Irish In origin. Example: Hes gone from the house early this morning. OK is grand. For instance, Cmon. We should go outside and get some fresh air. Wow, what a dope. I was pretty mouldy last night. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Example: Are you alright? Will you wait for me in this spot? Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyone's breath away. Give it a lash! Meaning: (Expression) A grand aul day is an expression used in Ireland when the weather is perfect. Meaning: (Greeting) Howsagoin' is an Irish greeting when two people come across each other but dont have time to talk. You may hear people saying hes an awful dryshite. Meaning: shes an unfortunate looking girl wearing a lot of make-up to try and cover it up. Example: I cant believe youre graduating with the highest remarks. It makes for a good conversation starter and is frequently up for discussion in both bars and retail establishments. During my time in school, I used, and you can hear this one used. For instance, All those guys do is sit around and play Xbox. They are two dryshitters. You are such a clown! Youve been warned! The following section delves into Irish idioms and slang terms that Ive used in the past but that were completely lost on listeners. When someone is Acting the maggot, they are dossing or messing around, which means they are not carrying out their intended task. Example: That boy is thick. Both deadly and class are not always used to describe a lesson. Example: Howsagoin? . As in, Bout ye, chief! Like a pint? Did you see her going to the toilet in front of the police station?" When people greet one another, a lot of crazy Irish slang words are frequently used. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Meaning: (Phrase) Having the craic means a person is ready to listen to the latest news of gossip. Meaning: (Noun) Baked is another name for the mouth or face. You'll often hear "he's an awful eejit" meaning he's a bit dumb. It might still be long, just a slightly shorter version of the whole story. Moderate precipitation. 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. This piece is deadly. If you love the series Father Ted, then youll hear this expression often used throughout the series. Youre acting the maggot. Hold on for a moment, and Ill pass it to you right away! Example: Wow, this hotel is the good of it! Lovely to hear our Celtic ties are still going strong with us using many of the same terms. It was handled in an ogeous manner. For instance, Shite, store the cans. There are two peelers approaching from that direction. Someone having notions may think they are better than others or their situation is better than it actually is (whether they realise it or not). See how hes pulling a beamer. Another lovely Irish expression is banjaxed. Sure look People might say sure look, itll be grand to respond to a question. Unfortunately, it was all I could find. So, whats the craic? Ive never heard some of these terms before! Scarlet for ya 11. Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. He already tried to trick me. You dropped your wallet. The TV is banjaxed simply means its not working. She's only an aul wagon 8. Example: Cmere to me and tell me why your mother is furious again. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase Lob the gob is Irish slang for kissing.. Yes, savage is also slang for good in Ireland. Im going to call in sick, for instance. Catch yourself on . 50+ Best Irish Slang Words And Phrases To Try Out Thinking of going on a trip to Ireland and fit in with the locals? 5863 Irish Slang Words, 20 Famous Funny Irish Sayings to Get You Laughing, [Ireland Attractions] Top Places to Visit in Ireland in 2023, Four Countries With A GREEN WHITE ORANGE Flag (and their meanings), Is Wicklow Worth Visiting? Bags (To make a bags of something) Make a mess of doing something. Sound person. It is also used as an insult. Meaning: (Adjective) The word gombeen comes from the old Irish language that is used to describe a person who is dodgy. Example: Why dont we go on dander and have a picnic? Meaning: (Noun) A pox is a slang used in Ireland for a person who causes nuisance. I dont know, but it sounds like some Irish slang Ive heard my entire life. Meaning: (Expression) Minus craic is an Irish expression that means a person, thing, or situation is boring. When someone says Sure look in response to your question while you are conversing, they usually mean it is what it is. Nevertheless, it might also mean that the person youre speaking to is either uninterested in what youre saying or is unsure of how to react. It has the same meaning in the English language. , Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. It can be used in all manner of situations as an exasperation. If a teenager says theyve a free gaff it usually means their parents are away/out and a party may ensue. Example: Go and bollox if you think you can get me to agree with you. Meaning: (Noun) The word beour is Irish slang for an attractive girl. People often answer with this expression when someone tells them something great. However, a quick Google search for 18th-century Irish speech suggested this: 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. Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. Meaning: (Expression) The expression its lashing is used when theres heavy rain and strong winds. Its manky! This expression means that he or she is truly and deeply thankful for the help he or she received. Irish Slang Words, Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. Irish people frequently refer to people or situations as Gas. Funny is referred to as gas in Irish slang. Meaning: (Noun) Bollox is Irish slang for testicles. This is one of those funny Irish phrases that an Irish parent will shout after their children when they insist on doing something that might hurt them. So, if you are excited to learn about Irish slang words, lets start now! There are many different Irish slang terms for drunk or for someone who has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. For instance, Your man was caught last week robbing the Superquinn till., means I most certainly wont be doing that. Whats up with that? Going for a kip means going for a sleep, while saying somewhere is a kip means the place is dirty or bad in some way. For instance, Shite man, Im late. For instance, use your umbrella to Gway out of that. Can you recommend any books about 18th century Irish speech? I'm steamin' - you might hear this at the pub 18. You could eat in Jacks and feel safer. Example: Shell never find a man. But don't be too proud when someone calls you by this term. Example: Were you shifting with her the other night? Invoke a taxi. 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. 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. Meaning: (Noun) A melter is someone incredibly annoying that he or she might actually melt your brain. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. Everyday Irish Slang Words and Phrases The exact meaning and usage of these words and phrases from Ireland may vary from one area to another, so be sure and pay close attention to the context in which they're being used. Example: Quit slagging her. Be advised, the last section contains swear/curse/cuss words, so if you dont want to read them, skip the last section. I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. 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. Hows she cutting? I legged it for the bus means I ran for the bus. Example: This food is quality! Youll be getting off your hole and emptying the bins in 5 minutes, for instance. Example: Im not in the mood to go out. I havent seen him in donkeys years means that you havent seen that person for a very long time. Shes a wagon! In Ireland, we use the adjective deadly to describe excellent or fantastic things. Im famished! "Tommy, it's been donkey's years since you've been here!". Good luck A different way of saying goodbye to someone. Ribena is a blackcurrant dilutable very popular in Ireland. Example: Shes a cute hoor for always getting what she wants. Example: Hey, there, young fella. In Ireland, there are literally countless ways to describe someone we dont like. After that, we all returned to Sharons. You can post any Irish slang youre unsure of in the comments section below, and Ill get back to you. Meaning: Stop acting upNote: Most often said by ones mother, it basically means stop doing what youre doing right now, or suffer the consequences. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. Something that is dirty is referred to as manky. Meaning: (Expression) Fair play is an Irish expression that means good job or well done. This expression is mostly used after winning a game or congratulating someones success. Example: Why are going out with a midden? Your man who I purchased the car from is a serious Gombeen, I said. Since there are so many different ways to use the word craic, Im giving it its own section. Is there anywhere else we can go? For instance, What an eejit, he used cooking oil on the lettuce thinking it was salad dressing.. Dope is another word for a stupid person in Ireland. Why? Its finely stopped pissing down. The day is suitable for drying. Were you born in a barn? Youre jammy to find it again. a term from old Irish slang used to describe a chancer. Leg it means to move quickly. Its complete shite. Meaning: (Noun) In Irish words, The jacks means toilet. can also be used as a salutation, as in Ah, Tony. Hows the fun? Meaning: (Noun) Yoke is Irish slang that is used to call something with a name you cant remember, even when you think hard enough. For instance, Did you hear Bernie and Martins youngster cheated on the Garda exam. That young man is the Gobdaw, if there ever was one. Slagging This Irish term means teasing someone or means insulting someone behind their backs. If youre unfamiliar with the terms, Bollox or Bollocks refer to a mans testicles in slang. This Irish proverb is frequently used in a crude manner to describe someone who is feeling queasy, as in Ive had a bad dose of the shits all day.. My stomach hurts so badly. Faffing is the act of doing something but not actually doing it. Severe illness. To be pissed off/fucked off Means to be annoyed with something/someone/a situation. The most useless scut Ive ever seen. Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. Can also describe someone who takes risks. is really familiar. Thats sound! Get up the yard 13. Scundered/scunnered - different meanings depending on your location 16. Example: Stall the ball! Youll often hear Irish mammies say ah feck instead of the f-word around kids. The small animal, of course, but in slang it means something that looks, sounds or simply is absolutely awful. It refers to a bad situation or a bad person. Example: You almost lost your passport? Shes a terrible wagon. Ah, fatal. Donkeys years Used to refer to a very long time. You are such a gobshite! Example: Its been a bad dose since morning. This term is used for an acquaintance and even for your father. However, I may be getting older and going out less as a result. Im Scots and so much (maybe 70% ?) . When something (or someone) is not functioning properly, it is said to be broken. For instance, Stop, I know. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the Irish phrases that are popular anywhere in Ireland is Up to 90, which means a person is extremely busy and cannot be bothered. Thanks a million! They can often be used in jest as well as in spite. Example:Friend 1: Did you take out the trash? You could say some of these Irish funny phrases are gas. From a few houses to several miles away. Meaning: (Adjective) Gobshite is used to describe an incompetent person. Stall it An Irish way of saying wait, stop, pause. Meaning: (Noun) A mot is a Dublin word that is used as slang for a girlfriend. Example: I need rest today. Its important to remember that not everyone who describes themselves as grand actually is. My stomach thinks my throats been cut An Irish slang phrase to indicate you are hungry. For instance, I called over yesterday and he talked for an hour about his new tractor. It wasnt very fun. Meaning: (Noun) The Irish slang yer man is usually a male person who you dont remember or have forgotten the name of. At my previous job, I shared a building with about 250 individuals representing 34 nations. There is no way I would wait there for a bus. That lad keeps texting me, for instance. Its gas! Here are 20 Northern Irish phrases and what they mean in plain English. The car wont start, for instance. Whats the story? Youre a savage! Any type of alcohol-free beverage is called minerals in Ireland. 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. Posted at 16:45h in lucia marisol williams by colin mclean where is he now. Ive missed you so! if a person wants to try something and convinces another person that he or she could do it, he or she uses give me a shot.. Gobshite - An Irish slang word for fool, eejit, stupid person. For instance, She ultimately passed her exams. Example: Good woman! Meaning: (Noun) A geebag is a woman who is not pleasant. When describing something or someone who is in a bad situation, the phrase in bits is used. Example: This party is dryshite. Shamey Brannagin was once more caught stealing from Kerrigans, for instance. So "have sohme fun with ooehr Oirish accent translator bot!" If you like our Irish why not create a great app with it by using our Irish API? I loved this article, thank you! We actually do not want a casual acquaintance arriving on our doorstep expecting to be put up and shown the town. Up to 90 If you hear someone say she was up to 90 it usually means the person was busy or run ragged doing things. Example: All she does is show meaningless videos. Here are a few Irish expressions that I frequently use. Example: Tell the kids to come in now because its rotten. Note: This could mean anything. Youll often hear hes an awful eejit meaning hes a bit dumb. It originates in rhyming slang of the early-20 th Century, and was derived from "donkey's ears ", which are naturally pretty long. Im tired already! Gas If an Irish person says Thats gas, they are not referring to an actual gas, they mean something is funny! Example: Shes giving out in the living room, but I dont understand her. Combine this piece of Irish slang with 'pound' (before 2002, the Irish currency used to be pounds) and . Example: have you seen a wean with bright red hair? For instance, Please let me know he canceled training. The outside is rotten. It means good.. Meaning: This is not a threat, but a person offering a lift to another person. Example: Get away from me, melter! With my guide to certain Irish lingo, you will understand what the phrases mean and fit right in! Example: Youve been in your room faffing all day but failed to clean it! Bang on is a way to describe a person or a circumstance. Whats the craic? Karen remarked as she took Kates bag of chips. Meaning: (Phrase) Stall the ball is used when a person is asking someone to wait for him or her or to stop a conversation midway. Dryshite A term used to describe someone who is boring, really boring. A manky day out refers to a day that is grey, miserable and probably raining too. This article is the combined work of four writers: Sorcha OHiggins, Tara Povey, Sarah Arnold, and Niall Colbert. Example: Its been a donkeys years since I had a day off. 