A Dictionary of Hiberno-English

The Dictionary of Hiberno-English is the leading reference book on Hiberno-English – the form of English commonly spoken in Ireland. It connects the spoken and the written language, and is a unique national dictionary that bears witness to Irish history, struggles and the creative identities found in Ireland.

Reflecting the social, political, religious and financial changes of people's ever-evolving lives, it contains words and expressions not usually seen in a dictionary, such as 'kibosh', 'smithereens', 'Peggy's Leg', 'hames', 'yoke', 'blaa', 'banjax' and 'lubán'. It is a celebration of an irrepressible gift for the creative, expressive and reckless manipulation of the English language!



Dr Terence Patrick Dolan was Emeritus Professor of English at University College Dublin. A well-known broadcaster and guest lecturer, he published and spoke extensively on the subjects of Hiberno-English and Old and Middle English Language and Literature. He is regarded as the pre-eminent authority on Hiberno-English. He died in 2019.