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10 words and phrases that have a totally different meaning in Waterford

“Were you made in the glass factory?”

waterford Source: Flickr

AH, WATERFORD. HOME to the humble blaa, John O’Shea and a Déise accent that would bring a tear to the eye.

But are you familiar with some of its choice lingo? Time to get acquainted.

1. Slack

219187 Source: rustyzipper

What it usually means: Loose, not particularly tight; casual pants.

What it means in Waterford: Harsh or unfair.

“Ah, that’s so slack.”

2. Haboo

Snow-White-Sleeping-Reaction-Gif Source: mrwgif

What is usually means: Perhaps something you’d say to frighten a ghost?

What it means in Waterford: Sleep.

3. Shellakybooky (spelling disputed)

Pixsell 05/11/2013 Source: Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL

What it usually means: That you have had far too much to drink and are speaking literal nonsense.

What it means in Waterford: A snail.

4. Lack

12470727 Source: memegenerator

What is usually means: To be deficient or without something.

What it means in Waterford: Boyfriend or girlfriend.

“Is that his lack?”

5. Red lead

SAMSUNG DIGIMAX 420 Source: Wikipedia

What it usually means: Lead of a scarlet hue.

What it means in Waterford: Luncheon meat.

“A few slices of red lead in my blaa, please.”

6. Gallybander

What is usually means: Nothing.

What it means in Waterford: A slingshot implement, usually handmade.

7. “Well boy/girl”

What is usually means: Usually the precursor to a more serious statement.

“Well, boy, it looks like we’ve got a problem here.”

What it means in Waterford: Standard greeting.

“Well boy!”

8. Cant

tumblr_mfpflz0e5m1r3y48vo1_500 Source: boswelling/Wordpress

What it usually means: That you have poor grammar and neglected to put the apostrophe in “can’t”

What it means in Waterford: To lose something.

“I canted the ball over the fence.”

9. Were you made in the glass factory?

Waterford Wedgwood calls in administrators Source: PA Archive/Press Association Images

What it usually means: Genuine query as to whether you were made in a glass factory.

What it means in Waterford: You’re standing in front of the TV and you need to move out of the way. (“The glass factory” referring to Waterford Crystal, of course.)

10. Bibe

What is usually means: Nothing really.

What it means in Waterford: Polite term for someone who is, shall we say, a piece of work.

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About the author:

Amy O'Connor

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