The Dublin Community Blog

Just a few useful phrases to bear in mind when you’re visiting Dublin. There are probably hundreds I’m forgetting so feel free to add more in the comments.

Greetings

Howaya – Dublin for ‘how are you’?

Ah Jaysis Howaya! – same as the above, but more exuberant, for when you’re REALLY pleased to see someone.

Story? – Dublin for ‘what’s the story’ another greeting, when you’re just too lazy for howaya.

Take it handy – has many meanings, usually used as a goodbye, when you’re waving someone off, to mean ‘take it easy’ or ‘mind yourself’ but can also be used when giving directions to warn someone to watch their speed while driving, as in ‘take it handy on the road near the church, it’s very narrow’.

Swear words/curses

Jaysis – Dublin for ‘Jesus’ used in numerous different ways, both positive and negative. For example ‘Jaysis it’s great to see you’ or ‘Jaysis my wife got knocked down by a bus last night’ or ‘Jaysis, this dress is a terrible price’.

Feck – the Irish for f*ck, used in everyday speech, for example ‘for feck’s sake’.
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