Example: If we want to arrive on time, we need to leg it. Depending on the circumstance, this one might be offensive. Meaning: (Greeting) The term hows the form? is a greeting when you unexpectedly see a friend you havent spoken to in a while. Both deadly and class are not always used to describe a lesson. People can also use this Irish expression to say it is what it is. Ah no. Example: Hey! Its definitely Irish slang once more. Meaning: A messExample of usage and translation: Me hairs all over the shop = My hair is a mess. There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. Hes sound means hes alright as a person. Here are some Irish slang terms for both favorable and unfavorable weather. used to describe a bothersome person. Yer man over there (with pointing or nodding of the head) This indicates that man over there. Give me a shot. 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. Hes a sad little bugger. For example, its bloody freezing means it is really, really cold. When describing something or someone who is in a bad situation, the phrase in bits is used. It is pelting down. What were you thinking?! or Ive never tried that before, but Ill definitely give it a lash. 2023 LetsLearnSlang.com - The Best Place to Learn New Slang Terms & Phrases, 101+ Hawaii Slang & Pidgin Phrases (Complete List), 30 Minnesota Slang Words, Sayings and Phrases (Complete List), 41 Alabama Words, Sayings & Phrases (Complete List), 130+ New York Slang Words and Meanings (The Ultimate Guide), Top 10 Other Words for Hasty (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Dazzling (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Dying (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Precedent (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Expensive (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Respond (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Mundane (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Profitable (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Eccentric (Explained w Examples), Top 10 Other Words for Recognition (Explained w Examples). Yer man is used to refer to a man, but it can also be used when you dont know their name. Meaning: (Noun) The messages is an Irish term for shopping or groceries. Buncrana: A popular holiday destination. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. 2. Example: Youre so dope, you cant even pass a simple exam. Meaning: Shes overly excitedExample of usage and translation: Shes seen Jamie Dornan walking around Belfast and now she up to high doh.. Here we've rounded up 20 common Dublin slang phrases and what they mean. If you hear this you should expect sunshine and warm weather, possibly a light breeze. a favorite of mine. For instance, That car needs to be cleaned up well. Contextualized as embarrassed. Most frequently, it is used in response to the questions Hows it going and How are you feeling? How are you doing today? This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This one hasnt been used very frequently lately. 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. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. Can you use your jumper cables to give it a lash? Add your Slang. Lets talk soon when were not busy. Example: Im glad to spend time with you this summer. Ever. When I was starting to put together this list with my husband, I wanted to run this list by him. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Example: Dont be such a pox. The slang is much similar to the Irish word ciotach, meaning clumsy. Grand This is used in Irish phrases instead of using the word okay. Cant stop, Im sorry. Dont go anywhere alone with him. Sure look People might say sure look, itll be grand to respond to a question. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Example: You almost lost your passport? Thank you so much is what thanks a million means. Fair play! Here are some more typical expressions using Irish slang words, from the messages to jammy.. Gas is used when someone or something is funny. Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. Read on to find out several ways to say hello to Irish people as well as some other interesting sayings and funny phrases. Its a grand, soft day Means its a rainy day, but more so fine, misty rain than pouring rain. 19. Howaya! Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyone's breath away. all lured - feeling delighted banjaxed - a multipurpose word that can mean broken, tired or drunk be wide - be careful 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.. See how hes pulling a beamer. Example: Gday beour. Young men and women are frequently referred to as youngfellas and youngwans, respectively. Stall it An Irish way of saying wait, stop, pause. His sister told his Mam about what happened, for instance. About 20 times a day, I use this. Mocking is catching If you are mocking or teasing someone about something, be careful karma doesnt come to bite you in the backside! Say, Theres your change, for instance. Hes going home to a tongin from the wife. A significant number of Irish slang words that I had never heard of were discovered by the Instagram post. . Example: Are you alright? Meaning: (Verb) The Irish slang shifting is used when two people are making out. Shane, hows the form? is an example. The term used to describe filthy or dung-filled people. 