I know it was actually a joke when a friend gave me The Feckin’ Book of Everything Irish. He said he saw it, and thought of me. But, it really is a fun, informative book, filled with quotes, definitions of Irish words and phrases, jokes, cartoons, recipes, and even the words to traditional Irish songs. It’s great craic (fun).

The authors “translate” Irish slang, and tell readers how it’s traditionally used in conversation. Of course, they could be putting us all on, but I recognize enough of the words and phrases to doubt it. The definitions are fun, especially when they then use the words to make fun of the government. For instance, let’s take the word “bowsie”. According to the authors, it’s a noun, “Person (esp. male) of very disreputable character. A useless good-for-nothing. (usage) ‘Is there anyone in the government who isn’t a bleedin’ bowsie?'” Or take the phrase “If he went to a wedding, he’d stay for the christening.” It means he overstays his welcome. Even with a whole section devoted to phrases, there’s still a glossary of terms.

There are quotes scattered through the book from some of the great Irish figures. Sometimes the quotes are serious; often they’re humorous. The authors quote Oscar Wilde, Mary Robinson, Richard Harris, Edmund Burke, Kenneth Branagh, James Connolly.

Of course, a book with that title can be a little crude and rude. There’s a whole chapter “A Guide to Sex and Love”, that can be crude at times. The authors even make fun of the traditional songs. For instance, according to them, “I’ll Take You Home Again, Kathleen” was written by a German-American while living in Illinois because his wife was “always whingeing about going back to the old sod”. Other songs included are “Danny Boy” and “The Black Velvet Band”.

There’s also a section that includes recipes for everything from Irish stew and spud soup to scones and Irish coffee.

Looking for some good craic? Try an evening or two of The Feckin’ Book of Everything Irish.


The Feckin’ Book of Everything Irish by Colin Murphy and Donal O’Dea. Fall River Press. 9781435167322 (hardcover), 304p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book as a gift.