Quite or rather; to a notable degree.

  2. Eejit

    A foolish or silly person.

  3. Cat

    Of extremely poor quality, dreadful, or thoroughly awful.

  4. Cat malogen

    Outrageous, terrible or very bad.

  5. Hang sangwich

    A ham sandwich.

  6. Gammy

    Damaged, defective, or functioning poorly, often applied to an injured limb.

  7. In the horrors

    Extremely drunk.

  8. G'luck

    Good luck.

  9. Well

    A form of greeting used in place of hello.

  10. Box

    A punch.

  11. Bollix

    A mildly insulting term of abuse for a man.

  12. Manky

    Horrible; filthy and unpleasant.

  13. Ossified

    Very drunk.

  14. Like

    A filler word indicating vagueness or uncertainty; your guess is as good as mine.

  15. Baytin

    Regional pronunciation of beating.

  16. Craic

    "Craic" has a couple of very broad meanings.

  17. Gway

    An incredulous dismissal meaning go away or nonsense.

  18. Lovely hurlin

    Going fine, all is well, or everything is grand overall.

  19. On the ball

    A Waterford way of saying thank you very much.

  20. Yonks

    Ages.

Book details

Author
Wellboy (Cian Foley)
First published
2006
This edition
20th anniversary edition, revised and expanded, 2026
Format
Paperback
Pages
140
ISBN
9798164584184

Buy it on Amazon →

Questions people ask

Is there a book of Waterford slang?

Yes. The Déise Dictionary of Waterford Slang boy!, first published in 2006, is back in a 20th anniversary edition.

Who wrote it?

Wellboy, otherwise known as Cian Foley, who also runs slang.ie and wrote For Focal Sake!, the 32 county guide to Irish slang.

Where can I buy it?

On Amazon in paperback. The Buy button sends you to the Amazon store for your country.

Not from Waterford? For Focal Sake! covers all 32 counties. Have a look.

Browse more: Irish slang words · funny Irish sayings · Irish insults · Waterford slang