Example: What a grand aul day it is. 125 Irish Slang Words and Phrases to Sound Like a True Local Ireland is the second largest island in the world, just next to Great Britain. Example: I cant stay here a second longer. I had a wild night last night. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase In rag order or in ribbons is not that common nowadays, but some locals still used to describe a person who is very drunk. Every day, I use slang. It can be subsitited for ah feck but not around little ears! As in, Bout ye, chief! Like a pint? Lovely to hear our Celtic ties are still going strong with us using many of the same terms. . There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. Meaning: (Noun) The slang yer wan in Ireland is usually used to call a female person youve forgotten. Yes, savage is also slang for good in Ireland. This way, you wont have a hard time understanding locals that often use Irish expressions. For instance, Cmon. We should go outside and get some fresh air. Meaning: (Expression) Bucketing down is one of the most used Irish slang phrases when there is a heavy downpour of rain. This is a phrase that means "a long time" or a "number of years". Its often called squash or cordial in other countries. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. I would give him a solid kick up the hole if he were my own! During a trip to Northern Ireland, where we visited way too many pubs, I frequently heard the word cracking used. Faffing is the act of doing something but not actually doing it. The following section delves into Irish idioms and slang terms that Ive used in the past but that were completely lost on listeners. Meaning: (Verb) Faffing is used by Irish people when a person is pretending to do something or acting like he or she is doing something but with no half measures. I loved this article, thank you! Hes sound means hes alright as a person. Example: Gosh, she was stumbling out of the pub last night. Example: Wow, this hotel is the good of it! One of the most famous Irish words is 'grand.' Unfortunately it has a multitude of meanings depending on context. 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!) Posted at 16:45h in lucia marisol williams by colin mclean where is he now. You appear healthy. Shes away with the fairies An Irish expression used to describe someone who is living in their own little bubble (la la land) or isnt all there. Did you see her going to the toilet in front of the police station?" Meaning: (Adjective) The term shitehawk is used to describe the poorest of the poor. This one is frequently used as an answer to questions like, How was work today? It goes like this: Ah, shtap sure Ive been up to 90 since half 7.. Meaning: He is an idiotExplanation: The proper way to pronounce idiot in Ireland.Note: In Nothern Ireland, youll hear the insult Buck eejit, which means just about the same thing. Example: I cant believe you turned into a hallion! Yoke A word used instead of saying thing. 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. For instance, Stop, I know. 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. . Im going on the lash at the weekend means I am going out drinking this weekend. Meaning: (Expression) Give me a shot is one of the most common Irish phrases youll hear when youre in Ireland. . Rainey weather type. Meaning: (Verb) The old Irish slang beamer means that a person is going red all over the face because of embarrassment. For example, Richard says I got you a pint cause I was at the bar to which Mick responds sound. Youre a savage! Meaning: (Verb) The Irish slang phrase leg it means that the person saying this to you wants you to move quickly or run to avoid being late. By half past ten, I had locked myself in bed. Will I, yea? Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. Example: Go and bollox if you think you can get me to agree with you. , It is referred to as a yoke to describe the object. 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: Hes really going for itExample of usage and translation: Yer man was giving it socks on the dance floor last night = That guy was dancing non-stop last night, Meaning: Bad or terribleExample of usage and translation: Youre a poxy bleedin liar = Youre a terrible F****** liar, Meaning: How embarrassing for you.Note: The complete version of this slang phrase is scarlet for your ma for having ya which translates as You did something extremely embarrassing and should be disowned.. Ah bollix can also be used if you have forgotten something or done something wrong. Impress your friends with your new accent. Example: I cant explain it but Im in bits after the meeting. Meaning: (Adjective) Banjaxed is an Irish slang word that can either mean a person is drunk, brokenhearted, or tired. Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20, or Stall the ball a minute what did he say? are two examples. Something that is dirty is referred to as manky. So, whats the craic? Meaning: (Noun) A mot is a Dublin word that is used as slang for a girlfriend. