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WE DEFINITELY HAVE a way with words, but Irish people have a distinctive way with body language too.
Allow DailyEdge.ie to demonstrate.
1. The one-fingered salute
An Irish driving staple. Can calm potential road rage – just with a wiggle of the index.
2. The phone “yeah yeah yeah”
Especially prevalent among the Irish mammy. Suck in your teeth, and inhale, while vehemently agreeing or urging on your conversational partner. Repeat.
3. “Who’s your wan?”
An expression of distaste, or enquiry, or derision. Covers a multitude of situations.
4. The Nod
A silent greeting. A mark of respect. An invitation to head up to the bar for another one. You say “howarya?” best when you say nothing at all.
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5. Clear off, ya pup
Used by bouncers, teachers and parents mostly. Get out, feck off and belt up.
6. Same again, please
To be used only at a pub where you are well-known. A tap and slide, coupled with The Nod, should ensure you get another drink.
7. The Nudge
Elbowing the person next to you can mean a) you’re not responding fast enough to my hilarious joke, b) did you see yer one? and c) shut up.
8. A slow hand clap
To be used when some eejit drops a glass. Rather than celebration, the slow clap is more an Irish expression of mild contempt.
- Filmed and giffed by Nicky Ryan, nudge stand-in by Michael Freeman
Wednesday 4 December, 2024
Wednesday 4 December, 2024
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8 gestures that every Irish person understands
WE DEFINITELY HAVE a way with words, but Irish people have a distinctive way with body language too.
Allow DailyEdge.ie to demonstrate.
1. The one-fingered salute
An Irish driving staple. Can calm potential road rage – just with a wiggle of the index.
2. The phone “yeah yeah yeah”
Especially prevalent among the Irish mammy. Suck in your teeth, and inhale, while vehemently agreeing or urging on your conversational partner. Repeat.
3. “Who’s your wan?”
An expression of distaste, or enquiry, or derision. Covers a multitude of situations.
4. The Nod
A silent greeting. A mark of respect. An invitation to head up to the bar for another one. You say “howarya?” best when you say nothing at all.
5. Clear off, ya pup
Used by bouncers, teachers and parents mostly. Get out, feck off and belt up.
6. Same again, please
To be used only at a pub where you are well-known. A tap and slide, coupled with The Nod, should ensure you get another drink.
7. The Nudge
Elbowing the person next to you can mean a) you’re not responding fast enough to my hilarious joke, b) did you see yer one? and c) shut up.
8. A slow hand clap
To be used when some eejit drops a glass. Rather than celebration, the slow clap is more an Irish expression of mild contempt.
- Filmed and giffed by Nicky Ryan, nudge stand-in by Michael Freeman
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Read: 13 emotions you won’t feel anywhere but Ireland>
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best of de BODY LANGUAGE finger point Gestures Ireland Irish irishisms only irish people salutes you sir Sign Language typically irish yer wan