Shift

v.

Heard in Galway, Limerick, Wexford, Longford, Tipperary, Clare, Sligo, Cork, Mayo, Waterford, Laois and Kilkenny

Generally means to enthusiastically kiss a member of the opposite sex. Can mean quite a bit more than kissing in some counties. Examples of other words for shifting such as meetin' and tippin' can be found throughout this book.

In use

I'd love to shift her

Posh English

I should very much like to engage in a passionate embrace with her.

Same phrase, other counties

  • Well bure any chance of the shiftA crude proposition to an attractive young woman asking if she would like to French kiss.
  • CoortinOutmoded term for romancing or dating a member of the opposite sex. Also: Old-fashioned…
  • Bi ha shiftA request for someone to vacate their current position or clear a path.
  • Radion wouldn't shift herA crude expression meaning a woman is so unattractive that even Radion washing powder…
  • Some man for gettin the shiftA fellow who is very successful at attracting romantic or sexual partners.
  • KorbTo be caught by the Gardai engaging in an illegal act...or to kiss or be sexually…