Northern Irish Slang
From Belfast to the Fermanagh lakes, the North has a way with words all of its own, so it does. Here's slang from Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Derry (Londonderry) and Tyrone, sorted by county, with a Posh English translation.
Antrim 5
Head on ye like a half chewed chipAntrim
A phrase suggesting that someone is ugly.
Hi, you have a head on ye like a half chewed chip!
ScunderedAntrim +5
Mortified or deeply embarrassed on someone else's behalf.
I was scundered for the craythur when he fell out of the chair!
If wit was shit you'd be constipated!Antrim +1
An insult suggesting the target lacks wit or intelligence.
Your funny are'nt ya? if wit was shit you'd be constipated
Face on ye like a monkey's miscarriageAntrim
Someone whose face is so unattractive it cannot be looked at.
Holy Jaysus she was rough, she had a face on her like a monkey's miscarriage!
Wee bunsAntrim
Simple. Easy.
The exawm was wee buns so 'twas!
Armagh 3
Down 1
QuareDown +12
Quite or rather; to a notable degree.
Aye, he's a quare geg alright
Fermanagh 2
Derry 7
Aye right hiDerry
An expression of disbelief.
Felix Healy's yer uncle? Aye right hi
GanderDerry +5
A quick look or inspection of something.
I'm away down the town for a wee gander like.
A face like a busted cabbageDerry
An unflattering description of someone who is visually unattractive.
Aye, she hoz a face like a busted cabbage hiy!
MuckerDerry +2
A trusted friend, companion, or fellow.
What's the story, mucker, are we off for a pint or what?
Hi surDerry
North County Derry only. To attract a man or lad's attention before asking a question or making a statement.
Hi sur! Where were you last night? Hi sur! That's some motor you have.
Bout ye?Derry +1
A colloquial salutation used to enquire after someone's well-being.
Bout ye, Mickey, how has life been treating you lately?
Shit wanDerry
An expression used when something unfortunate occurs.
Mey granny died the other night lawd.
Awh shit wan!