The language used by the characters is true to the slang and dialect of the Irish. The dialogue captures how children talk to each other and how it differs when they talk to adults. The slang used is spelled true to sound, and not necessarily how it is really spelled, making some sections harder to read than others.
The writer's intended audience would be students in Grade 12 and adults, as the text is too difficult for a younger audience.
There are many slang and curse words used throughout the story as the boys are experimenting and trying to appear older and more sophisticated by using them to impress each other.
The purpose of the story is to show how difficult life is for adolescents. They think they understand things, yet they really don't. This story can cross boundaries of countries - it happens in families in whatever country they live in or what language they speak . Abuse happens in every country, too.