Naw

n.

Heard in Donegal and Limerick

A regional phonetic rendering of the negative particle no, delivered with emphasis.

In use

Naw I will not, not for all the tea in China la!

Posh English

Good heavens, I certainly shall not, not for all the tea in China!

Same phrase, other counties

  • I'nA phonetic rendering of I am, delivered with emphasis.
  • Feek naw?A direct and crude invitation to sexual intercourse.
  • Naw dat wud be uA snappy retort used to deflect an insult or accusation right back at the speaker.
  • Naw mang!An emphatic expression of refusal or disagreement; a firm 'no'.
  • Vaw-nawNonsense or foolish talk. Also used to dismiss a boastful claim.
  • NegativeA blunt refusal or a negative response.