Example: My oul fella wants to join this trip and I said yes. Sarahs new fella was out last night, for example. Can you still walk? It was in this paper bag, but its not inside anymore. So much so that I always thought that they WERE Scots. 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. Pronounced as ki-togue, it is an Irish slang that usually refers to a left-handed person. Yer man over there (with pointing or nodding of the head) This indicates that man over there. Full of Tips, Reviews, Travel Blogs 7 Coronation Road, Launchese, London, NW10 7PQ, UNITED KINGDOM Contact us: [emailprotected] Read more. But in Irish slang, savage means outstanding or amazing. Thanks a million! After everything I have done for you! Dont get confused with it being a person, for locals are always using this term. I dont know, but it sounds like some Irish slang Ive heard my entire life. Theres also the possibility of using this Irish proverb to describe someone who is bull-thick (aka angry). This word is often associated with the expression go and bollox and is deemed offensive. I would give him a solid kick up the hole if he were my own! The most useless scut Ive ever seen. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. Example: Wow, you really did get me a concert ticket. Shes a tool. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase gone from means that a person is away or has left. You are such a clown! 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. Whats the craic? The slang was taken from the original word and is now one of the common Irish sayings today. This term, which is pronounced Flue-tered, designates a person who has consumed more alcohol than 9 pints. What were you thinking?! Rainey weather type. Depending on the circumstance, this one might be offensive. Meaning: (Adjective) Gobshite is used to describe an incompetent person. OK is grand. I cant be arsed. . This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Meaning: (Expression) The Irish phrase give it a lash is used to encourage a person to pursue something or give it a go.. Lets go on a picnic! Example: Thats so funny. 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. Donkeys years is a term for a lengthy period of time. Meaning: (Adjective) Dead on is a phrase used when a person is hot or good-looking. He still has his communion money Another expression used to describe a person who is tight with their money. Example: What a grand aul day it is. Example: Im up to high doh about this trip! Email: Word: Define: 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. This Irish proverb seemed to make perfect sense to me, but apparently not. Something that is dirty is referred to as manky. Example: How ya doin, hey? Hammered is the word Irish people use when they drink too much and get intoxicated. Example: I need rest today. Here are 20 Northern Irish phrases and what they mean in plain English. Just substitute drunk in hes drunk or I was drunk with one of the following words: These Irish words and phrases include swear words or insults. According to Irish Central, the craic was 90 signifies "the nirvana of craic," though it can also be used sarcastically. Culchie/Langer These are terms that usually refer to someone to who lives down the country and isnt a Dub. This is said often in my area of Dublin as a bit of humour. Example: have you seen a wean with bright red hair? Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. Yer man is used to refer to a man, but it can also be used when you dont know their name. 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. If she thinks five is not enough, shell repeat it. All of these Irish slang words can be used to describe someone who is drunk. Example: Why are you with that geebag? Say, Ah, stop, thats gas! , Emmas dog is gas, etc. Both deadly and class are not always used to describe a lesson. Example: Nice one! The radio is not audible to me. Your email address will not be published. Example: Shell never find a man. 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: Hey, girl! Please share your feedback in the box below. Every day, I use slang. Howsagoin?! It can mean youre joking me or really or for my Welsh readers, go away outta that = never. Meaning: (Noun) In Irish words, The jacks means toilet. Example: Its been a bad dose since morning. This is hilarious! Example: You were with him all night and all you did was lob the gob? 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. . Example: Clean the toilet now. It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. That young lad was acting the maggot in here last night.. sound out irish slang. Example: That boy is thick. She has fluted. I legged it for the bus means I ran for the bus. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyones breath away. Wow, what a dope. I cant understand the news! Youve been warned! See how hes pulling a beamer. Meaning: (Adjective) The word dote is used to describe a person who is adorable. Meaning: (Adjective) Class is another term for good in Ireland. Meaning: (Expression) The expression houl yer whisht is used when a person is trying to tell others to keep quiet. Meaning: (Noun) Gowl is another word for eejit that is used as an insult in Ireland. Hes a sad little bugger. During a trip to Northern Ireland, where we visited way too many pubs, I frequently heard the word cracking used. Bad dose. You can also use it to avoid making decisions, using it instead of its up to you. Tame. Only friends from Drogheda that I am aware of use these words to describe intoxication. Example: Do you remember the yoke I brought home yesterday? Example: Dont forget your raincoat and boots. Lashing You'll hear this one on a regular basis in Ireland. Not sure if it will help. Meaning: (Greeting) This Irish greeting is often used when a person comes home from the pub. You pup : You brazen individual. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. To make a long story short This can be used at the start of an explanation but beware, it doesnt always mean itll be a short story. 