A boy or a child

phr.

Heard in Tipperary

A boy or a child. Often used dismissively when a new baby is a girl, reflecting outdated attitudes that valued sons far more.

Well Tommy what did she have, a boy or a child

Posh English

Well, Thomas, what was she delivered of, a boy or a child?

Related terms

• Well is it a bye or a child?A quaint rural query as to the sex of a newborn infant. Bye means 'boy'.
• Chick nor a childDescribes a person with no ties or responsibilities.
• Boy/GirlSuffix which must be used as often as possible whilst communicating as deiseach.
• Liary boy/girlA person who is lying or talking nonsense.
• Watchu on abou' boy?What are you talking about, boy?
• The apple doesnt fall far from the treeWhen the characteristics of the parents manifest themselves in the child.