ACH
A regional word often heard throughout Northern Ireland. Usually placed at the start of a sentence, for example: “Ach, come on!”
AYE
Yes, for example: “Aye, Belfast is in Northern Ireland.”
BOUNTY BAR
A chocolate bar manufactured by Mars, consisting of a coconut filling covered in milk chocolate.
BOBBY SANDS
Bobby Sands was a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), who was the first of ten who died on hunger strike while imprisoned in Northern Ireland in 1981. Learn more here.
CRAIC
Fun, banter, entertainment; to have a good time. Used throughout Ireland, Scotland, and Northern England. Despite popular belief, “craic” is not an Irish/Gaelic word. For example, “What’s the craic?” (What’s up?); “We had great craic last night!” (We had a great time last night!) Pronounced “krak.”
EEJIT
Another word for “idiot,” for example, “Stop being an eejit and help me clean up!”
FEGS
Cigarettes. For example, “Can I have a pack of fegs and a lighter?”
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
The first time a Catholic participates in the Holy Communion sacrament. It normally acts as a rite-of-passage for children between the ages of six and twelve, and is often organized during, and as part of, primary school. Boys and girls are traditionally formally dressed, with girls wearing an all white dress and veil. Gifts such as bibles, rosary beads, and money are often given to the child at family gatherings and parties surrounding the event.
HOUSING EXECUTIVE
The Housing Executive is the public housing authority in Northern Ireland.
ON THE TICK
A phrase meaning “on credit.” For example, “I don’t have any cash on me right now – can you put it on the tick?”
NIGH
Now, for example, “Nigh, would you like a cup of tea?”
(THE) MARRA
Tomorrow, for example, “Go to bed and I’ll see you in the marra.”
TOUT
A causal word for “informant.”