Berkley Center

It is no secret the Irish brogue is quite different from what we are used to in the United States. Movies and other media platforms often depict Hiberno-English (à la The Town), but it is something that you truly need to experience firsthand in order to understand the depth of the linguistic divide. In my short time in Ireland thus far, I have come across many instances of miscommunication, often embarrassing, that have given me insight into Irish culture. Whether in restaurants, class, or on the street, I am constantly building my metaphorical Irish phrasebook to test out with my new friends across the pond.

In post-class banter, it is not uncommon to hear a phrase that would be all but nonsensical to American English speakers. “What’s the craic tonight?” This phrase merely means, “What are we doing tonight?” or “What are the plans for tonight?” The term, however, has no set definition. In speaking with locals, the type of craic discussed in the ensuing conversation could range from a pint and billiards at a local pub, or dancing the night away at one of the city’s three major night clubs: Copper Face Jack’s (“Coppers”), DTwo, and Dicey’s. The Irish are a very social people, and the omnipresence and inherent variety of the word craic embodies this quality. Dublin blends modern and classical, new and old, seamlessly, so there is plenty of craic to be had no matter where you look—at a prototypical Irish pub or in a multi-level club that would rival those in any other city.

Another term that took me aback upon first hear was “grand.” I was playing squash, accidentally obstructed the opposing player from getting to the ball, and apologized. “Aw you’re grand, mate,” he responded, sounding borderline sarcastic. I was not sure how to respond until I asked another players what he meant, at which point I learned that anything good or even remotely okay could be described as grand—he was essentially saying, “No problem” to my apology. The stereotype of Irish people as very nice and warm has been, in my experience, almost 100 percent true, so what we perceive as rather hyperbolic positivity is perfectly indicative of the Irish persona. Since that first encounter, “grand” has been used to request something (“It’d be grand if I could have another cup of coffee”), politely decline something (“No thanks, I’m grand”), and after paying a check (“Grand, have a good one”).

In the same vein as this subtle hyperbole in everyday conversation, one would be remiss not to discuss the way in which Irish people give directions. In fact, this is so noteworthy that there was a whole section about it at our international students’ orientation at University College Dublin. In this presentation, we learned that the Irish do not like to disappoint, so they will often make directions seem shorter or less circuitous than they actually are. In other words, “just up the road” could mean a hefty 45-minute walk. I heard this and played it off as the self-aware, older Irish presenter trying to make us laugh and feel at home ahead of this new experience. I had no idea that this very reality would play out for me and a friend later that night. We had heard of Leo Burdock’s, a legendary “chipper” (fish and chips shop) in the city, so I dragged my friend along because fish and chips is my favorite food. We consulted a map and thought we were in striking distance, so we asked a man if he could point us in the direction for the final stretch. While I do not remember the exact phrase he used, it did not seem fitting for a journey that would then involve a 30-minute walk and several turns.

Just yesterday surpassed one-month mark of my time in Ireland, and I already feel myself becoming indoctrinated into their native tongue, a far cry from the baptism by fire that were my first few days of Irish slang. This everyday vernacular embodies the Ireland that I have experienced thus far—sociable and welcoming—and I am excited to continue the immersion.