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. Meaning: (Expression) The Irish phrase give it a lash is used to encourage a person to pursue something or give it a go.. If you think your new Irish friend is friendly, helpful or generally a good soul, you can describe them as 'sound'. Surely your feet are dragging. Shane, hows the form? is an example. He's a right bowsie 9. . Hes a shnakey little shitehawk, that man. Locked. Where's the jacks? Sound is also used to describe someone who is cool/alright. brought everything, including dessert. You can also use it to respond to a greeting without giving too much away about how you are doing. 2. Thank you. . Not to be confused with the following. Although Ireland became a country that spoke English as its primary language around the turn of the 19th century, the English that is spoken there differs significantly from the original. Meaning: A messExample of usage and translation: Me hairs all over the shop = My hair is a mess. I only have it for a week and its gone to shit. Example: Lets go. Wee - our favourite word Jesus, Mary and Joseph This is one of those Irish things to say that every Irish mammy will utter, over and over again. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station? = Oh my god, she was a disgrace. Howanever and anyways 12. . Example: hey, dawn! Example: You gowl! Why? , For instance, Oh, Kayla. a different term for eejit. Example: Hes a bog. Here are a few slang terms that are employed to describe girls and women. She was down here last Sunday, for instance. Irish mammies say this when children are not paying attention or dont hear them and implies there is enough dirt in their ears, preventing them from listening, to grow potatoes. Even more deadly slang that is unique to Ireland and the Irish. But in the Irish slang dictionary, deadly means outstanding or cool. Example: Do you still want to go to the park? The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. Example: Houl yer whisht! This is yet another mild example of Irish slang for someone you dont particularly like. Example: Theres no place for a latchio here! Meaning: Oh my God!Explanation: In Ireland, its okay to use the Lords name in vain to express your frustration. Well done, her. . And I mean heavy rain. Meaning: (Expression) Its pissing down is a term used in Ireland when its a rainy day. Example: I heard he turned in to a skanger. This term is used as a derogatory word. People can also say Im roasting meaning Im really hot. So much so that I always thought that they WERE Scots. We only had a few shots of whiskey. Example: I cant believe you turned into a hallion! They have fought against the more powerful and oppressive British empire, whose members mostly derive from Anglo-Saxons. Theres a grand aul stretch in the evenings This is often uttered in springtime, particularly when the clocks have moved forward in March and evenings are staying brighter for longer. used to describe a bothersome person. It can mean you understand. This Irish expression, which is overused and not unique to any one county, is used frequently. Example: Lets go home. It can also be used to indicate someone is irritated or angry. The slang was taken from the original word and is now one of the common Irish sayings today. I had a wild night last night. Shes got notions In this sense, the word notions can be used as a dismissive put down or to indicate someone has ideas above their station. They have a filthy kitchen, for instance. Meaning: (Adjective) The Irish slang all lured denotes a feeling of delight towards someone or something. Story horse? Can you still walk? . Someone who works for the police. It is a book containing the gallows speeches from over 100 offenders. Bang on is another example of Irish slang for good and is typically used as a response. And this is the one that the fantastic Father Ted series popularized. Jammers when someone says it was jammers this means the bus/pub/train was packed with people. I will, yeah This has the opposite meaning to what is implied. Feck/Friggin/Flippin All stem from fuck and are a lesser harsh version. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. Meaning: (Noun) A peeler is an Irish term for a member of the police. 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. My brother-in-law uses this term all the time. Nobody knows when the rain will stop in Ireland. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. Meaning: (Noun) The messages is an Irish term for shopping or groceries. 