Ireland: The A-Z Irish Glossary - 'T' is for Thick
'Thick'
Thick has four meanings in Ireland - used as a verb x 2 and an adjective x2 ! Let's break it down..
Firstly, if used as an adjective (description of something), it has two meanings in Ireland. The first is basically the worldwide reference to how 'broad' or 'deep' something is, for example "How thick is that fire log?" - Usually this is internationally understood..
The other reference as an adjective on Irish shores is usually an insult i.e. "You are so thick!" Or, "are you thick?" Thick meaning 'undescribably stupid'! The equivalent of "Are you a f**king eejit?" - obviously annunciated in quite a derogative manner.
Thirdly, if used as a verb (an action word), "Are you thick with me?" It can mean an inquiry into your state of mind - 'Thick' meaning 'annoyed' / 'perplexed' at something. Probably sounds odd to non-Irish people but we like to have our way with words!
Fourthly and also used as a verb, if you were to say "They are thick as thieves" or "She is thick with that group". You would be informing us that she was in with or accepted strongly by these particular people.
Yes maybe it all sounds a bit mad or strange or perhaps just a bit Thick! Any more 'Irish' meanings of the word can be sent on a postcard to....