Forgotten Northern Ireland phrases we used to hear all the time

If there is one thing for certain, the Northern Irish vernacular is hard to beat. However, if you use some of our terms or phrases anywhere else, it could lend you in a bit of bother.

Take poke for example. If you asked someone for a poke here you would be handed an ice cream cone, elsewhere you might find yourself in a sexual harassment case.

But sadly, some of our colloquialisms are dying out and with that in mind, we complied a list of some of our favourites that you now rarely hear.

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Going to see a man about a dog

As children, many would have heard their father provide this answer, "Going to see a man about a dog" when he wished for his whereabouts to remain a mystery. Many kids were often left disappointed when their Dad would return home empty-handed without a pup.

Let the hare sit

"Let the hare sit" is a Northern Ireland expression that means to stay calm.

I berks!

"I berks!" was a phrase used by children back in the day any time you or your mates were headed for the sweet shop. "I berks!" entitled those that shouted it to a share of the sweets you were buying. However, a shout of "No berks!" counteracted this entitlement before everyone and their mother got a share of your sweets.

I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail

This phrase, "I'll be back in two shakes of a lamb's tail", was expressed to say someone wouldn't be long.

Going to do the messages

When was the last time you heard, 'Going to do the messages'. Most Northern Irelanders would fondly remember their grandmother saying this expression when she was going to pick up some groceries at the shop.

Sixth telly

"Sixth telly" used to be heard on the streets of Belfast city in the evening as the Belfast Telegraph boys shouted at the top of their voices. The most popular edition was the sixth as most people were on their way home when it came out.

I'm away up the stairs to throw myself down

If someone said, "I'm away up the stairs to throw myself down", they were heading up to bed to have a rest.

You couldn't swing a cat in our scullery

Growing up in a certain era, you may have heard your mother or grandmother exclaiming, "You couldn't swing a cat in our scullery". For those not in the know of what a scullery is, it would be a small kitchen or back room used for washing the dishes.

Foundered and par-boiled

We reckon it's safe to say that these two expressions are unique to Northern Ireland. "Foundered" translates to feeling cold while on the other end of the scale, "par-boiled" is another way to say feeling hot.

Let us know in the comments of Northern Ireland expressions and phrases that you would have heard or used back in the day.

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