Irish slang (mostly used in the southern County of Cork, famous for its
plethora of slang terms)
a "sham" is primarily the term used to describe a young male
knacker, specifically the ones who walk around with a chip on thier shoulder, thinking they own everything in sight, and that they are the greatest thing
on god's green earth
it can also be used to show genuine praise, much to the same affect as "the shit".
Example:
{insult}
Dave - " Check out
the sham across the road "
Kevin - "
what a twat ! "
---------------------------------------
{praise}
"my
new shoes are the sham"
---------------------------------------
{sarcastic}
billy - " like my new top ? "
joe - " you look like a right sham... "