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Note: This could mean anything. This is said often in my area of Dublin as a bit of humour. She has fluted. So, if you are excited to learn about Irish slang words, lets start now! Muppet Another word for stupid and can be substituted for eejit. Meaning: (Noun) A melter is someone incredibly annoying that he or she might actually melt your brain. Revealing the Origins of this Scary Irish Creature, What is Ireland Famous For? Meaning: (Phrase) In a heap/hoop is a person who is overly intoxicated. If you fall and break your legs, dont come running to me! Combine this piece of Irish slang with 'pound' (before 2002, the Irish currency used to be pounds) and . Bags (To make a bags of something) Make a mess of doing something. He's a bleedin' dope 17. Meaning: (Noun) Fella is Irish slang for a boy or a man at any age. Shes a tool. It can often be heard from irritated parents telling off their offspring. Slagging This Irish term means teasing someone or means insulting someone behind their backs. Example: Hurry, theres a peeler heading our way. Sound A word that can often be used instead of grand or okay. Meaning: (Expression) The expression bout ye means how are you doing? in Irish slang. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station?" = "Oh my god, she was a disgrace. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. They have fought against the more powerful and oppressive British empire, whose members mostly derive from Anglo-Saxons. I have no other words. Example: Lets not leave today. or when asking about a specific circumstance, such as Hows that lad doing? He and I havent spoken in ages. Although he is from Malahide, he is spot on. Sound person. Meaning: (Verb) When visiting Ireland, youll often hear the word manky which is used to describe something dirty. I clipped the wing mirror off the pillar yesterday, as an illustration. Since there are so many different ways to use the word craic, Im giving it its own section. For instance, Oh man, my heads are in shambles. You could say some of these Irish funny phrases are gas. It is pelting down. Meaning: (Noun) The messages is an Irish term for shopping or groceries. In Ireland, there are countless ways to describe something as great or good. Meaning: (Verb) giving out is Irish slang for complaining or ranting about something unpleasant. For instance, I observed you conversing with him for about four hours. Did you throw up? You got a bad dose of it, didn't you. Youll hear stall it when someone wants to pause at a shop and pop inside and they need their friends to stop and wait. 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. These are all bad! Meaning: (Noun) In Irish words, The jacks means toilet. Stop acting the maggot. Example: The craic was 90 at your birthday party last night! For instance, Shite, store the cans. There are two peelers approaching from that direction. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Give it a lash has many different applications. Here are a few Irish expressions that I frequently use. Good God, it just occurred to me how many Irish proverbs there are for foul weather! Example: You were flutered last night, werent ya? Meaning: (Noun) Ciotog is Irish Gaelic for left-handed people. For instance, John spills his pint of Guinness and shouts Bollix in annoyance. This is yet another kissing-related Irish expression. , For instance, Oh, Kayla. a different term for eejit. Nice person. For instance, use your umbrella to Gway out of that. 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. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Irish people will say, Fair play, when they want to congratulate someone. Example: Stall the ball! This Irish slang has been used for years. First, check out this brief guide to 10 of the more common words that may trip up the unsuspecting traveller. Please share your feedback in the box below. He might act like a bollox, but he's sound out really. Example: Cmere to me and tell me why your mother is furious again. Well, no need to reach for your Irish language dictionary just yet. Thats sound! Note: A show of optimism that relies on nothing but hope. 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. Bang on is another example of Irish slang for good and is typically used as a response. In Irish slang, people who live in the countryside are called culchie.. Example: Shut your bake! 5863 , 65-70: Irish slang and expressions for addressing people Irish Slang Words, 7179: Irish slang for excellent Irish Slang Words, 15 BEST Castles In Ireland 2023 (with Photos), 8087: Irish slang for intoxicated Irish Slang Words, 88-89: Irish slang for a woman or girl Irish Slang Words, Ive never heard of the Irish slang between 90 and 93 Irish Slang Words, Slang from Belfast, 94101 Irish Slang Words. For instance, Dont worry about it; its great., Up to 90 means completely occupied with something. Example: Clean the toilet now. And this is the one that the fantastic Father Ted series popularized. In Ireland, we discuss the weather a lot. 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. Meaning: Stop moaning / complainingNote: To gurn is to complain about a person. It can also sometimes be used instead of thanks. Young men and women are frequently referred to as youngfellas and youngwans, respectively. Example: hey, dawn! You may hear people saying hes an awful dryshite. For instance, That lads just a goon,. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. Example: Are you alright? For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. Feck/Friggin/Flippin All stem from fuck and are a lesser harsh version. Whats the story? When something is so incredible that its difficult to believe it, we use the adjective unreal. Dye see me new runners, for instance. Acting the maggot This Irish slang term is used to say someone was acting the eejit, being stupid, fooling around and is often prefaced by the word STOP. This is quite a common Irish expression in Dublin. Shed talk the hind legs off a donkey This girl/woman is a right chatterbox, never stops talking. With my guide to certain Irish lingo, you will understand what the phrases mean and fit right in! Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. Severe illness. We like her! Cath is an Irish expat now living in Portugal. Will you wait for me in this spot? . 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. Gas If an Irish person says Thats gas, they are not referring to an actual gas, they mean something is funny! Youll be getting off your hole and emptying the bins in 5 minutes, for instance. Say, Eh, is that Karen up there on that table? She has consumed 17 vodkas. Both deadly and class are not always used to describe a lesson. Example: Story horse! Howsagoin?! Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. mobile app, chipper = Local greasy food stand where you can get French fries. Lazy person is the correct translation. I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. This term is used as a derogatory word. There are three languages spoken in Ireland: Irish (Gaeilge), Ullans (in Northern Ireland), and English. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. Jammers when someone says it was jammers this means the bus/pub/train was packed with people. It was in this paper bag, but its not inside anymore. Translated: A stroll. . The more frequent, everyday Irish sayings and phrases that frequently appear in conversation are covered in the following section. 20. , Two different things can be meant by the phrase Cmere to me. The first is to physically come to me, as in Cmere to me and tell me what happened?, The second time you might use this Irish proverb is to ask someone to pay attention to you, as in Cmere to me for a minute and Ill tell ya., The term lob the gob refers to a kiss. This Irish expression, which is overused and not unique to any one county, is used frequently. This is a term that is frequently used in a crude manner, but it is also used in normal conversation. drunk and banned. As in "it is absolutely lashing". Example: We were hammered last night, but I loved every minute of it! My brother-in-law uses this term all the time. It can mean youre joking me or really or for my Welsh readers, go away outta that = never. Shes a terrible wagon. If you hear this you should expect sunshine and warm weather, possibly a light breeze. Meaning: (Expression) The expression its lashing is used when theres heavy rain and strong winds. Irish people frequently refer to people or situations as Gas. Funny is referred to as gas in Irish slang. Bollocks/bollix Can be used instead of saying bullshit. Below, we have 125 Irish slang words and Irish slang phrases you should learn. Dont go anywhere alone with him. Rainey weather type. Meaning: (Verb) Irish people use the word slagging when describing a person making fun of another person. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Meaning: (Expression) The phrase Its pure shit means that its a rainy day. Such as, Story horse?! It is also used as an insult. Not to be confused with deadlys actual meaning of dangerous. Meaning: (Verb) Just like everybody, Irish people love to party and sometimes get drunk. I don't know, but it sounds like some Irish slang I've heard my entire life. . How many years has it been since we saw each other? Howya/Hewya How are you cobbled into a one-word expression. Here are some Irish slang terms for both favorable and unfavorable weather. For instance, She wants to be f****d out of the club. She is arranged in rags. Example: I will eat the head off of him for saying such horrible things! Topic: +100 Irish Slang Words To Sound Like A Local. This Irish slang dictionary will guide you through some of the common Irish slang phrases and words you may encounter during a trip to Ireland and will help you decipher and understand what is being said or referred to when you hear these terms. sound out irish slang 05 Jun. Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. 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Did you do that thing for yer man? is an example. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish says youre jammy, he or she means you are lucky. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Hold on for a moment, and Ill pass it to you right away! Shamey Brannagin was once more caught stealing from Kerrigans, for instance. one who is uninteresting. Meaning: (Noun) The term bog is an Irish word for people of the lowest class. Example: Dont be skeptical. For example, I managed to book tickets for that concert you were telling me about Paddy, to which Paddy replies deadly. Whats the craic? How will he give you the life youve always dreamed of? Oi / / is an interjection used in various varieties of the English language, particularly Australian English, British English, Indian English, Irish English, New Zealand English, and South African English, as well as non-English languages such as Chinese, Tagalog, Tamil, Hindi / Urdu, Japanese, and Portuguese to get the attention of another Meaning: (Expression) The expression a good day for drying means that the sun is out, and its a sunny day, perfect for drying clothes. It is a book containing the gallows speeches from over 100 offenders. Going on the lash Means going on a pub crawl, going for as many alcoholic drinks it takes to get drunk. Meaning: (Expression) Up to high doh is an expression used when a person is excited or cant wait for something to happen. Irish slang words and meanings Eejit - This is probably one of the most commonly used Irish slang terms that I know of. I got my fair share of strange looks when I said certain things during my time there.
