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Weshtlife

11 words and phrases that have a totally different meaning in the West of Ireland

Going lushin’ tonight, lad?

LIKE ANY PROVINCE worth its salt, the West of Ireland has a strong line in slang terms and phrases unique to the area.

Any native of the West will immediately understand what you’re talking about when you say these words. Everyone else… not so much.

1. Wahu

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What it usually means: An expression of happiness.

What it means in the West: Hi friend, how are you?

2. Buck

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What it usually means: A dollar; a male goat.

What it means in the West: To engage in sexual intercourse. Mostly used in Sligo.

3. Buff

4d Irish Farmer Calendar Irish Farmer Calendar

What it usually means: To polish something; can also be used to describe someone in good physical shape.

What it means in the West: A country person, most likely into farming.

4. Sham

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What it usually means: Something that is not what it purports to be.

What it means in the West: A friend, or alternatively, someone who has a high opinion of themselves. Also can be used to refer to an entire group of people – specifically, men from Tuam, Co Galway.

5. Shtall the digger

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What it usually means: Stop the heavy machinery.

What it means in the West: Slow down; wait up.

6. Ah nix!

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What it usually means: Nothing. It’s a phrase that was almost entirely made up by the people of Ballina, Co Mayo.

What it means in the West: An expression of surprise, joy, and sometimes disappointment.

7. Weak

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What it usually means: Lacking strength.

What it means in the West: Unable to stand from laughter. (Pron: “Waaaaake”)

8. Lush

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What it usually means: Having a rich, healthy quality.

What it means in the West: Drink. “Lushing” means “to go drinking” – “bush lushing”, to go drinking outside.

9. Feen

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What it usually means: Someone mispronouncing ‘fiend’.

What it means in the West: Man.

10. Chill the beans

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What it usually means: Put the beans in the fridge.

What it means in the West: Calm down.

11. Soonie the beure

hennight Flickr / garryknight Flickr / garryknight / garryknight

What it usually means: ???

What it means in the West: Look at the state of yer one. (This phrase is mainly used in Mayo.)

How Much Of A Culchie Are You?>

9 things you’ll definitely understand if you come from a middling-sized Irish town>

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