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. Meaning: (Expression) Its pissing down is a term used in Ireland when its a rainy day. Example: Theres a long line at the jacks. Irish slang words and phrases and their meaning, Best Things to Do in Donegal, Ireland (County Guide), 15 Prettiest and Best Coastal Towns in Ireland to Visit, https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1100284, What are the Irish known for? You may hear people saying hes an awful dryshite. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. 15 . I need a barrel of Soudafed, for instance. The car wont start, for instance. 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: I heard you got promoted. Do you recall the time Micky was busted moving the cow in the back of his Ford Focus, for instance? For example, Richard says I got you a pint cause I was at the bar to which Mick responds sound. It can mean fun, goings on or gossip. 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.. Glad you enjoyed the post . But he was raging with her means he was so angry with her. Some of my favorites are listed below. Example: Are you alright? Hewya, me auld segotias An old Irish way of saying hi my friend. a different term for eejit. I remember kids in school saying scarlet for you meaning Im so embarrassed for you. This one is typically used the morning following a strenuous session to explain why your head is pounding. Example: Stall the ball! Example: Dont be skeptical. For the benefit of any American readers, let me clarify that when we say Craic in Ireland, we dont mean either the substance you smoke on a street corner or the crack in your arse. Topic: +100 Irish Slang Words To Sound Like A Local. 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. That is fatal. Example: Were you shifting with her the other night? Oh, I do. 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. Example: Im glad to see you suckin diesel. Not to be confused with the following. Meaning: (Noun) The term bog is an Irish word for people of the lowest class. 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. Ah, man, the heads are bouncing off of me, as an example. My stomach hurts so badly. I havent seen him in donkeys years means that you havent seen that person for a very long time. . However, there are a few different ways youll hear it used more frequently: There is absolutely no way that I am doing that. Example: Hey! Can also describe someone who takes risks. It can also sometimes be used instead of thanks. Get outta that garden A fun Irish phrase used to get a laugh or reaction or can also be said to someone who is being nosy or doing something they shouldnt. , Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. Add your Slang. Impress your friends with your new accent. 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. 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. Meaning: (Adjective) Mouldy or mullered is a term mostly used in Drogheda, Ireland, and is used to describe a drunk person. Gas If an Irish person says Thats gas, they are not referring to an actual gas, they mean something is funny! Meaning: (Noun) Yoke is Irish slang that is used to call something with a name you cant remember, even when you think hard enough. Meaning: (Noun) Baked is another name for the mouth or face. 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. So, whats the craic? 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. Meaning: (Noun) A geebag is a woman who is not pleasant. 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. At my previous job, I shared a building with about 250 individuals representing 34 nations. 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. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. Thats why he dropped out of school. Dont worry; slagging is light-heartedly mocking someone and is often witnessed amongst friends. Feck/Friggin/Flippin All stem from fuck and are a lesser harsh version. She regularly returns to Ireland to explore more of the wonderful island with her family. This expression means that he or she is truly and deeply thankful for the help he or she received. Example: Quit slagging her. Meaning: Stop moaning / complainingNote: To gurn is to complain about a person. Example: Come meet my mucker. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. You are such a gobshite! But, this expression means a certain person is moving on from a negative relationship or situation. Note: A lie. Example: Wow, your boyfriend sure is dead on! Depending on the county, greetings tend to differ quite a bit. This is quite a common Irish expression in Dublin. Irish Slang Words, Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. Example: Youre so dope, you cant even pass a simple exam. Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. Can you recommend any books about 18th century Irish speech? 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. For instance, Shite, store the cans. There are two peelers approaching from that direction. , It is referred to as a yoke to describe the object. all lured - feeling delighted banjaxed - a multipurpose word that can mean broken, tired or drunk be wide - be careful Will I, yea? Ive never heard some of these terms before! For instance, Oh man, my heads are in shambles. one who is uninteresting. Not to be confused with deadlys actual meaning of dangerous. Come here to me Youll hear this, usually, at the start of a conversation or sentence when someone wants to get your attention or has something important to me. