Things an Irish Mother Might Say...

We here in Ireland have a great way with words. It is known as "The Gift of the Gab" ...We didn't kiss the Blarney Stone - we took a bite out of it!

We are also blessed (?) with strange logic. When the two come together we come out with the oddest things.  Things like ...and these were actually said to me..."I'm an atheist - thank God!" and "Ask the back of me arse!" (Is there a front????) (Arse means butt by the way and is in no way an offensive word here so don't be gettin' upset you people above beyond in America)

Or, how about these humdingers..."Do you know what I'm going to tell ye'?" and " Are you reading that paper you're sitting on?"

The worst offenders (or best deliverers) are Irish Mothers. I have one - and I am one - so I am a world expert in this country.

My mother once said to me "I'll take your sacred life!" and " Don't come running to me if you fall and break your leg!"  and "I'll put that smile on the other side of your face!" ...(where is the other side of your face? ...is it anywhere near the back of your arse???)

It is reported that I once said the following spoke to  my teenage sons, on the occasion of their coming home late, this piece of strangled English...(and they understood every word!)...

"You's three are a right pair! You didn't come home last night 'til this morning. If you want to stay here you'll have to get out!"

Now, figure all that out! Happy St Patrick's Day to all Irish Mothers!!!

Comments

[Colleen]

Oh, this is so familiar! My Mother, bless her soul, used to say the most off beat things..but the best (or worst) was her constant exasperation, saying "Jeasus, Mary & Joesph.."

When I intorduced her to Mr. B when we were just dating, and with him RIGHT in the room, said to me "Is he Catholic?"

No Ma..

"Well, is he at least Irish??"

uh...not exactaly..a wee bit Scottish and English..

"Jeasus, Mary & Joseph..!!!"

Colleen

[Lisa]

My Polish-Irish Catholic side of the family had a similar way of expressing themselves. I love it. More importantly, I understand it. No translation necessary! I laughed out loud at your post and made my husband read it. Too cute!

[white o'morn cottage]

That's great to hear Colleen and Lisa.
Here are some more. Have you ever heard these?
He's a feckin' eejit!(feck is not a swear word - just sounds like one)
Ah, sufferin' heart!
He's a cute hoor!...(this is a compliment)
Oh, lamb-a-jayzuss! (not a blasphemy unless pronounced proberly)
She'd herd eels at a crossroads = female version of "cute hoor"
He'd live in your ear! I'm sure to come up with some more...love Pam

[Rose Mary]

I loved reading all of those, Pam! I think the 'gift of gab' is a universal thing for us ladies. Of course, I've got plenty of Irish blood running through my own veins, mixed in with Scottish and English and more, I'm sure!

I love coming over and reading your blog~you do a great job!

R~Mary

[white o'morn cottage]

Rose Mary - thanks so much for your kind comments,

I have put you into the hat for Pat's day giveaway! I was thinkin' of getting little cards printed up for checkers in shops who have been helpful. Will have printed on it "You have wonderful customer service and people skills...thank you" VistaPrint will print them up for free, I just pay the postage. What do you think?...cheers...Pam

[Rose Mary]

A wonderful idea, Pam! It will make their day to feel so appreciated. If you don't mind me 'copying' you, I may do the same!

R~Mary

[Jayne]

Hi Pam

A Happy St Patrick's Day to you too! My husband's family are of Irish descent (two generations back!).

So pleased you like the little tray cloth - it's very pretty. Can you email me please (the link is on my blog profile) cos I can't reply to your message as it's "no reply".

Jayne

[whitemorn]

story story pam do you remember she;d take the eye out of your head and come back for the lashes or she thinks shes the cheese but shes not even the cow on the box !