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. Meaning: (Adjective) Kip is another slang term in Ireland used in everyday speech that means dirty. For example, Richard says I got you a pint cause I was at the bar to which Mick responds sound. Meaning: (Greeting) This Irish greeting is often used when a person comes home from the pub. Where's the jacks? Shut your bake, you clown, for instance. Dont worry; slagging is light-heartedly mocking someone and is often witnessed amongst friends. Ive missed you so! You dropped your wallet. This Irish expression is used to request that someone wait for you or to pause what you are saying. Hes a right chancer This Irish term is used when talking about someone who chances their arm. First, you can use this to ask someone to come near you because he or she wants to say something to you. We all know that our conversational tone has been hit with the Hiberno-English brush where the construction of sentences comes more from the Gaeilge. Donkeys years is a term for a lengthy period of time. Example: Do what you want; Im up to 90 today. Meaning: A scoldingExample of usage and translation: He spent the whole evening drinking at the pub. 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. Example: This party is dryshite. THE IRISH WAY with words is a complex one. When someone is Acting the maggot, they are dossing or messing around, which means they are not carrying out their intended task. Meaning: (Noun) In Irish slang, the word clown is a person who is silly and loves to joke all the time. Glad you enjoyed the post . 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.. You may hear people saying hes an awful dryshite. They have a filthy kitchen, for instance. Example: Houl yer whisht! Although I personally dont use the word feck, it is one of my favorites because it is associated with the wonderful Father Ted series. Its gas! This expression means that he or she is truly and deeply thankful for the help he or she received. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. Example: Where did you get these eggs, you glunterpeck? There are only a few left-handed people compared to right-handed people even today. We only had a few shots of whiskey. The most common Irish slang insults are "eejit" or "gombeen" which means "idiot." Minerals Here we are coming back to the drinking culture in Ireland. 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?'. 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. When my sister told me shed won 50 on a bet during the Irish Grand National my immediate response was you jammy sod. Meaning: (Adjective) Class is another term for good in Ireland. Example: Should we bring a sanger to avoid getting hungry while on the trip? The most useless scut Ive ever seen. Example: You better teach the chiseler not to mess with my things. Leg it This is used to tell someone to run. Example: Are you done with schoolwork? To slag someone is to mock them. Dope is another word for a stupid person in Ireland. When referring to someone whose name you do not know or who you do not like, the phrase Yer wan or Your one is used. Its manky! Can you still walk? Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20, or Stall the ball a minute what did he say? are two examples. Although craic generally refers to fun, there are several other ways to use it, as with many Irish slang terms. Meaning: (Expression) Thanks a million is how an Irish person thanks another person for doing him or her a solid. Fooling and messing around. Locked. Ask any Irish person! Meaning: (Adjective) Banjaxed is an Irish slang word that can either mean a person is drunk, brokenhearted, or tired. You look well! Cat. Example: Were you shifting with her the other night? Meaning: (Phrase) In bits is when a person is describing something bad that happened to him or her. Example: Dont be skeptical. The 20 Happiest Countries in the World, 2022, This Guide To Irish Slang and Insults Will Have You Downing Guinness With the Locals in a Flash, The Ultimate Guide To the Many Accents in Ireland, 12 Common Hand Gestures in the US That Will Insult People in Other Countries, 29 Phrases To Get You Started Learning Pidgin English, Does Duolingo Actually Work? But, this expression means a certain person is moving on from a negative relationship or situation. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Meaning: (Verb) giving out is Irish slang for complaining or ranting about something unpleasant. 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. Is it true that your cousin is getting married just after a few weeks of dating? Raging An Irish expression means someone is angry or disappointed with themselves. There are many different ways to use the word fine: If you hear someone say Its fine, they are saying Its OK. When someone calls someone a Fine thing, it typically means they find them attractive. Meaning: (Phrase) In a heap/hoop is a person who is overly intoxicated. Example: Get away from me, melter! Jammers when someone says it was jammers this means the bus/pub/train was packed with people. 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. He might act like a bollox, but he's sound out really. Meaning: (Noun) Baked is another name for the mouth or face. Its often called squash or cordial in other countries. Hows she cutting? Leg it to the shops, or leg it to meet one of the lads around the corner. Example: Where do you get this bizarre craic? He made a right bags of that. . For instance, Cmon. We should go outside and get some fresh air. Sorry pal, can you tell me where the jacks is? is one example. See good, sound, sound as. Im very proud of him. Go away outta that This is another Irish phrase that has a few meanings, depending on the situation. Irish people will say, Fair play, when they want to congratulate someone. Meaning: (Noun) A hallion is a person who is worthless. Example: Lets go. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Wee - our favourite word Im at a loss for words for this one. Shes always giving out means shes always complaining or moaning. Tame. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. Example: You are a fine young lady, so dont let any man break your heart. . Meaning: (Expression) The expression good woman is an exclamation used when a person is surprised or in disbelief. Giving out Means someone is complaining about someone or something. Meaning: (Noun) Ciotog is Irish Gaelic for left-handed people. This is yet another mild example of Irish slang for someone you dont particularly like. The word comes from how Irish people pronounce idiot.. You appear healthy. Its finely stopped pissing down. The day is suitable for drying. This way, you wont have a hard time understanding locals that often use Irish expressions. I dont know, but it sounds like some Irish slang Ive heard my entire life. Meaning: (Expression) The expression a good day for drying means that the sun is out, and its a sunny day, perfect for drying clothes. Locked is just one such term - others include mouldy, ossified, polluted, twisted and langers. Many of us in Ireland use slang terms so frequently that we forget they are slang. 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Im Scots and so much (maybe 70% ?) Example: How ya doin, hey? Example: Lets go home. Meaning: (Adjective) Locked is another term used when a person is blackout drunk. I don't know, but it sounds like some Irish slang I've heard my entire life. For instance, Shite man, Im late. Deadly Indicates that something is cool or awesome. For instance, Please let me know he canceled training. The outside is rotten. For instance, Hes banjxxed, sure hes been on the pints all day.. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Bags (To make a bags of something) Make a mess of doing something. In Ireland, there are countless ways to describe something as great or good. Meaning: Little brats /little shitsExplanation: shitehawk can be used affectionately. Meaning: (Adjective) In Ireland, if one person calls you thick, he or she thinks you are stupid. Meaning: Stop acting upNote: Most often said by ones mother, it basically means stop doing what youre doing right now, or suffer the consequences. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station? = Oh my god, she was a disgrace. Whats the story? . Additionally, it occasionally tends to lead to some confusion. For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. Fear no more. Ill speak with you later, okay? Example: The craic was 90 at your birthday party last night! You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. , 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. Same as whats the story. Good God, it just occurred to me how many Irish proverbs there are for foul weather! Did you do that thing for yer man? is an example. See what I did there! If she thinks five is not enough, shell repeat it. For instance, She ultimately passed her exams. Last night, after Foleys, I was in a hoop. Why? Banjaxed This is used to describe something that is broken or not working. Meaning: (Adjective) Flutered is used to describe a person who is drunk. You can also use it to respond to a greeting without giving too much away about how you are doing. For instance, What an eejit, he used cooking oil on the lettuce thinking it was salad dressing.. Not to be confused with deadlys actual meaning of dangerous. Surely your feet are dragging. Note: This could mean anything. Slagging This Irish term means teasing someone or means insulting someone behind their backs. sound out irish slang. Meaning: (Expression) In Irish slang words, the term eat the head off is used when someone is furious with another person. Translated: A stroll. For instance, That new pub on the corner is deaaaaadly!. Scundered/scunnered - different meanings depending on your location 16. Meaning: Stop moaning / complainingNote: To gurn is to complain about a person. Howanever and anyways 12. The jacks is also. Meaning: (Noun) The word wean is used to identify a small child. Cath is an Irish expat now living in Portugal. Janie (mac) An expression to denote shock or exasperation. Example: I cant believe you turned into a hallion! Example: My son is a chancer, alright. drunk and banned. 15 Things That Might Amaze You, The Two Fascinating Capitals of Ireland Dublin and Belfast, What is a Banshee? Full of Tips, Reviews, Travel Blogs 7 Coronation Road, Launchese, London, NW10 7PQ, UNITED KINGDOM Contact us: [emailprotected] Read more. It originates in rhyming slang of the early-20 th Century, and was derived from "donkey's ears ", which are naturally pretty long. Hewya, me auld segotias An old Irish way of saying hi my friend. Example: I cant stay here a second longer. 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. , Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. Example: I cant explain it but Im in bits after the meeting. Please share your feedback in the box below. 