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. One who resides in a far-off area of Ireland is referred to as a culchie. Anyone who lives outside of Dublin is typically referred to as A culchie by Dubliners. Another one for extremely inebriated people. For instance, She ultimately passed her exams. Work on your Irish accent, practicing the inflection and sound of consonants and vowels. Banjaxed This is used to describe something that is broken or not working. WHY did I have the second bottle of wine, for instance. Like, Ill see you in 20. I must first gather the messages. This term is used for an acquaintance and even for your father. Did you do that thing for yer man? is an example. Where's your mot? Lousy / scanty / minge-y : Being mean / unkind (Particularly for no reason or towards a worse of individual) Gasping : Thirsty (rather than the actual meaning of being short of breath) Class ; Very good. Mocking is catching If you are mocking or teasing someone about something, be careful karma doesnt come to bite you in the backside! Example: This ice cream is just class. You can post any Irish slang youre unsure of in the comments section below, and Ill get back to you. Howaya! Im in a hurry, so lets talk soon! Hes a slievene means hes a sneaky so-and-so. Meaning: (Adjective) Flutered is used to describe a person who is drunk. Broke to the bone: Hugely embarrassed. Top 10 Foods in Hawaii You Must Try 2023, [Best Hawaiian Songs] 20+ Most Famous Hawaiian Songs You Need to Hear (2023), Moving to Scotland & Pros and Cons of Living in Scotland, Dos and Donts in Hawaii Planning A Trip to Hawaii 2023, Top 8 Munich Attractions Every Local is Proud Of, Things Not To Do in Melbourne 13 Mistakes Tourists Make, The 10 Most Beautiful Towns in Netherlands 2023, 12 Most Beautiful Small Towns in Hawaii 2023, The History of Scottish Clans & 10 Most Common Scottish Surnames, [Hawaiian Beaches] 21 Best Beaches in Hawaii for a Memorable Trip 2023, [Hawaii Must Do] 21 Best Things To Do in Hawaii 2023. Example: Hey, hows the form? Give it a lash has many different applications. See what I did there! This piece is deadly. Story horse? This is yet another mild example of Irish slang for someone you dont particularly like. Sure look People might say sure look, itll be grand to respond to a question. Nice person. For more information read our privacy policy. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. To learn more about affiliate links, read my Disclosure Policy here. OTool assigned us enough math homework to last about seven weeks. Be advised, the last section contains swear/curse/cuss words, so if you dont want to read them, skip the last section. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite Irish proverbs. Meaning: (Adjective) In Ireland, if one person calls you thick, he or she thinks you are stupid. Bang on is a way to describe a person or a circumstance. Additionally, it occasionally tends to lead to some confusion. In recent years, Ive heard much less of this one. Keep doing that and youll be a pro in no time. Our website is full of tips, reviews and travel deals to help you plan your next trip away. Leppin Another word for starving or hungry. It also means good.. Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20, or Stall the ball a minute what did he say? are two examples. Ireland is the second largest island in the world, just next to Great Britain. Severe illness. Give me a try is an additional option. To be sound: Irish slang. Youll hear this phrase frequently when people are describing people they dont like. a favorite of mine. Meaning: (Expression) The expression good of it is another way of saying that something is great. Leg it to the shops, or leg it to meet one of the lads around the corner. Its important to remember that not everyone who describes themselves as grand actually is. Leg it means to move quickly. Someone who causes trouble. Catch yourself on . Go away outta that This is another Irish phrase that has a few meanings, depending on the situation. That yung wan 18. Meaning: (Noun) A pox is a slang used in Ireland for a person who causes nuisance. I cant stand you!. Meaning: (Verb) Just like everybody, Irish people love to party and sometimes get drunk. There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. In other words, I didnt. First, check out this brief guide to 10 of the more common words that may trip up the unsuspecting traveller. Meaning: (Expression) Give me a shot is one of the most common Irish phrases youll hear when youre in Ireland. a term from old Irish slang used to describe a chancer. Youll hear stall it when someone wants to pause at a shop and pop inside and they need their friends to stop and wait. Its finely stopped pissing down. The day is suitable for drying. See good, sound, sound as. She only needed four years. 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.. These cookies do not store any personal information. . It is also used as an insult. You could eat in Jacks and feel safer. Thats sound! Janie (mac) An expression to denote shock or exasperation. Meaning: (Greeting) The greeting How ya getting on? is used when two people have not seen or talked to each other in a while. Now you are prepared for your trip to Ireland with this dictionary of slang Irish words and phrases, and most importantly, their meanings to ensure you understand what people are saying around you. Example: Gosh, she was stumbling out of the pub last night. It is often used to refer to rougher parts of Dublin in particular. For some strange reason, the shopping or the groceries are referred to as the messages in Ireland. 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. The "Craic" Pronounced like 'crack, this actually means just having a good time and enjoying oneself. Can also be used to describe someone who isnt facing reality about something or a situation. Example: Shut your bake! Can you use your jumper cables to give it a lash? It can also be used to indicate someone is irritated or angry. For instance, I gave him a kick in the bollox because he was slagging me.. It can be subsitited for ah feck but not around little ears! It can be used in all manner of situations as an exasperation. 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: I heard he turned in to a skanger. Ah bollix can also be used if you have forgotten something or done something wrong. 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Wicklow, Most Beautiful Irish Names and What They Mean, What To Eat in Hawaii? Giving out Means someone is complaining about someone or something. Combine this piece of Irish slang with 'pound' (before 2002, the Irish currency used to be pounds) and . I will, yeah This has the opposite meaning to what is implied. He put the heart across me Means that person gave me a real scare/frightened me. Im very proud of him. