grand

What it means

1. 1.

   Fine, adequate, no problem. Almost the opposite of its standard English sense: grand is the lowest passing grade, not praise.

2. 2.

   Of a person: unharmed, not upset, not in need of anything. 'Are you alright?' 'I'm grand.'

In use

• Ah you're grand, don't worry about it.

  Note: Said to wave away an apology. Probably the single most-used phrase in the country.

• The dinner was grand.

  Note: A cook hearing this has not been complimented.

Where it comes from

The standard English adjective, worn down by constant use into a marker of mild sufficiency. The same deflation happened to 'fine' in British English, but grand carries it further: in Ireland it can mean barely acceptable while still sounding polite.

Other forms

Similar terms:

fine, no bother