Irish Slang Books And Information On Irish Slang

Lots of Irish Slang Books And Information On Irish Slang

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Slanguage:
A Dictionary of Slang and Colloquial English in Ireland

Summary: A Rare Collection of Irish Colloquial Words
Comment: Unfortunately, the word 'slang' has become misused to mean a body of language that refers to sexual and often perverted practices. This collection does NOT use the word 'slang' in that narrow modern context. Here 'slang' is used merely in the sense of 'vulgar' in its etymological sense (i.e. to refer to 'common'colloquial forms of the language). Infact what is so interesting is that the entries, even for the Irish themselves are not all that common. The reader can find so much that is new on every single page. This is an exellent collection of Hiberno-English (Irish English) vocabulary. The author often provides the etymology from the actual Irish language (as opposed to Irish/Hiberno-English) and also locates certain words that were coined (or used ) by writers by quoting judicious extracts showing the original context of such terms. Another important point is that the words do not usually refer to ordinary translateable concepts but are often fascinating examples of unique terms that cover concepts in Irish folklore, history or everyday life for which there is no equivalent. This collection will be enjoyed not only by the Irish but by any serious specialist in dialects of the English language. A masterpiece!

This dictionary lists words and phrases that Irish people actually use in the streets each day, the unofficial language of Ireland. One fourth longer than its predecessor, this expanded edition of the standard dictionary of Irish slang includes many entries not in the 1997 edition. It has dropped a few that have fallen out of favor and has revised others. It will confirm Bernard Share’s invaluable book in its position as the major work of its kind, combining scholarship and a keen sense of fun. Slanguage does justice to it by taking it seriously , but not too seriously. Even if you’re two foot thicker than Butt Bridge you’ll soon be on the pig’s back, so you will, able to tell the difference between parliament whiskey and poitin when you’re on the skite. Slanguage is full of information, craic and divilment and Bernard Share is your only man. Game ball!

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How the Irish Invented Slang: The Secret Language of the Crossroads
In a series of lively essays, this pioneering book proves that US slang has its strongest wellsprings in nineteenth-century Irish America. "Jazz" and "poker," "sucker" and "scam" all derive from Irish. While demonstrating this, Daniel Cassidy simultaneously traces the hidden history of how Ireland fashioned America, not just linguistically, but through the Irish gambling underworld, urban street gangs, and the powerful political machines that grew out of them. Cassidy uncovers a secret national heritage, long discounted by our WASP-dominated culture.

Daniel Cassidy is the founder and co-director of the Irish Studies Program at New College in San Francisco.
Reviews of How the Irish Invented Slang:

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Summary: brilliant intro to Irish culture
Comment: The essays in this book are a wonderful wake-up call for the influence of Irish culture in the English language. Most of the reviews here cover the discussion of the various terms well. Peter Quinn's intro/snapshot history hints at the centuries of class and cultural suppression that have kept recognition of the contents of this book from getting the coverage it deserves. One could draw analogies to the Palestinian situation here or several others in history. Quinn doesn't dwell on it, nor should we. In a very delicate and entertaining way Cassidy takes the reader through a few areas where the Irish language has a marked influence. The point here is to appreciate the contribution of Gaelic/Irish to present culture. The book makes this easy to do either as a return trip, stop at the crossroads, or take as a companion on the road ahead.
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Summary: Ground Breaking Book
Comment: One small, little unremarked upon citation (p 107) regarding Jazz great Dizzy Gillespie demolishes any and all pedantic criticism(s) regarding the origin of any given word in Cassidy's classic work. Cassidy cites Yale University music professor Willie Ruff, Ruff says Dizzy told him, ".....blacks near his home in Alabama and the Carolinas had once spoken exclusively in Scots Gaelic."

Am I the only one floored by Gaeltechts in the American South peopled by African Americans?! This is a tremendous story, important history completely overlooked by the weavers of Americas Authorized History. Cassidy is right.
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Summary: overreached? Maybe a smidgeon, but
Comment: The one entirely unbelievable idea is that millions of Irish - including many Irish speakers - flooded into America without leaving more than more than three or four words as a mark upon American English. So read it, see if what Cassidy says doesn't ring true more often than not.

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The Guide To Cork Slang
Dictionary of Cork Slang

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The Guide To Cork Slang
The Feckin' Book of Irish Slang (2nd Book) (Feckin Collection)

Feckin' Book of Irish Slang Reviews:
Summary: Not for tourists
Comment: Not having read the "first one" this book is filled with slang you've probably used yourself and know the meaning of. At least if you are Irish and from Boston that is. Nicely explained what the word means, and in some cases entirely different meaning than you first thought. Written with a craic wit you will be left amused, but if you aren't living in Ireland and among the locals it has no more use than a man trying to make a gourmet dinner on a dollar. Definitely NOT for tourists going to Ireland. You'll find yourself in the nick or worse a row in no time at all.

Summary: Deadly!
Comment: Unable to tell if you're shattered, gammy or manky?
Not sure if you're fluthered, langered or bollixed?
If not (or if you *think* you know), then this book is for you!

This funny little book describes all sorts of nouns, verbs, adjectives, sayings and expressions used by the Irish today, aided by witty cartoon figures. Each word is defined and an example given of how to use it.

For example: JAR (n) Pint of beer or stout. (usage "I'm dying for a jar. The court will adjourn until 2pm.")

If you know anything about Ireland and her way of life the entries are that much more amusing but a newbie to Ireland's culture will be able to follow along and enjoy just as easily.

The book is small, about 4" wide by 7" tall and has 2 or 3 entries per page, 64 pages total, which makes for a quick, light read. Some of the language, subjects and drawings are not for delicate eyes but overall it's harmless fun; and you just may learn a thing or two about how to talk or at least try to understand what some cute hoor is blatherin' on about.
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Editorial Reviews:
Stop the lights! It's the one you've been gummin' for the second book of Feckin' Irish Slang!
There's no doubt this'll stop you losing the head when listening to the guff that passes for English among the quare hawks and gurriers, jackeens and bogtrotters of Ireland.

Whether you're a chancer or a doss artist, a heifer or a nice bit of talent, this one's definitely worth a dekko. It has a rake of words and expressions that are absolutely mighty. It might give a beamer to a bishop but it's guaranteed to put a savage smile on your puss even if you're scuttered.

So what are you waiting for? It would be a mortaller to miss out ..

About the Authors
Colin Murphy and Donal O'Dea are both employed as senior creative staff in one of Ireland's leading advertising agencies. Colin Murphy is Creative Director with a background in copywriting , while Donal O'Dea is a senior Art Director. They have worked together as a team for over a decade and have won more awards for creative advertising than any other team in Irish advertising/marketing.

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Irish Slang Books And Information On Irish Slang