Spanner

n.

Heard in Limerick, Cork, Sligo, Dublin and Wexford

An affectionate or exasperated term for a foolish, clumsy, or clueless person.

In use

Yer a right spanner you are, droppin de keys down de drain like dat!

Posh English

You are a thoroughly incompetent fellow, dropping the latch keys down the drain in that fashion!

Same phrase, other counties

  • She has a face like a spannerAn extremely attractive young woman whose beauty has an arousing physical effect on the…
  • To put a spanner in de worksTo thwart or ruin someone's plans.
  • Ya fluteAn affectionate term for a foolish or clumsy person.
  • Bowl ladyAn affectionate or exasperated term for one's mother.
  • FoolAn affectionate or exasperated insult directed at someone behaving stupidly.
  • U indivudual fleeAn affectionate or exasperated insult directed at an annoying or insignificant person.