What Belfast people say versus what they actually mean
Hint: this can get confusing.
1. We live in a time vortex
They say: “We’ll just stay for one”
They mean: “Get comfy, we’re here ‘til closing”
2. We like our hot beverages moist
They say: “The tea is wet”
They mean: “The tea is ready”
3. We don’t do ‘errands’
They say: “Can you help me with these messages?”
They mean: “Can you help me carry these groceries?”
4. We get excited by the sun
They say: “Taps aff!”
They mean: “It’s warm enough to sunbathe”
5.We are up for anything
They say: “Ach, sure why not?”
They mean: “YOLO”
6. ‘Here’s me’ can preface anything
They say: “Here’s me wha?”
They mean: “I can’t believe what I just heard.”
7. We have the gift of the gab
They say: “Awk, sure you know yourself”
They mean: “I’m using this catch-all phrase to both answer and deflect your question.”
8. We are always up for the craic
They say: “Any craic?”
They mean: “Tell me the very latest gossip that you have heard.”