With the help of Irish icon Aisling Bea, Amazon’s Alexa is now more clued up than ever on Irish chat, and has learned the definitions to the country’s most popular sayings including everything from the warm toast of ‘Sláinte’ to the cheeky charm of ‘Eejit’.
Alexa has had a crash course on Irish vernacular, courtesy of comedian and bona fide Irish national treasure, Aisling Bea.
From today, customers can simply ask: “Alexa, teach me some ‘Irish’ sayings?” to be treated to Irelands best-loved expressions and their full definitions, read back to them in the dulcet tones of Alexa’s Irish accent.
The new Alexa update factors in Ireland’s top 20 most popular expressions, all of which have been identified by new research conducted by Amazon amongst Irish people, and topping the list is the understated yet all-purpose “It’s grand”, followed closely by “What’s the craic?” and the ever-polite “Thanks a mill”.
To make sure Alexa truly understands Ireland’s most beloved vernacular, Aisling Bea has been flat out teaching Amazon’s voice assistant the ins and outs of the top 20 expressions and has starred in a hilarious new film set in the heart of Dingle, County Kerry (available to watch here).
The update comes as new research suggests that being up to scratch on local chat is an essential part of Ireland’s cultural fabric, as findings reveal that nearly four out of five (78.7%) people in Ireland use Irish expressions daily, while a massive 95% believe it’s an important part of their identity.
Research has also shown that almost 8 in 10 (78%) believe it would be handy if Alexa could explain Irish sayings… and it’s no surprise, as nearly two thirds (63%) say they often find their Irish vocabulary isn’t understood outside of Ireland.
Aisling Bea said: "Our pal Alexa now understands what the craic is, and I am delighted to have helped teach Alexa how to be more than a bit sound."
Meryem Tom, Alexa Director UK and Ireland, also said: “Irish sayings are iconic, and it’s part of what makes Irish culture instantly recognisable around the world. Now Alexa can join in too, responding with everything from a casual ‘It’s grand’ to a charming ‘Sláinte’. Language is at the heart of how people connect with Alexa, and we hope customers enjoy discovering or reconnecting with these expressions.”
Whether you’re asking “How’s things?”, calling someone an “Eejit” (with affection, of course), or announcing “The craic was 90” after a great night out, Alexa is now ready to join the conversation like a true Irish local.
The top 20 most popular Irish words and phrases according to Amazon’s research can be found below, all of which are featured in Alexa’s latest update:
1. It’s grand
2. What’s the craic?
3. Ah sure, it’ll be grand
4. Thanks, a mill
5. What’s the story
6. Fair play to ye
7. Sound
8. Eejit
9. How’s things
10. You know yerself
11. That’s gas
12. Sláinte
13. Yer man
14. C’mere to me
15. Who’s yer man / yer woman
16. Adding “ah” before a sentence
17. Giving out
18. Flat out
19. The craic was 90
20. Good man yerself
To try it out, simply ask Alexa “Alexa, teach me some ‘Irish’ sayings”
