When I come across an expression I don't understand in a book, I google the word or phrase and often find the meaning that way.

But it's more entertaining to ask us at the Mudecat. And you're more likely to get the right answer, in among the occasional wrong uns.

As for "I don't like books that hold me up by imposing unusual language on me", I'd advise sticking to your own preferred dialect if that's how you feel, Penny. Of course that's most of the world's literature out of reach.

Culchie can be either a putdown or a term of pride, depends whose using it. Or something in between. Like a lot of other words used that way. But use with caution.