Divil

n.

Heard in Dublin and Meath

The devil; also a man, a mischievous child, or a term of empathy.

He's a harmless oul divil.

Posh English

He is a thoroughly harmless old fellow.

Same phrase, other counties

• Meath

Related terms

• Da divil is standin' 'n him/herAn expression used to describe someone the is evil or selfish to other poeple.
• Diddn da' bate Baniher an' diddn Baniher bate de divil!An expression of high praise for a job well done.
• Divil a botherEverything is fine. An equivalent is 'Not a bother'.
• Divil de hateNone at all. Not a bit.
• Divil the bitNothing at all. An emphatic negative.
• Hit the divil on the headTo dig an exceptionally deep hole.