It’s Saint Patrick’s Day today, which means that everyone is probably wearing a shirt made of shamrocks and knocking back a few cuppas of stout to celebrate their Irish heritage.*
To boost your credibility after screaming “Kiss me, I’m Irish!” for the fifth time, on the unlikely chance that someone will believe you and then proceed to humor your demands, here are a few necessary (but potentially occasionally grammatically incorrect. I apologize in advance to actual Irish speakers, and to Professor Mhic Suibhne should she ever read this.) Irish phrases:
First off, try screaming “Tabhair póg dom, is Éireannach mé!” [Tah-ur pohg dohm, iss Air-in-och may!] instead.
But oftentimes, a simple hello can do the trick just as well: “Dia duit**!” [Djeeuh gwich!]
The response you would receive, should you manage to meet an actual Irishman or woman, would be “Dia is Muire*** duit!” [Djeeuh ish mira gwich!]
To which you may then respond, “Dia is Muire agus Padraig**** duit!” [Djeeuh ish mira awgus Pah-drig gwich!]
Continue comparing your knowledge of the patron saints of Ireland (Brid [Bridge], Colum Cille [Column Killy-uh], Breanainn [Bran-in]...****) until you get thirsty, at which point you may wish to ask:
