10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Wicklow, Most Beautiful Irish Names and What They Mean, What To Eat in Hawaii? When describing a severe case of something, one might say, Ive been lashing out on the tablets all week. This has not been good at all. How are things going? I cant be arsed. The word unreal typically refers to something that is imagined or illusory, but not in Ireland. Its finely stopped pissing down. The day is suitable for drying. Karen remarked as she took Kates bag of chips. Meaning: (Expression) The expression Did I fuck is used when a person sarcastically means he or she did not do the thing the other person was asking. In other words, a messer. Banjaxed This is used to describe something that is broken or not working. Example: Yer man here needs a bottle of beer. Irish slang words and meanings Eejit - This is probably one of the most commonly used Irish slang terms that I know of. Example: Come meet my mucker. Combine this piece of Irish slang with 'pound' (before 2002, the Irish currency used to be pounds) and . I frequently use this one. The Irish term is another word for a stupid person. Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. Example: I will eat the head off of him for saying such horrible things! Scarlet for ya 11. Every day, I use slang. I havent seen him in donkeys years means that you havent seen that person for a very long time. He might act like a bollox, but he's sound out really. Is it true that your cousin is getting married just after a few weeks of dating? And that while for the most part, people are speaking English, there are certain Irish slang words and phrases that may leave you baffled and confused. Example: Do you remember the yoke I brought home yesterday? Youre a savage! Broke: Embarrassed. Youre one can short of six. Buzzing: Very happy. Hes a gowl and a half that boy, for instance. Actually, you could also use the word lash in this sentence, as in Give me a lash of that., You could say, Gimme a shot of that kettle there when referring to A shot.. Meaning: You're a disgrace Example of usage and translation: "Oh my god, she was an absolute state. Meaning: (Noun) Even though Ireland seems to only have vast fields and beautiful views, they also have cities. Example: The craic was 90 at your birthday party last night! Howaya! We use the same turns of phrase a lot apparently, mind you Im in Dundee which had a huge Irish influx in the 18th & 19th centuries. Translation: I will never get around to it. It usually refers to someone who willingly does a favour, asked or not, although usually unexpected - Like when you ask for one rollie and your given two, or the bouncer to an over 21s let's you in when your 20. Example: This ice cream is just class. A nice way to say f*ck is feck. Feck this, Im not listening to him shitting on for any longer, or That fecker was in here mooching about the place again this morning, for instance. Meaning: (Expression) The term acting the maggot is when an Irish person deems to mess around instead of doing what he or she is supposed to be doing. Martinas youngwan was in working with us for a few days last week, for instance. Bloody Can be used instead of the f-word or its connotations above. Ah here you can go and bollox if you think Im doing that., Ive a pain in me bollox with you/listening to you refers to annoyance with something or someone, This is yet another way to describe something that is filthy or in poor condition. Example: Its so sad to see a shitehawk, but I have no money to spare. Meaning: (Noun) The slang yer wan in Ireland is usually used to call a female person youve forgotten. Locked. Sorry pal, can you tell me where the jacks is? is one example. The Jacks An Irish slang word for the toilet. Hes sound means hes alright as a person. The slang was taken from the original word and is now one of the common Irish sayings today. Translation: Im not planning on getting absolutely hammered, but one might very well turn into 15. For instance, What an eejit, he used cooking oil on the lettuce thinking it was salad dressing.. Meaning: (Phrase) Having the craic means a person is ready to listen to the latest news of gossip. Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. 1222: Jokes and slang from Ireland that my nonIrish friends didnt understand when we first met Irish Slang Words, Common Irish proverbs that you hear every day from 23 to 36 Irish Slang Words, Craic, the most misunderstood Irish slang (verses 3740) Irish Slang Words, Common Irish expressions to use when referring to someone you dont like, from 41 to 56 Irish Slang Words, Dope (a word my aul lad frequently uses in Irish slang!) Its important to remember that not everyone who describes themselves as grand actually is. Another one for extremely inebriated people. Give me a try is an additional option. I know. I still cant believe we won that game, for instance. Im in a hurry, so lets talk soon! She might get upset even if its only a joke. Theres also the possibility of using this Irish proverb to describe someone who is bull-thick (aka angry). Meaning: (Noun) An eejit is a person who acts stupid or is just a plain idiot. Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20, or Stall the ball a minute what did he say? are two examples. Shed talk the hind legs off a donkey This girl/woman is a right chatterbox, never stops talking. For instance, I called over yesterday and he talked for an hour about his new tractor. It wasnt very fun. Example: Hey, young wan! This term is used as a derogatory word. a term from old Irish slang used to describe a chancer. . Boke: Vomit. Cheers, many thanks., To try something out means to take a shot of it. You threw away all the important documents! Quality, I see. Note: A show of optimism that relies on nothing but hope. Example: Youre a beamer, arent ya? . Any type of alcohol-free beverage is called minerals in Ireland. 50+ Best Irish Slang Words And Phrases To Try Out Thinking of going on a trip to Ireland and fit in with the locals? This Irish proverb seemed to make perfect sense to me, but apparently not. Meaning: (Greeting) The term story horse is used as a greeting and when a person invites you to tell him or her the latest gossip. Example: He is such an eejit for breaking your heart! Raging An Irish expression means someone is angry or disappointed with themselves. For example, Mary says John bungee jumped in Costa Rica last week, to which Patrick, who would never do a bungee jump, responds fair play to him. My brother-in-law uses this term all the time. A significant number of Irish slang words that I had never heard of were discovered by the Instagram post. You cant make a silk purse out of a sows ear This is a common phrase youll hear older Irish people sayings which implies you cannot make something good from something that is naturally bad. Example: I heard he turned in to a skanger. I cant understand the news! Meaning: (Adjective) The word dote is used to describe a person who is adorable. Example: Get away from me, melter! Rainey weather type. Howsagoin?! A person who is able to shape circumstances to their advantage is referred to as a cute hoor because they are relatively crafty. In other words, I didnt. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Example: Wow, you really did get me a concert ticket. Ive split these into sections: slang Irish phrases, slang Irish words, Irish expressions used for saying hello, Irish slang phrases for drunk and also Irish slang insults and swear words. Barns in Ireland often do not have doors, which is why youll hear this being asked of those who forget to close the door behind them. Or something they themselves wouldnt attempt. 111: My favorite Irish slang expressions Irish Slang Words, Grand (an iconic bit of Irish slang) (an iconic bit of Irish slang), Cut it some slack (one of my favourite Irish phrases), Giving out (I recently learned that this expression is an Irish one), St Patrick's Day Origin - What is The Meaning Behind St Patrick's Day, 1222: Jokes and slang from Ireland that my nonIrish friends didnt understand when we first met , Common Irish proverbs that you hear every day from 23 to 36 , Craic, the most misunderstood Irish slang (verses 3740) , Common Irish expressions to use when referring to someone you dont like, from 41 to 56 , Dope (a word my aul lad frequently uses in Irish slang!) Hows she cutting? Hes a shnakey little shitehawk, that man. Meaning: (Noun) In Irish words, The jacks means toilet. Cath is an Irish expat now living in Portugal. . Get up the yard 13. However, there are a few different ways youll hear it used more frequently: There is absolutely no way that I am doing that. Meaning: (Noun) The messages is an Irish term for shopping or groceries. In other words, face. Meaning: (Noun) Yoke is Irish slang that is used to call something with a name you cant remember, even when you think hard enough. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. Catch yourself on . Yes, savage is also slang for good in Ireland. Shame the color is so awful. Meaning: (Noun) A sleeveen is a person whos often rogue. Nobody knows when the rain will stop in Ireland. Jesus, Mary and Joseph This is one of those Irish things to say that every Irish mammy will utter, over and over again. Example: I cant stay here a second longer. The word comes from how Irish people pronounce idiot.. Maybe they are culchie. It is often used vulgarly, but can also be used in day-to-day conversations. Someone who has no life or laughs in him. Say, That chicken fillet roll was class, for instance. From a few houses to several miles away. Example: Quit slagging her. Eejit This is probably one of the most commonly used Irish slang terms that I know of. He thought I was trying to get his attention, even though I already had it. Example: Im not in the mood to go out. Irish In origin. Clean is a translation. Im at a loss for words for this one. These 9 Will Climb Your Bucket List, The 6 Celtic Nations Around the World and What Makes Them Different, This Airport Security Scanner Could End Carry-On Liquid Restrictions, The 6 Flags of the Celtic Nations and the Meaning Behind Each Design, Stay Like Royalty at These Airbnb Ireland Castle Rentals, This Guide To Irish Gaelic Will Help You Charm the Locals in One of the Worlds Oldest Languages, The 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities inEurope, These Dublin Food Tours Showcase Irish Cuisine at Its Finest, The 16 Most Stunning Hotel Pools Around theWorld, Download the Example: Gday beour. Example: Wow, you are a ciotog. There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. How useful! Ask me arse Usually said to someone in response to a question to do something. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish says youre jammy, he or she means you are lucky. Kip This Irish slang word has two meanings. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyone's breath away. Email: Word: Define: Example: Hurry, theres a peeler heading our way. One of the most enjoyable posts Ive written in a while was this one. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station?" = "Oh my god, she was a disgrace. There, its like a midden. The hostel were staying in is a kip and a half, for instance! Example: Do you still want to go to the park? For instance, Your man was caught last week robbing the Superquinn till., means I most certainly wont be doing that. Whats up with that? Sound person. You could grow potatoes in those ears This is used to tell someone they are not paying attention/hearing you and is used instead of saying clean out your ears. Example: You were in a heap last night! My stomach thinks my throats been cut An Irish slang phrase to indicate you are hungry. For example: 'Will you put the bins out later?' 'Yeah, grand.' It is also the. It can mean fun, goings on or gossip. Will you wait for me in this spot? Im having the craic this instant. But dont think for a second that, because the people of this lovely island speak English, it will be easy for you to befriend the locals. Broke to the bone: Hugely embarrassed. I'm steamin' - you might hear this at the pub 18. Example: The man you were with is gombeen. Hes a slievene means hes a sneaky so-and-so. Meaning: (Adjective) Unreal is yet another word for good. It is used when you experienced something unbelievably or unexpectedly good. You'll often hear "he's an awful eejit" meaning he's a bit dumb. Its bucketing down outside. Wind yer neck in - shut up 17. I bet she was in rag order. About ten years since I last saw you. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. . Ribena is a blackcurrant dilutable very popular in Ireland. Example: Shes giving out in the living room, but I dont understand her. It's worth noting that when someone says that they're 'grand', they may not necessarily be so. Taking the piss People say someone was taking the piss when they mean they were either being silly/stupid or they are teasing you. Meaning: He is very chatty / He can talk at lengthExample of usage and translation: God yer one would talk the hind legs off a donkey = That girl would bore you to death with her incessant talk, Meaning: To kiss someone passionatelyExample of usage and translation: My mouth is red raw, he was scoring the face off me for hours at Coppers = I have sandpapered my skin off my passionately kissing someone for hours in the local meat market. There are many different Irish slang terms for drunk or for someone who has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. Example: Theres no place for a latchio here! Good God, it just occurred to me how many Irish proverbs there are for foul weather! For instance, That lads just a goon,. Example: Go and bollox if you think you can get me to agree with you. used to describe a bothersome person. This Irish expression is used to request that someone wait for you or to pause what you are saying. If in doubt, dont! Irish slang words and phrases and how to use them The state of you! For example, if my son spills milk because he is not being careful pouring it, youll often hear me say Jesus, Mary and Joseph, can you watch what youre doing!. Meaning: (Noun) Sangers is the Irish slang for a sandwich. HEY. Meaning: (Noun) In Ireland, the word tool is used to calling a person who you dont like. Tbf Irish phrases / idioms are better than the slang words, If yer . OTool assigned us enough math homework to last about seven weeks. Travel Around Ireland is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. C'mere 'til I tell ya 15. Why? Impress your friends with your new accent. Ah no. We only had a few shots of whiskey. Meaning: A messExample of usage and translation: Me hairs all over the shop = My hair is a mess. Meaning: (Noun) The term oul fella is an older man. I legged it for the bus means I ran for the bus. For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. Yer man over there (with pointing or nodding of the head) This indicates that man over there. If you want to visit Ireland and experience the culture, food, and history of the country, then you should get to know Irish slang words so you can sound like an Irish person. Learn more? Comes from the fact that some peoples cheeks go red with embarrassment. Example: What a grand aul day it is. For instance, Got food at that Indian restaurant. My advice is not to use them unless you are certain of their meaning and the situation is appropriate. Whats the story? Example: Tell the kids to come in now because its rotten. Meaning: (Adjective) The term shitehawk is used to describe the poorest of the poor. Take a look below! Sure, itll be grand means it will be ok. Or if someone responds to the questions how are you with grand, it means theyre ok/fine. Locked is just one such term - others include mouldy, ossified, polluted, twisted and langers. It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. This is a phrase that is frequently used to indicate how long it has been since someone has been seen or something has been done. For example, I managed to book tickets for that concert you were telling me about Paddy, to which Paddy replies deadly. Developed "straight from the horse's mouth". Meaning: (Expression) The phrase Its pure shit means that its a rainy day. Example: Lets go. Example: I cant explain it but Im in bits after the meeting. Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. Can you use your jumper cables to give it a lash? To be sound is a state of existence. I am not familiar with any books. Example: Houl yer whisht! Meaning: (Expression) The word cracking is another Irish slang for good. It is mostly used in Northern Ireland. Meaning: (Noun) A mot is a Dublin word that is used as slang for a girlfriend. Its a grand day for drying This term is used to describe a day in which you can hang your clothes out on the washing line and get them dry. Example: Let me see the video again. Ill speak with you later, okay? Im tired already! Feck/Friggin/Flippin All stem from fuck and are a lesser harsh version. Some of my favorites are listed below. This Irish slang has been used for years. , It is referred to as a yoke to describe the object. Or a little shady. Nice person. They can often be used in jest as well as in spite. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Example: Youve been in your room faffing all day but failed to clean it! This is a term that is frequently used in a crude manner, but it is also used in normal conversation. Example: Stall the ball! Example: Gosh, she was stumbling out of the pub last night. Many of the words below were unfamiliar to me as well, but Ive included them in a section specifically for slang used in Belfast. Did you do that thing for yer man? is an example. Give it a lash This is used to tell someone to give it a go, try it, give it a whirl. Im truly sad for his parents. I remember kids in school saying scarlet for you meaning Im so embarrassed for you. I thought they were sold out, Savage, man. Meaning: (Phrase) Ogeous handling is a situation wherein the people are in danger. Can also be used to describe someone who isnt facing reality about something or a situation. In Irish slang, people who live in the countryside are called culchie.. Example: Were you shifting with her the other night? can also be used as a salutation, as in Ah, Tony. Hows the fun? Example: Shell never find a man. Go away outta that This is another Irish phrase that has a few meanings, depending on the situation. For instance, Mam made you some dinner. Later, Ill drop it off. About 20 times a day, I use this. The cure denotes a pint of beer/Guinness to cure the hangover. Meaning: Shes overly excitedExample of usage and translation: Shes seen Jamie Dornan walking around Belfast and now she up to high doh.. Shes cutting how? Give me a shot. Meaning: (Expression) The expression good woman is an exclamation used when a person is surprised or in disbelief. Example: That boy is thick. Meaning: (Noun) A hallion is a person who is worthless. Example: You went to the beach? Gaff The Irish slang word for house. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In Ireland, we use the adjective deadly to describe excellent or fantastic things. Example: Its been a donkeys years since I had a day off. That new car Jerry picked up is cracking, for instance. It was 90 fun. Not sure if it will help. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. You are such a clown! Meaning: (Expression) Will I, yea? is one of the Irish slang phrases that can confuse tourists. THE IRISH WAY with words is a complex one. In this case it is a vague answer of itll be ok. Meaning: (Adjective) The word gombeen comes from the old Irish language that is used to describe a person who is dodgy. How will he give you the life youve always dreamed of? Sound Out - 1. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This article is the combined work of four writers: Sorcha OHiggins, Tara Povey, Sarah Arnold, and Niall Colbert. For instance, Mary, what a wonderful day it is today.. You can post any Irish slang youre unsure of in the comments section below, and Ill get back to you. Dose Means a case of illness. She only needed four years. Wow, what a dope. Example: Its spitting outside but it might rain harder, so dont forget your umbrella. Meaning: (Noun) Fella is Irish slang for a boy or a man at any age. All of these Irish slang words can be used to describe someone who is drunk. . brought everything, including dessert. Yoke A word used instead of saying thing. This is hilarious! Simply means whats happening. Youre a clown, they say. Why? Example: This food is quality! This one is typically used the morning following a strenuous session to explain why your head is pounding. Its a grand, soft day Means its a rainy day, but more so fine, misty rain than pouring rain. You dropped your wallet. Grand (an iconic bit of Irish slang) Grand means OK. You'll hear it most commonly used as a response to, 'How's it going'/'How are you feeling?'/'How are you today?'. Severe illness. Lovely to hear our Celtic ties are still going strong with us using many of the same terms. Another one for describing someone who is stupid is this. Here are 20 Northern Irish phrases and what they mean in plain English. If you hear this, prepare for a long story about someone else and it is guaranteed to include some secrets or gossip about the person being discussed. Meaning: (Noun) A goon is Irish slang for a man whos so drunk he becomes too loud and too much to handle. Shamey Brannagin was once more caught stealing from Kerrigans, for instance. Meaning: (Adjective) The Irish slang all lured denotes a feeling of delight towards someone or something. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. Meaning: (Verb) The old Irish slang beamer means that a person is going red all over the face because of embarrassment. Meaning: (Expression) The expression bout ye means how are you doing? in Irish slang. Your email address will not be published. sound out irish slang. For instance, How are you doing, hey? Youre coming out later for a few beers, right? It originates in rhyming slang of the early-20 th Century, and was derived from "donkey's ears ", which are naturally pretty long. I loved this article, thank you! Meaning: (Noun) A melter is someone incredibly annoying that he or she might actually melt your brain. Key Irish Slang Words when Visiting Ireland 1. I was pretty mouldy last night. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase one can short of six means that a person is not thinking straight or is not fully present in a certain situation. Example: Shes a cute hoor for always getting what she wants. Example: Get away from that sleeveen! Your Michael is a little hallion, for instance. Mocking is catching If you are mocking or teasing someone about something, be careful karma doesnt come to bite you in the backside! Stall it An Irish way of saying wait, stop, pause. 2. Meaning: (Noun) The term bog is an Irish word for people of the lowest class. It is pelting down. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase out of your tree is used when a person is severely drunk that he or she will most likely have a hangover the following day. There is no way I would wait there for a bus. The term is commonly used as an insult in Ireland. An Irish proverb that expresses approval of behavior is nice one. Such as, Ah, nice one! It means good.. The Craic was 90 There's more than just one craic in Irish slang. Example: Are you done with schoolwork? Example: Shut your bake! Meaning: (Expression) Bucketing down is one of the most used Irish slang phrases when there is a heavy downpour of rain. Example: Youre acting like a goon! These are all bad! 10. After everything I have done for you! Example: Do what you want; Im up to 90 today. Giving out Means someone is complaining about someone or something. Give it a lash basically means to try something out. Bring your wishes there. Dont get confused with it being a person, for locals are always using this term. Slievene Means a sneaky person. Buncrana: A popular holiday destination. Below, we have 125 Irish slang words and Irish slang phrases you should learn.