The Oxford English Dictionary has welcomed a number of new words into its pages, celebrating the distinctiveness of Irish English in its March update. Among the additions are delightful terms such as 'blaa', 'debs', and 'spice bag'. These words not only capture the essence of modern Irish vernacular but also pay homage to the rich cultural tapestry of Ireland.
On March 26, 2025, the OED added eight Irish words and phrases to its lexicon, recognizing their significance in contemporary communication. The list includes 'class', 'ludraman', 'mineral', 'morto', 'spice bag', and the colorful phrase 'to act the maggot'. The inclusion reflects the dictionary's commitment to documenting the evolving landscape of the English language, particularly words borrowed from regional dialects.
One highlight is the term 'blaa', which the dictionary describes as “a soft white bread roll dusted with flour, particularly associated with Waterford, Ireland.” This culinary delight, revered in the region, has now made its mark in the global lexicon. The word appears to derive from French origins, with possibilities pointing to 'blanc', meaning white, and 'blé', meaning wheat, although these connections remain unverified.
Another tasty entry is 'spice bag', which the OED defines as “a takeaway meal usually sold from either Chinese food outlets or fish and chip shops.” This popular dish typically consists of chips, shredded deep-fried chicken, fried onions, red and green peppers, and jalapeños, all tossed together in a bag with various spices and often paired with curry sauce for dipping. Legend has it that the spice bag was first invented around 2006 at a Chinese takeaway in Dublin named the Sunflower, and its growing popularity can be traced through social media, with one tweet from 2012 mentioning, “I’m half tempted to go around to Sunflower and get a spice bag.”
Of note is the addition of 'ludraman', derived from the Irish 'liúdramán'. The OED defines 'ludraman' as “a lazy, unproductive, or stupid person (especially a man)” and cites James Joyce's Ulysses as the earliest example of its use in English. This whimsical word adds a layer of cultural richness, illustrating how language can convey social observations in a humorous light.
The term 'class' has also found its way into the Dublin dialect, where it's regarded as “a general term of approval: excellent, fantastic, great.” The dictionary references a line from the popular TV series Derry Girls, in which a character enthusiastically exclaims, “It's class, isn't it?” during a pivotal moment in the show.
Another entry, 'morto', acts as shorthand for being mortified or extremely embarrassed. The OED traces its usage as far back as the 1980s, and it's often invoked during discussions about social faux pas among youths enjoying their 'debs'. These formal social events, likened to prom celebrations elsewhere, now hold a defined place in the dictionary, characterized as “a formal social event held for students in their final year of secondary school.”
The dictionary's press release underscores the importance of the 'debs' as a rite of passage that embodies the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The OED also comments on how the 'debs' event can provoke feelings of embarrassment, a sentiment that resonates deeply with the coming-of-age experiences of many Irish teenagers.
The word 'mineral' has proceeded through the decade as a term for a carbonated soft drink, particularly in Ireland, while also finding a comparable footing in West African English. Historical documentation dates back to 1893, affirming its longstanding presence in colloquial usage. This term exemplifies how Irish English colloquially refers to popular beverages in a unique manner.
In this update, additional words from around the globe have also made their debut. For instance, 'moggy', a term identified in South African English and describing someone out of touch with reality, and 'load', which represents phone credit in the Philippines, showcase the broadening embrace of language as it adapts and evolves across cultures.
The inclusion of these words reflects a significant acknowledgment of the contributions made by Irish English, highlighting its colorful lexicon and unique expressions. The Oxford English Dictionary continues to evolve alongside language and culture, ensuring it remains relevant in documenting the intricate details of everyday speech.
As the OED strides forward, keeping pace with modern language use, it not only catalogs words but also emphasizes the rich cultural heritage tied to them. The latest updates further illuminate the English language's adaptability while fostering an appreciation for regional dialects.
The celebration of these new additions offers a glimpse into how language can bridge gaps between communities and provide a shared understanding through the nuances of everyday life. The words that make their way into the OED are not just a reflection of linguistic evolution but rather a testament to the seamless blend of culture, tradition, and contemporary lifestyle.
