Top 5 Welsh Words and Phrases

Top 5 Words or phrases to remember when visiting Wales

1. Cwtch
Welsh word for an affectionate hug. There's no literal English translation, but its nearest equivlent is "safe place". So if you give someone a cwtch, you're giving them a "safe place".

It can also be used as a place to store things safely (usually a cupboard under a staircase)

"Give me a cwtch"

"Put your jacket in the cwtch"

2. Lush
Lush is abbreviation of the word Luscious.

“This food is lush”

3. Now in a minute
The originally Welsh oxymoron meaning you are on your way, but not immediately. You need a minute to gather your thoughts/things/feelings before you traverse the journey you are about to undertake.

Traditionally shouted from the top of the stairs to parental figures.
Mum: 'Hurry up love, your bus is here!'
Son: 'Don't worry! I'll be there now in a minute!!'

4. Ych a Fi!
Welsh phrase meaning yuck, ew or gross!

Ych-a-fi, that’s disgusting!

5. Iechyd da!
Literal translating ‘Good Health’. Used to express good wishes before drinking. Heard often at Rugby games.