Amazon Alexa learns Ireland's most popular words and phrases

Ellen O'Donoghue

Amazon have teamed up with comedian Aisling Bea to teach Alexa the nation's most popular words and phrases.

From today, customers can ask "Alexa, teach me some Irish sayings" to have some of Ireland's best-loved expressions and their full definitions read back to them in Alexa's Irish accent.

The latest update comes as new research from Amazon revealed that nearly 80 per cent of Irish people use their uniquely Irish expressions daily.

Some of the definitions include the warm toast of Sláinte, the cheeky charm of Eejit, and the ever-polite Thanks a mill.

The new update factors in Ireland's top 20 most popular expressions, all of which have been identified through new research conducted by Amazon among Irish people.

Topping the list was 'It's grand', which was followed closely by 'What's the craic?' and 'Thanks a mill'.

The update comes as new research suggests 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 people in Ireland use Irish expressions daily, while 95 per cent believe it's an important part of their identity.

Research also showed that 78 per cent believe it would be handy if Alexa could explain Irish sayings, and almost two-thirds (63 per cent) have said they often find their Irish vocabulary isn't understood outside Ireland.

To make sure Alexa truly understands Ireland’s vernacular, Aisling Bea has been teaching Amazon’s voice assistant the ins and outs of the top 20 expressions.

"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," Ms Bea said.

Meryem Tom, Alexa director in the UK and Ireland, called Irish sayings "iconic".

"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.”

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:

It’s grand
What’s the craic?
Ah sure, it’ll be grand
Thanks a mill (million)
What’s the story
Fair play to ye
Sound
Eejit
How’s things
You know yerself
That’s gas
Sláinte
Yer man
C’mere to me
Who’s yer man / yer woman
Adding “ah” before a sentence
Giving out
Flat out
The craic was 90
Good man yerself