My West Cork granny frequently referred to jigs and reels in her daily speech. Whenever she was a little flustered, in a hurry, or feeling chaotic, she would make an exclamation about Irish dancing, no less.
"Between the jigs and the reels, I don't know whether I'm coming or going."
Any stranger would believe she was an Irish step dancing champion with her constant referral to the two most popular of all Irish dances.
"Between the jigs and the reels, what are we up to now?"
But as far as I know, she was no River Dancer, although I suppose in her youth she rattled a few dance boards at the crossroads.
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Between the jigs and the reels - an Irish Expression
Her referral to jigs and reels was typically Irish - an idiom used to express perceived stress and difficulties. Perhaps this statement evolved as a reflection of the chaotic foot movement of Irish dancing.
"Between the jigs and the reels, I finally got it done."
In this instance the saying reflects success was achieved, despite all the confusion.
"I don't know how we did it, but between the jigs and the reels, we're finally ready to go."
The primary way my granny used this expression was to say “what with one thing and another”.
“So, between the jigs and the reels, poor Mikey lost the cow.”
The jigs and the reels often expressed the trials and tribulations of farming life.
A Uniquely Irish Turn of Phrase
At other times she used the phrase to express her determination, the words taking on a hopeful meaning of "somehow or another."
“I'll get that money together, between the jigs and the reels.”
As you can see, the jigs and the reels were frequently invoked during my childhood.
I was wondering if any of you remember your Irish relatives using this expression. Perhaps they paired it with another typically Irish exclamation. Please feel free to join in this little Irish dancing discussion, in the comments section below.
And so, between the jigs and the reels of life as mom, it's time for me to sign off for today.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Kathleen Murray
My mothers favorite saying in stressful times was "there will be wigs on the green and no one to lift them"
Irish American Mom
Kathleen - I never heard your mother's saying before - what a great expression it is. Thanks so much for sharing it with us here.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sinita
My Grandmother,Nellie HIggins, whom married an Irish man, used to say "I've got forty-eleven things to do", when she was frazzled or stressed. Also, when something unexpected crossed her way she would say "what in the Sam Hll?". Ever hear of either of those sayings?
Irish American Mom
Hi Sinita - I really like your grandmother's expression "I've got forty-eleven things to do". I know how she felt many a day. I never heard either of these expressions before. It's great to hear from readers and learn new expressions from yesteryear.
All the best,
Mairead
Sinita
Opps...that would be "Sam Hill" and I forgot to mention--
I love your blog!! Because of my Irish descendants, I have always been fascinated with all things Irish. I believe my family was from the Ennis area. I learn so much from you about Irish culture, food, tourism, customs, and way of life. I do plan to visit sometime, and your blog sure helps me to plan my trip. Thanks so much, I really enjoy everything you share!
Irish American Mom
Sinita - thanks so much for your kind words about my blog. It's lovely to know others appreciate my recipes and ramblings. I hope you do get to visit Ireland someday. County Clare is spectacular - a wonderful place to visit to trace your roots.
You peaked my interest about Sam Hill so I did a quick search. The expression seems to have English and American origins, and is similar to "what the heck?"
They say you learn something new everyday and Sam Hill was my lesson for today. Thanks so much.
Mairead
brian@irelandfavorites
Nothing is more enjoyable than genuine people, which I can tell your granny was. They are treasures. Scouring my brain for witty expressions to join in, but between the jigs and reels I'm coming up empty, I guess I'll just have to hurry up and wait for inspiration.
Cheers,
Brian.
Irish American Mom
Brian - My granny was one of the funniest people I have ever known. Now, she had no idea she was so humorous. Comical comments, witty expressions and a unique turn-of-phrase made her genuinely entertaining. She passed away when she was 93 years old, just six year ago. Little things in life often remind me of her. My daughter's Irish dancing shoes triggered memories of her "jigs and the reels"..
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
Cheryl Barker
Love this expression, Mairead. It's a new one to me. And love the way you signed off with it! 🙂
Irish American Mom
Cheryl - Glad you enjoyed this little phrase. It's nice to introduce people to some of the old expressions from my childhood.
All the best,
Mairéad
Lorna
Have to admit people don't tend to use that expression as much now but it does bring me back.
Irish American Mom
The jigs and the reels are a blast from the past alright, Lorna. Every now and then something reminds me of a phrase or saying I heard in my childhood making me smile.
Have a lovely weekend,
Mairéad
Sarah
I still use it! (from West Cork, have lived in States for 12 years now)
Irish American Mom
Sarah - My granny was from Skibbereen and she used this saying all the time. Glad to hear you're still using old Irish expressions in America. I think they're ingrained in us, and will be with us forever.
All the best, and thanks for checking out my ramblings.
Mairéad
Eric
Hi Mairead, I think the expression has not much to do with stress and confusion but more just a way of saying 'To make a long story short'. You'd use the expression if you just wanted to cut to the chase and tell the outcome of the story.
Irish American Mom
Eric - I like your interpretation of this lovely, old Irish expression. What a great introduction to help cut to the chase and get to the nitty, gritty of a story. Thanks so much for stopping by and joining in our conversation on Irish expressions from days gone by.
All the best,
Mairéad