20. . During a trip to Northern Ireland, where we visited way too many pubs, I frequently heard the word cracking used. This is yet another kissing-related Irish expression. That was shite can means that was rubbish. Im truly sad for his parents. If she thinks five is not enough, shell repeat it. She can be mean or acts unrespectable. When my sister told me shed won 50 on a bet during the Irish Grand National my immediate response was you jammy sod. A lot of the time, when Im speaking to someone who isnt Irish, I forget that the words Im using are actually slang. Another one for extremely inebriated people. Whether it actually cures the hangover is up for debate. Slievene Means a sneaky person. Irish slang words and phrases and how to use them The state of you! Example: Clean the toilet now. He thought I was trying to get his attention, even though I already had it. Most frequently, it is used in response to the questions Hows it going and How are you feeling? How are you doing today? Bye, bye, bye, bye, bye One of my sisters in particular cannot hang up a phone call or WhatsApp conversation without at least saying bye five times or more. She might get upset even if its only a joke. See what I did there! a favorite of mine. Your email address will not be published. Meaning: (Adjective) The word gobdaw is Irish slang thats used to describe a stupid person. Buzzing: Very happy. So, I actually believed that the term giving out was used widely. Example: Nice one! For instance, Mam made you some dinner. Later, Ill drop it off. drunk and banned. First, check out this brief guide to 10 of the more common words that may trip up the unsuspecting traveller. For instance, Declan has been in there for the past hour looking around., To eat the head off someone is to become extremely enraged with them. Quality, I see. Email: Word: Define: . Meaning: (Expression) The expression donkeys years in the Irish slang dictionary is used when a long time has gone without seeing another person or doing something a person wants. Ah no. Shite Meaning shit, rubbish or pants. When you arrive in Ireland, particularly for the first time, you may be forgiven for thinking youve landed on an alien planet. Meaning: Youre a disgraceExample of usage and translation: Oh my god, she was an absolute state. Meaning: She is very annoyingExplanation: An insult that translates literally as a bag of vaginas.. The word unreal typically refers to something that is imagined or illusory, but not in Ireland. Meaning: (Phrase) When you hear someone say sure look, it means it is what it is or a person is bored but does not want to talk more. Fair play! The Jacks An Irish slang word for the toilet. For instance, Shes a terrible gobshite., This is yet another mild term for someone who is dense. Meaning: (Verb) When visiting Ireland, youll often hear the word manky which is used to describe something dirty. Thank you so much is what thanks a million means. Leg it This is used to tell someone to run. Scarlet Is an Irish slang word for embarrassed. His sister told his Mam about what happened, for instance. For more information read our privacy policy. Kip This Irish slang word has two meanings. Meaning: (Expression) Its rotten is another way of saying its raining in Ireland. 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. Example: Its minus craic here. Example: Youre so dope, you cant even pass a simple exam. By half past ten, I had locked myself in bed. have you no shame?! Let me help you with your things. Hes a gowl and a half that boy, for instance. This is a formal gathering. Meaning: What culchies call people from Dublin. Give me a shot. Meaning: (Noun) The term oul fella is an older man. Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20, or Stall the ball a minute what did he say? are two examples. Meaning: (Expression) The expression the craic was 90 means that a person is having an exceptionally good time. It was 90 fun. Example: Youre a beamer, arent ya? The more frequent, everyday Irish sayings and phrases that frequently appear in conversation are covered in the following section. 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 Cant stop, Im sorry. Martinas youngwan was in working with us for a few days last week, for instance. You got a bad dose of it, didn't you. I laughed until my belly hurt! 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!) Example: Gosh, she was stumbling out of the pub last night. Give it a lash basically means to try something out. 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! I still cant believe we won that game, for instance. Please share your feedback in the box below. Meaning: (Noun) A chancer is a person who takes a chance on anything, especially when theres an opportunity for him or her to become successful. 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!. The term used to describe filthy or dung-filled people. Note: A lie. For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. Are you going for the cure? Grand This is used in Irish phrases instead of using the word okay. In reality, it can describe anything. This guide to Irish slang words and phrases, insults, and expressions will assist you in deciphering some of what the locals are saying while in Ireland.
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