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. Hes a slievene means hes a sneaky so-and-so. Boking/boke/boked - not the most pleasant thing 15. The "Craic" Pronounced like 'crack, this actually means just having a good time and enjoying oneself. In other words, I didnt. So, strangely enough, the most frequent email weve received since we first published this guide in early 2019 is from people looking for words and Irish slang for girl. For instance, That lads just a goon,. I thought they were sold out, Savage, man. Meaning: (Noun) The word beour is Irish slang for an attractive girl. Cop on to yourself Used to tell someone to pull themselves together. It is also used as an insult. Hes a shnakey little shitehawk, that man. Example: Shut your bake! Acting the maggot Bad dose Bags (to make a bags of something) Bang on Banjaxed Black stuff Boyo Brutal Bucketing down Bunk off Chancer Chiseler Ciotg Cod/codding ya Craic Crack on Culchie Cute hoor Delira and excira Deadly Donkey's years Dosser Eat the head off Eejit Earwigging Effin' and blindin' Meaning: (Expression) Minus craic is an Irish expression that means a person, thing, or situation is boring. 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. Example: Theres no place for a latchio here! Such as, Story horse?! The following section delves into Irish idioms and slang terms that Ive used in the past but that were completely lost on listeners. Meaning: (Noun) A melter is someone incredibly annoying that he or she might actually melt your brain. A manky day out refers to a day that is grey, miserable and probably raining too. Example: You went to the beach? My friend Mayo Declan is an expert in this field. 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Wicklow, Most Beautiful Irish Names and What They Mean, What To Eat in Hawaii? Tbf Irish phrases / idioms are better than the slang words, If yer . Meaning: Well done!Example of usage and translation: Jaysus, you did well there, good woman yourself! = Jesus man, well done, congratulations!, Meaning: ThingyExample of usage and translation: Wheres that yoke gone? = Where has that random thing gone that I was looking for?, Meaning: My girlfriendNote: You can also refer to a group of females as mots., Meaning: VeryExample of usage and translation: Its fierce windy out = Its very windy outside, Meaning: Equivalent the F wordExample of usage and translation: wheres me bleedin phone? = Where my F****** phone?, Meaning: That sucks / How unfortunate for you. He still has his communion money Another expression used to describe a person who is tight with their money. Catch yourself on . . And I can tell you its not only my family that does this. In Ireland, there are literally countless ways to describe someone we dont like. Meaning: (Noun) A goon is Irish slang for a man whos so drunk he becomes too loud and too much to handle. 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Meaning: (Adjective) The word gobdaw is Irish slang thats used to describe a stupid person. Here are a few (Ill update this again later as new comments are submitted). He spends his day traveling between the bookies and the pub, for instance. When you arrive in Ireland, particularly for the first time, you may be forgiven for thinking youve landed on an alien planet. Example: How could you come to this kind of place? Irish Slang Words, Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. Irish slang is a rich verbal tradition rooted in the hard and hearty struggles of the Irish people, who are predominantly Celtic in ethnicity. Broke to the bone: Hugely embarrassed. I had a rotten drunken night. Give it a lash basically means to try something out. In Ireland, we use the adjective deadly to describe excellent or fantastic things. Youre out of your tree! 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. That was shite can means that was rubbish. These can be a derogatory term or meant lightly. Bring your wishes there. The cure denotes a pint of beer/Guinness to cure the hangover. 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. I will, yes. Maybe they are culchie. So, whats the craic? Why? 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. Fair play This Irish phrase is used a lot to tell someone well done for something they have done, completed or achieved. Meaning: (Expression) The term Its spitting is used when there is light rain. Were you born in a barn? For instance, All those guys do is sit around and play Xbox. They are two dryshitters. The term is commonly used as an insult in Ireland. Gammy : Useless. Every day, I use slang. a different term for eejit. Example: Dont forget your raincoat and boots. Thats sound! Example: Lets not leave today. Ireland is the second largest island in the world, just next to Great Britain. 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. Whats the craic? Thank you. Meaning: (Expression) The expression bout ye means how are you doing? in Irish slang. have you no shame?! I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. 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. Meaning: (Expression) Give me a shot is one of the most common Irish phrases youll hear when youre in Ireland. Meaning: (Noun) A peeler is an Irish term for a member of the police. Some of my favorites are listed below. For some strange reason, the shopping or the groceries are referred to as the messages in Ireland. Example: That boy is thick. I havent seen him in donkeys years means that you havent seen that person for a very long time. "Tommy, it's been donkey's years since you've been here!". He does appear to be possessed, flying around the garden. Shes up there giving out to Tony about something, for instance. For instance, Hes a terrible latchio., In other words, how are you? Meaning: (Noun) The word mucker is used as another name for a friend. Give me a try is an additional option. Example: I cant believe youre graduating with the highest remarks.