David wrote:'Bout ye!
I have a lot of friends in Belfast, so whenever I get to Europe I usually start and end my trip there. I usually stay at a place called Sommerton Mews, just off the Antrim Road. Right around the corner from where "Closing the Ring" was filmed in Fortwilliam Parade.
Interesting city, with about as much history as you can pack into one place. It's changed dramatically just in the years that I've been visiting. The first time I was there, it was hard to find shops in the city center that actually had large glass windows. The Europa had tight security, and Land Rovers were still here and there. Now it's got shopping just like any other big city, you can walk right into the Europa without having a room key, and I can't even remember the last time I saw a soldier. Tour buses filled with cameras and gawkers ply the Falls and Shankill as if they were museums, and some of the most interesting murals are being painted over.
Obviously the changes have to be much more significant to you, but I'm constantly amazed every 18 months or so when I visit and see what's gone on since I was there last.
Yes a lot of changes over the last few years most for good . Some more Belfast speak might be a help next time you are over . Is that you? If you're asked this, please don't answer with "Of course it's me, you idiot!". They only want to know if you've finished whatever you're doing.
Are you away? Again, no stupid sarcastic answers. They're asking if you are going out / leaving.
What about ye? What's up, How are you?
Tee, Te & Till. Different ways of saying 'To', depending on which area of N.I. you come from.
Catch yourself on! Wise up.
Dead on! Great. Perfect, Really nice. (Often used to describe people.)
Wet the tea. Make some tea.
Away in the head. Lost his senses. Stupid.
Away on! You're kidding!
Sound. Also a word of praise generally used for describing people.- 'He's dead sound!'
Wait till I tell ye. This is difficult to translate. It's a way of starting a conversation or introducing something important or interesting into the conversation.
I tell a lie. It's what you say when you've realised that you said something wrong!
Do you think I came up the Lagan in a bubble? Do you think I was born yesterday? (The Lagan is the river that runs through Belfast. This phrase varies depending on which river you were brought up by.)
Class, Cracker, Grand, Stickin' out, Magic, Smashing, Brilliant. Just a few more ways to say something's great.
Ta, Ta-ta, Cheers, Thankin' you. And a few ways to say thanks.
Are you gettin'? Have you been helped / served?
He/she/that/this 'Does my head in.' Drives you up the wall.
Mucker. Mate, friend.
Steady/Steady on. Similar to saying 'Behave' or 'Watch it!'.
I'll do you! I'll kill you.
Clattered, Lamped. Hit, Punched.
Faffin'/ Faffin' about. Messing around.
Peelers. Cops.
Spide. A term used when talking about trendy people who listen to rave and dance music.
Wick, Naff. Stupid or useless.
Eejit. Local pronunciation of the word idiot.
Bog. Bathroom.
Boggin', Mingin', Mankin'. Messy and horrible.
Minger. Ugly person.
Talent. Attractive people.
Snog. Kiss.
One night stand. In N.I. it can mean anything from a kiss, to going all the way.
Yous. Plural of you.
Ach! Oh, or Ah. As in 'Ach, What about ye?'
Aye. Yes.
Bake, Gub. Mouth.
Pull. To get, or try to get 'lucky'. I.e.. 'Did he pull?' - 'He's on the pull tonight.'
Crack/Craic. Fun.
The Black Stuff. Guinness.
Dummy. Pacifier.
Pram. Stroller.
Nappy. Diaper.
Biscuit. Cookie.
Poke. Ice cream cone.
Lolly/Ice lolly. Popsicle.
Scone. A sweet biscuit...of sorts.
Bun/ Wee bun. Sweet roll, danish.
Round. One portion, i.e.. 'round of toast'.
Gravy ring. Ring doughnut.
Bap. A bun or roll. Used mainly for sandwiches.
Ulster Fry. A fried meal with eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, soda bread, potato bread, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, etc. ALL FRIED.
Soda. Soda bread. If you want the drink, you'll get the bread!
Sausengers. Sausages.
Lozengers. Lozenges.
Sweets. Candy.
Your man/woman. That man/woman.
Thingy. In America, they would say 'What's-her/his/name?'
Cheerio. Good-bye.
All the best! Good-bye, wishing you all the best.
A word of warning.