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For instance, Here. 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. Example: Feck, I forgot to charge my phone! Example: Why dont we go on dander and have a picnic? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Meaning: (Adjective) The word savage originally means a person who is wild or untamable that has no manners or decency. Used when it is raining especially hard outside. It can also mean they are taking advantage of you. Example: You better teach the chiseler not to mess with my things. They have fought against the more powerful and oppressive British empire, whose members mostly derive from Anglo-Saxons. Example: Im glad to spend time with you this summer. Is there anywhere else we can go? Meaning: (Expression) Go and bollox is the Irish way of saying you are not agreeing with what a person is saying to you. The Irish term is another word for a stupid person. How will he give you the life youve always dreamed of? Example: The man you were with is gombeen. Scarlet Is an Irish slang word for embarrassed. For instance, Got food at that Indian restaurant. Meaning: (Adjective) In Ireland, dope has a different meaning from the American version of the word. Im Scots and so much (maybe 70% ?) Grand : good / okay. Meaning: (Noun) Midden was originally a Scottish word that later on was used to call an unattractive person from Ireland. Therefore, Ireland has been one of the most recommended destinations for people who love to travel and explore the world. Example: This party is dryshite. Martinas youngwan was in working with us for a few days last week, for instance. Example: I need to grab the messages. Jammy essentially means good fortune. Young men and women are frequently referred to as youngfellas and youngwans, respectively. When I was starting to put together this list with my husband, I wanted to run this list by him. Given the lack of dry days in Ireland, youll be lucky to hear this said too often! 31 Things that might surprise you, Exactly What to Pack for Ireland in April Clothes, essentials and more. I heard from Noley that you were attending to your hemorrhoids. Meaning: Oh my God!Explanation: In Ireland, its okay to use the Lords name in vain to express your frustration. Im going on the lash at the weekend means I am going out drinking this weekend. Example: Good woman! If you fall and break your legs, dont come running to me! She was down here last Sunday, for instance. Surely your feet are dragging. We dont want him to see all these drinks. 20. We actually do not want a casual acquaintance arriving on our doorstep expecting to be put up and shown the town. Meaning: (Verb) The term dander is used in everyday conversation and means to walk.. As in "it is absolutely lashing". In this case, we will define soft drinks according to Irish slang. Whats the craic can also be used to say hello to someone meaning hi, any gossip/how is it going. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station? = Oh my god, she was a disgrace. For instance, Oh well! He does appear to be possessed, flying around the garden. Example: Lets go home. It wasnt until after I used it in a sentence and a friend from the UK commented that he didnt understand what I was talking about when we first met. 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?'. For instance, That new pub on the corner is deaaaaadly!. Youre acting the maggot. 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. Example: Houl yer whisht! Meaning: (Noun) Even though Ireland seems to only have vast fields and beautiful views, they also have cities. He is an absolute melter. Shut your bake, you clown, for instance. My brother-in-law uses this term all the time. Like, "I'll see you in 20." If you love the series Father Ted, then youll hear this expression often used throughout the series. Example: You almost lost your passport? He might act like a bollox, but he's sound out really. Lovely to hear our Celtic ties are still going strong with us using many of the same terms. Example: Hurry, theres a peeler heading our way. Example: Its minus craic here. Shite Meaning shit, rubbish or pants. I thought you passed out! Meaning: (Adjective) The term shitehawk is used to describe the poorest of the poor. If youre unfamiliar with the terms, Bollox or Bollocks refer to a mans testicles in slang. Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. Would you mind helping me carry my belongings? For instance, Cmon. We should go outside and get some fresh air. Shane, hows the form? is an example. For instance, Hes banjxxed, sure hes been on the pints all day.. Lets go somewhere else. In Ireland, there are literally countless ways to describe someone we dont like. Example: Im not in the mood to go out. For instance, What an eejit, he used cooking oil on the lettuce thinking it was salad dressing.. 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. Ive missed you so! Someone who works for the police. Here are a few slang terms that are employed to describe girls and women. can also be used as a salutation, as in Ah, Tony. Hows the fun? The term is commonly used as an insult in Ireland. Or to tell someone to get sense about something. Meaning: (Noun) An eejit is a person who acts stupid or is just a plain idiot. Cant stop, Im sorry. . . Meaning: shes an unfortunate looking girl wearing a lot of make-up to try and cover it up. For instance, Thanks a million makes no sense to non-Irish people (at least, thats what my non-Irish friends tell me!). 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. Example: I cant believe you turned into a hallion! Below, we have 125 Irish slang words and Irish slang phrases you should learn. She might get upset even if its only a joke. These can be a derogatory term or meant lightly. It can mean you understand. Example: hey, dawn! I will, yes. Simply means whats happening. When something is so incredible that its difficult to believe it, we use the adjective unreal. Dye see me new runners, for instance.