General
giving out
What does giving out mean?
To scold, complain about or tell someone off. 'Giving out yards' is doing so at great length.
"Mam was giving out to me for being late again."
Origin
Calque of Irish 'tabhair amach' (to give out/scold); a direct translation into Hiberno-English.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'giving out' mean in Ireland?
It means scolding, complaining, or telling someone off, e.g. 'Mam was giving out to me for being late'.
What does 'giving out yards' mean?
It means giving out at great length — scolding or complaining for a long time.
Where does 'giving out' come from?
It's a calque (direct translation) of the Irish 'tabhair amach', meaning to give out or scold, carried into Hiberno-English.
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
