Tourists 'gumming' for new Irish travel book
Thursday, 15 March 2007 20:06If you hear tourists using the phrases 'gumming for it', 'fancy a few scoops?', or 'a bag o'bocks an' a swimmer' this summer, now you know why.
A new Irish language and culture book produced by Lonely Planet includes a glossary unique Emerald Isle terms.
It points out that 'hatstand' means a peculiar person, while 'fancy a few scoops?' means 'fancy a drink?'
'Gumming for it', the book explains, means to be eager or to yearn for something, while if someone is 'a street angel and a house devil', they are well behaved in public but a nightmare at home.
The guide's co-author Fionn Davenport explains: 'Some of the most memorable experiences of our holidays are of the interesting locals we meet rather than the location itself.'
'The Irish are know the world over as a nationality with the great sense of humour. They are also renowned for being fun, social and enjoying drinking. The people are as much a draw for overseas visitors as the country's national beauty.'
Other Irish phrases revealed in the book include:
'A bag o'bocks an' a swimmer' (a serving of fish and chips)
'Would you ever go 'n cultivate yourself' ('go out and get some manners')
'I am in me wick' ('you must be joking')
'Beor' (an attractive woman)
