It’s a well-known fact that the wider world has adopted many aspects of queer culture throughout the years, but what about the LGBTQ+ community itself? Here are 10 phrases adopted by Irish LGBTQ+ people. 

Zip up your mickey!

 In 2006, entertainer Twink became added to the great legacy of Irish poets when she coined the term “zip up your mickey”. The star said the now-iconic phrase along with a few other choice words on her now ex-husband, David Agnew’s, answering machine following the breakdown of their marriage.  

Don’t swim in the sea

Another iconic phrase that we have so graciously been gifted by an Irish celeb is the incredible monologue we were given when reporter Teresa Mannion begged us as a nation to not make unnecessary journeys, take risks on roads, and not to swim in the sea back in December 2015.

Gay Spar

The phrase Gay Spar is not so much adopted, as created, by the Dublin LGBTQ+ community. Its location on George’s Street right next to The George earned the shop its name. It is truly a microcosm of Irish queer culture; chicken fillet rolls, unimpressed bouncers and overall messiness. 

Sunday is a day of rest, but not for me

https://twitter.com/TheMemesArchive/status/1249462485280854018?s=20

The wonderful Cock Destroyers are the gifts that keep on giving. Rebecca More’s quote “Sunday a day of rest, but not for me” is one that has stuck with the Irish gays who can relate to the sentiment. The hilarious duo are not only an endless source of entertainment but are also very vocal about their support for the LGBTQ+ community and have taken part in multiple fundraisers for LGBTQ+ charities. 

Thanks hun, Penneys

 

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A classic. The only appropriate response to a compliment on your outfit. Dublin drag queen Victoria Secret was immortalised in this “Thanks hun Penneys” print. 

The neeeeck!!

The Aoife McGregor voice note but it’s performed by an indie band pic.twitter.com/zTH6fR7nWi

— Michael Fry (@BigDirtyFry) January 4, 2021

The popular saying denoting ones disgust at a person’s actions was further popularised in a jarring voicemail that a very unimpressed Aoife McGregor left for her dog-groomer. 

When they ‘play county’

Once a bragging right exclusive to the heterosexual man, the term to “play county” has been adopted by the LGBTQ+ community, featuring in many lesbians Tinder bios accompanying multiple pictures of the offender on the pitch playing for said county and maybe a couple of selfies with the Snapchat dog filter for good measure. 

“GAY RIGHTS!”

From the original meme of the hilariously blunt statement “Gay Rights” as a quote from Jennifer Lawrence on a fake “FCKH8” campaign photo, to the multiple memes that followed, to Charli XCX even making her own video rendition, poppers in hand, of the iconic phrase, the term “Gay Rights!” remains a favourite amongst the community.

And I ooop

Nothing more needs to be said about this one. We know. We all know. 

Internationally booked

She’s internationally booked darling! Rickey Thompson summed up all our feelings when we’re hopping onto that €20 Ryanair flight for a big dirty sun-sesh because that’s what happens when you’re internationally booked! The phrase is set to replace the out-dated “it’d be rude not to” captioned pic of a passport and a flat pint from T1.

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“RiSee aNd SHiiinEEE”

Anything out of the mouth of a member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan evokes strong emotions of either love or hate, Kylie Jenner waking up daughter Stormi being no exception. “The Voice” worthy performance by the star inspired thousands of memes online and is currently being used by some as a greeting on particularly early and tired mornings.  

Think there’s something missing from our 11 phrases LGBTQ+ people in Ireland have adopted? Let us know!