Why do the Irish call the toilet the jacks?

An old Tudor phrase for lavatory, jacks is a term more commonly used in Ireland. This is likely a reference to Jack Power, who invented the first multiple cubicle toilet. However, he never liked his name being associated with sanitation so he changed it by deed poll.

What does Jack mean in Ireland?

In Ireland, 'the jacks' means 'toilet', most commonly used to refer to public bathrooms. Every Irish person knowns what this term means, but few know why they use it – indeed it's difficult to find a solid explanation. Some believe it to be derived from the Tudor English term 'jakes', first used in the 16th century.

Why do people say John as toilet?

We'll get the basic etymology out of the way: "John" as slang for toilet probably derived from "jakes" or "jacks," medieval English terms for what was then a small, smelly loo inside the house if you were very fancy and outside the house if you were slightly less so.

Why do the Irish say grand?

In the true Irish meaning of the word, “Grand” means ok, fine, or adequate. Depending on the tone of voice and situation of usage it could mean anything from very good to absolutely dreadful. This is a great little filler expression.

Why do Irish say feck?

Feck as a verb once meant “keep a look out”, maybe from Irish feic. And then there is the Irish slang feck “steal, take”, which the Chambers Dictionary of Slang says may originate in Old English feccan “to fetch, gain, take”, or German fegen “to plunder”.

Irish People Try To Explain Irish Phrases

Why are there no trees in Ireland?

If you've followed our work in the past you'll know just how important native trees area to the surrounding environment. These incredibly low numbers are primarily due to human activity in the 18th and 19th centuries, and to a lesser extent also activities in the early 20th century.

What is loo in Irish?

Irish Translation. loo. More Irish words for loo. leithreas noun. lavatory, bathroom.

Can I go to the bathroom Irish?

'” The Irish phrase translates as, 'Can I go to the toilet' and is familiar to many people from their school days. The picture has sparked an online debate as to whether the image is authentic or a hoax. The image was posted on Twitter by FensterDJ who mused: “Can't be real, can it?

Why is a toilet called a bog?

Bog. The bog is a colloquial expression in British English for a toilet. Originally "bog" was used to describe an open cesspit and the word was later applied to the privy connected to it. More wide-spread is the usage bogroll, meaning toilet paper.

What do they call toilet in America?

The place where you sit is called a toilet in America. Is that correct? The bathroom in a home is where the toilet and sink are located. In a public place, the most common term is restroom, though bathroom, washroom, men's/women's room, and occasionally lavatory are also heard.

Why is a toilet called a commode?

In the United States, a "commode" is now a colloquial synonym for a flush toilet. The word commode comes from the French word for "convenient" or "suitable", which in turn comes from the Latin adjective commodus, with similar meanings.

What is the most Irish thing to say?

What is a fanny in Ireland?

Fanny pack: The term fanny in Irish is applied exclusively to female genitalia, so whatever you are wearing, it isn't a fanny pack; it's a waist-belt or a waist-pouch.

What should you not say in Ireland?

How do you respond to thank you in Irish?

There are several ways to say “you're welcome” in Irish, but one of the more common is: Tá fáilte romhat (taw FAWL-cheh ROH-ut) You're welcome. Go raibh maith agat as na mbronntanas! Thank you for the gifts!

What does Le Thoil mean?

please, literally "with your will"

Why are there no snakes in Ireland?

When Ireland finally rose to the surface, it was attached to mainland Europe, and thus, snakes were able to make their way onto the land. However, about three million years ago, the Ice Age arrived, meaning that snakes, being cold-blooded creatures, were no longer able to survive, so Ireland's snakes vanished.

Why does Ireland have so many redheads?

Red hair is associated with the gene MC1R, a recessive and somewhat rare gene that occurs in only about 2 percent of the world's population, according to the National Institutes of Health. That means both parents must carry a copy of the gene to produce a red-haired child and often the trait skips generations.

Are snakes in Ireland?

Ireland is one of many countries where there are no snakes

Ireland is not the only place in the world without snakes – there are no native species of snakes to be found in Iceland, Greenland, Hawaii, New Zealand, parts of Canada, northern Russia, or, not surprisingly, Antarctica . . .

What is considered rude in Ireland?

When driving, especially in more rural areas, it's considered rude in Ireland to not acknowledge an oncoming driver. This is done by simply lifting a finger off the steering wheel in greeting. You could raise the whole hand if you recognize the person, but at least a slight wave motion in passing is expected.

What do you call an Irish lady?

[ ahy-rish-woom-uhn ] SHOW IPA. / ˈaɪ rɪʃˌwʊm ən / PHONETIC RESPELLING. noun, plural I·rish·wom·en. a woman born in Ireland or of Irish ancestry.

What does feckin eejit mean in Irish?

Product Description. Irish slang definition of the word "eejit". One of the most common Irishisms. Like an idiot or a fool but much nicer and friendlier. Even smart and intelligent people can act the feckin eejit.