The Dead On dictionary
Northern Irish sayings, translated
A quick guide to the Northern Irish words and phrases that can describe the weather, the night before and your current emotional state with impressive efficiency.
Foundered
Meaning: extremely cold. Not a wee bit chilly—cold enough to make the weather feel personal.
Scundered
Meaning: deeply embarrassed or thoroughly fed up, depending on the sentence and the face being pulled.
Keep ’er Lit
Meaning: keep going at full steam. Encouragement first; questions about the wisdom of the plan later.
Up to High Doh
Meaning: anxious, agitated or operating at a level of panic that the situation may not entirely justify.
What’s the Craic?
Meaning: what is happening, what is the news and is anything good planned? A complete social enquiry in four words.
Pure Baltic
Meaning: absolutely freezing. Frequently used during months that technically count as summer.
State of Ye
Meaning: look at the condition of you. Usually delivered with concern, delight or very little sympathy.
Dead On
Meaning: good, sound, agreeable or exactly right. Also a very handy name for a candle company.