Norn Iron English

"WE LOVE NORN IRON" reads graffitti on my bus ride home from Whitehouse. I have got to take that picture and post it here! I am following in the footsteps of Chris, my predecessor, and making a Northern Irish translation post. I completely intend to add to it as the year goes on and have already enlisted the help of everyone I work with, as they've had to explain many of these words and phrases to me. I find it true also, the parallels between Northern Ireland and the South. Crazy, I know, but they aren't afraid to drop a g at the end of a word either. The people are outgoing, friendly, easy to laugh with, and quick to welcome you with a hug (or kiss). So I hope to share with you a bit of the warmth you get from the phrases and sayings, and a bit of the laughter I've enjoyed while learning them.

Northern Irish- Southern English

wee- small (they even say "bless her wee heart")

half eight 8.30- eight thirty 8:30

how 'bout ya- how are you doing?

aye- yes

trainers- tennis shoes

pants-underwear

trousers- pants (see previous post for laugh about this one, talk to Harris for ideas on where to get pants for cheap)

craic- fun or good time (there's going to be good craic at church tonight)

cracker-jokster, funny person (had to clarify this one after one of my afterschool kids was called a "cracker" not so good in the South)

dead on- exactly right

on- something is happening, or you are "it" in the game (ie, Lauren's on!- where upon the children run from me screaming because I am about to chase them down)

lie in- sleeping late

knock you up- knock on your door, come to see you

call- come to see you

ring you- call you on the phone

aye- yes (not to be confused with "I")

yous'ns- y'all

them'ns- them

break- snack

jumper- sweater or sweatshirt

track suit bottoms- track suit pants

chips- french fries

crisps- chips

biscuits- cookies (not too sweet, sweet biscuits are called cookies)

tray bakes- brownies

jelly- Jello

jam- jelly

bap- enormous roll (bigger than a yeast roll)

manse- minister's house

toilet/loo- bathroom, restroom

homeworks- homework
cereals- cereal
afterschools- afterschool

rubbish- trash

bin- trashcan

Note: How you take your tea is important. You need to know if you would like...
1) Tea or coffee
2) White or black (with or without milk, specifying how white or black you like)
3) Sugar (how many? which means how many spoonfuls)

I have also learned how to make toast. Yes, toast. After making "toast" for break one day, I was confronted by another worker. "What is that with the butter on it?" She said. "It's toast," I replied. "No, it's not, put it in the bin." I was then taught that toast must be brown, not just crispy, but brown and preferably medium darkness. Only then can one put butter on the toast and then you must cut it in half. I now happily tease this person about how I will force her to eat my toast. :) She also really likes the way I make coffee. :)