Lashes, langers, bozzers and belly bachelors: a new book defines Cork words | Ireland

If Des MacHale had to pick a favorite from the lexicon of sarcastic and obscure words that comprise Cork slang, it would have to be “langer”.

Depending on the tone and tone, it can mean a fool, a drunk or a slob, a twist that confuses outsiders and adds to the value of the word. MacHale said: “Langer is a great word.

So included in the title of his new book, Langers & Lashes: A Compendium of Cork Slangwhich sets itself up as a complete collection of silly, playful, aggressive and witty voiceovers Irelandthe second city.

“It’s a very rich area that many translators avoid,” says MacHale. “It’s a marvel of language that hasn’t been taken seriously until now.”

In the foreword, the publisher, Mr Mercier, said he had added a clarification to show some of the words “”historical and old ideas” and that inclusion does not mean acceptance. “By keeping these words as things of the past, we want to encourage modern Cork speakers to embrace the popular wisdom of the city while rejecting negative stereotypes.”

Sex, drink and religion are common themes. A “premature ejaculator” – a phrase said to have been coined by the late Cork comedian, Niall Tóibín – is someone who should go to friends after only three pints. “Irregular stomach” describes drinkers who avoid paying in circles. “Lash” is a beautiful woman.

Cork – known in Ireland like the gang government and the people’s country of Cork – it uses local words more than other areas on the island, says MacHale. “This story is very different from Dublin, Belfast, and Galway.

MacHale is an unlikely historian. The 80-year-old student is from County Mayo and his background is not language but mathematics. “I’ve been here for almost 55 years so I’m still considered a shooter.”

The University College Cork professor emeritus is the author of many books difficulties and comics, including a book of Kerryman jokes that continues to sell 50 years after it was first published. “Mathematicians like to collect, classify and put things together,” MacHale explained.

His Cork slang background is bolstered by having five Cork-born children, including actor Dominic MacHale, who plays Sergeant Healy in the BBC sitcom. Delinquent Youthwhich refers to harmless criminals.

For the compilation MacHale drew on two old books on Cork slang, which are no longer in print, and interviews with Cork residents. “Almost everyone you meet has a new word,” he says. “I don’t know why, but women seem to be better at remembering words and using them than men.”

Under A, there is “all-a-bah”, the warning you give when someone is about to throw up. The person who is “Gillette” has toys.

Brussels sprouts and “cabbage balls”. Being sick and feeling “like a little hospital” or “being above ground”. A “wooden suit” is a coffin. “Bazz” is a feminine hairstyle, not to be confused with a “bazzer”, a cheap, do-it-yourself hairstyle, or a “bozzer”, a beautiful person.

To be “doggy wide” is to be very careful. “Single stomach” is an opportunity that develops relationships to eat for free. To tell someone they are lost, you say: “bite my backside bollix”.

“To ask for a gob” is to try to kiss someone. A “martyr of the quare thing” is someone who has a strong libido. “Staring” is urinating in the garden and “foaming” is urinating in abundance.

“Dullamoo” – from ag dul amú, Irish for lost – is an unreliable person and “gedgemeen” is a small, unhappy person. Not all words are made up That’s right but it makes sense there, said MacHale.

“Tosser” – which translates as “langer” – appeared in parliament this week. In a debate with the taoiseach, Michael Martinopposition leader, Mary Lou McDonaldhe said: “Jesus, he’s a stone thrower,” words that have been recorded in the history of the Dáil.