Wicked Irish

by Howard Tomb, Jared Lee (Illustrator)

Master the gift of gab with the phrase book that makes Erin go ha!

From Dublin on Five Pints an Hour to Genuflection for Beginners , Wicked Irish helps visitors negotiate the nuances of a country where even trees are considered Protestant or Catholic. Learn to flatter customs "'Tis a grand machine you have there, officer!" Politely decline the heavy Irish "I've given up pig entrails/congealed blood for Lent." Show appreciation for fine "ACK ACK! Mother Mary! That goes down the nun's knickers!" There's even a special section just for "Should I replace divots in consecrated ground? Am I entitled to relief from this dolmen/ewe/leprechaun? Shite! I don't usually lose a putt in the wind."

Wicked Irish is instant gift of gab, and soon you'll be toasting newfound friends, strangers, barmaids, and even stray dogs with confidence.

Genres: Language, Ireland, Nonfiction, Humor, Irish Literature, History

64 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

Reviews

[Cherise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been teaching myself Gaelic for the past year or so but felt my instruction was lacking something; where was all the slang? How could I possibly make it in Ireland without knowing how to say that I've given up congealed blood for Lent, in Gaelic? What would I do if I was in a pub making eyes at a gentleman and couldn't tell him that I was spellbound by his deltoids, in Gaelic? How could I properly yell at a Dubliner without knowing to call him a Jackeen?

Wicked Irish is a pocket sized little book and its 64 pages are filled with some hilarious phrases. It gives you pick up lines, things to say at a wake, in church, on the golf course or in the pub. Mixed in with all the fun and frivolity is an equal amount of useful Gaelic sayings, if you're inclined to try it out on the locals. Each word is phonetically written out so if you are not familiar with the language you will have no problem pronouncing the words.

This book doesn't cost very much and the entertainment I have received from it was well worth the price and then some. One night after a few too many Guinness, my sister and had a grand time reading through it and shouting insults at each other and our husbands; laughing the entire time. If anything, this book is a great conversation starter. Enjoy!

Cherise Everhard, August 2007

[David Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a clever and amusing dig at Irish life as seen through the eyes of tourists, and has the advantage of being a bit of a language lesson in the Irish language.

[Rashers Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll never be at a loss for words with this handy guide. Stand your ground and give the world a piece of your mind while you're at it. Useful to those looking to learn more about everyday Irish communication--as well as those looking a good laugh.

[Annamaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think that if you want to enjoy the gaeilge part of the book you have to be a native speaker or an advanced student of the language since the book doesn't give any further analysis of the translations but this has been a fun and light read nonetheless!

[Stephen Heverin]

Wicked Irish by Howard Tomb (1999)

[Colleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Methinks this book uses the Ulster dialect.