Irish Expressions

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Date:

Instructions: Irish English phrases, sayings, and Gaelic loanwords

1.
What does 'craic' (pronounced 'crack') mean in Irish English?
A
A crack in a stone wall
B
A narrow lane or alley
C
A type of bread
D
Fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation
2.
What does 'grand' typically mean in Irish English?
A
Wealthy and prestigious
B
Very large in size
C
Fine, okay, or satisfactory
D
Extremely important
3.
What is a 'colleen' in Irish English?
A
A type of stew
B
A green hillside
C
A folk song
D
A girl or young woman
4.
What does 'slainte' (pronounced 'slawn-cha') mean?
A
Good morning
B
Welcome to my home
C
Health — used as a toast when drinking
D
Goodbye
5.
What does 'eejit' mean in Irish slang?
A
An elderly relative
B
A foolish person
C
A clever person
D
A type of dance
6.
What does 'banjaxed' mean in Irish English?
A
Extremely happy
B
Beautifully decorated
C
Broken, ruined, or not working
D
Well-rested
7.
What is a 'leprechaun' in Irish folklore?
A
A small fairy-like creature, often a shoemaker, who hides gold
B
A giant warrior
C
A sea monster
D
A magical horse
8.
What does 'bold' mean when an Irish person describes a child as bold?
A
Naughty or misbehaving
B
Shy and quiet
C
Brave and courageous
D
Very clever
9.
What is a 'shamrock' traditionally associated with in Ireland?
A
Saint Patrick, who used it to explain the Holy Trinity
B
Ancient Irish kings
C
The harvest festival
D
Christmas celebrations
10.
What does 'keen' or 'keening' mean in Irish tradition?
A
Being very enthusiastic
B
A wailing lament for the dead
C
Sharpening a knife
D
A lively dance
11.
What does 'the press' refer to in many Irish households?
A
The front door
B
A kitchen cupboard
C
An ironing board
D
The newspaper
12.
What does 'acting the maggot' mean in Irish English?
A
Being very busy
B
Fishing for bait
C
Fooling around or misbehaving
D
Feeling unwell
13.
What is a 'banshee' in Irish folklore?
A
A fairy queen
B
A goblin that steals children
C
A female spirit whose wailing warns of an approaching death
D
A friendly house spirit
14.
What does 'donkey's years' mean in Irish (and British) English?
A
Two or three years
B
Exactly twelve months
C
A very long time
D
The lifespan of a donkey
15.
What does 'codding' mean in Irish slang?
A
Wrapping something up
B
Fishing for cod
C
Joking or fooling someone
D
Cooking a meal

Answer Key

Question 1

D. Fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation

Question 2

C. Fine, okay, or satisfactory

Question 3

D. A girl or young woman

Question 4

C. Health — used as a toast when drinking

Question 5

B. A foolish person

Question 6

C. Broken, ruined, or not working

Question 7

A. A small fairy-like creature, often a shoemaker, who hides gold

Question 8

A. Naughty or misbehaving

Question 9

A. Saint Patrick, who used it to explain the Holy Trinity

Question 10

B. A wailing lament for the dead

Question 11

B. A kitchen cupboard

Question 12

C. Fooling around or misbehaving

Question 13

C. A female spirit whose wailing warns of an approaching death

Question 14

C. A very long time

Question 15

C. Joking or fooling someone

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