Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase Lob the gob is Irish slang for kissing.. Example: Im glad we met your mot. Hes a right chancer This Irish term is used when talking about someone who chances their arm. I'm steamin' - you might hear this at the pub 18. Usually when a child has a near-miss at hurting themselves, youll hear grandparents saying he put the heart across me. Dope is another word for a stupid person in Ireland. It was in this paper bag, but its not inside anymore. a term from old Irish slang used to describe a chancer. From a few houses to several miles away. Meaning: (Expression) Minus craic is an Irish expression that means a person, thing, or situation is boring. This way, you wont have a hard time understanding locals that often use Irish expressions. People can also use this Irish expression to say it is what it is. Example: I cant believe you turned into a hallion! Meaning: (Noun) A geebag is a woman who is not pleasant. 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? This word is often associated with the expression go and bollox and is deemed offensive. I havent seen Tony in donkeys years, for instance. Example: That boy is thick. 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. 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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. Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. Meaning: (Noun) A peeler is an Irish term for a member of the police. Meaning: (Phrase) In bits is when a person is describing something bad that happened to him or her. Well, no need to reach for your Irish language dictionary just yet. May God strike me down/dead When someone uses this term it can often be in conjunction with if Im lying to indicate that they are telling the truth and being honest with you. 31 Things that might surprise you, Exactly What to Pack for Ireland in April Clothes, essentials and more. Meaning: (Expression) Will I, yea? is one of the Irish slang phrases that can confuse tourists. The car wont start again because the engine is banjaxed, or No, the things banjaxed sure., In an Irish bar anywhere in the world, if you hear someone say theyre Going to the jacks or ask you, Where are the jacks, they are referring to the restroom. Slievene Means a sneaky person. Whats the craic? Example: This ice cream is just class. 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. 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. Yes, its just spitting. Here are some more typical expressions using Irish slang words, from "the messages" to "jammy." The letters For some strange reason, "the shopping" or "the groceries" are referred to as "the messages" in Ireland. Im truly sad for his parents. Example: Theres a long line at the jacks. Sure look People might say sure look, itll be grand to respond to a question. Example: Where do you get this bizarre craic? If you love the series Father Ted, then youll hear this expression often used throughout the series. Meaning: (Expression) A bad dose is one of the most used Irish expressions when someone is having a bad day. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyones breath away. Buncrana: A popular holiday destination. The radio is not audible to me. There are three languages spoken in Ireland: Irish (Gaeilge), Ullans (in Northern Ireland), and English. Fair play This Irish phrase is used a lot to tell someone well done for something they have done, completed or achieved. 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 slang words and phrases and how to use them The state of you! Translation: I will never get around to it. I only have it for a week and its gone to shit. For instance, Mam made you some dinner. Later, Ill drop it off. Irish In origin. One of the most famous Irish words is 'grand.' Unfortunately it has a multitude of meanings depending on context. Any type of alcohol-free beverage is called minerals in Ireland. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish says youre jammy, he or she means you are lucky. Im not sure when hell be back. Example: Feck, I forgot to charge my phone! Meaning: (Noun) Bollox is Irish slang for testicles. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Ive never heard some of these terms before! Let me help you with your things. 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. Craic A word with a few meanings. Dilutable = Non-alcoholic concentrated syrup used to make beverages. I remember kids in school saying scarlet for you meaning Im so embarrassed for you. Meaning: (Noun) A scut is a person who is deemed as stupid or a waste. 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. There are only a few left-handed people compared to right-handed people even today. 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Meaning: (Verb) Just like everybody, Irish people love to party and sometimes get drunk. The car wont start, for instance. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Im famished! The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. Sure, itll be grand means it will be ok. Or if someone responds to the questions how are you with grand, it means theyre ok/fine. Meaning: (Expression) The expression Nice one is used when a person agrees or approves of another persons actions. 50+ Best Irish Slang Words And Phrases To Try Out Thinking of going on a trip to Ireland and fit in with the locals? Meaning: (Noun) An eejit is a person who acts stupid or is just a plain idiot. The words Class and Pure are frequently used together. 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. In other words, I didnt. This is yet another mild example of Irish slang for someone you dont particularly like. Leg it means to move quickly. Meaning: (Expression) The expression good woman is an exclamation used when a person is surprised or in disbelief. . Example: Wow, you really did get me a concert ticket. Gobshite An Irish slang word for fool, eejit, stupid person. Our website is full of tips, reviews and travel deals to help you plan your next trip away. She regularly returns to Ireland to explore more of the wonderful island with her family. Is it true that your cousin is getting married just after a few weeks of dating? 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. I dont know, but it sounds like some Irish slang Ive heard my entire life. Give it a lash This is used to tell someone to give it a go, try it, give it a whirl. The smell off those runners, for instance. They can often be used in jest as well as in spite. I thought you passed out! 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.. But you may also hear people refer to someone as Sound when they are endorsing them, as in That guy from around the corner fixed the engine. Hes a good young man. Im in a hurry, so lets talk soon! Example: What were you thinking when you joined them? The jacks is also. Example: Hey, hows the form? Example: Why are you with that geebag? Youll hear this being asked of people who are hungover after a heavy night. How useful! About ten years since I last saw you. I got the job in the chipper, did you hear? He put the heart across me Means that person gave me a real scare/frightened me. They have a filthy kitchen, for instance. Good God, it just occurred to me how many Irish proverbs there are for foul weather! Here are a few (Ill update this again later as new comments are submitted). Another lovely Irish expression is banjaxed. I bet she was in rag order. Sure, yer one was caught shifting yer man last week, for instance. Broke: Embarrassed. Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. Gas If an Irish person says Thats gas, they are not referring to an actual gas, they mean something is funny! It is also used as an insult. Work on your Irish accent, practicing the inflection and sound of consonants and vowels. You threw away all the important documents! 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: (Noun) Gowl is another word for eejit that is used as an insult in Ireland. Example: Hey, there, young fella. Dye see yer wan over there with the red hat? is one example. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Example: hey, dawn! 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. Meaning: (Adjective) The word gombeen comes from the old Irish language that is used to describe a person who is dodgy. Shane, hows the form? is an example. Its lashing outside and well surely get wet even if we use an umbrella. Thank you so much is what thanks a million means. Ribena is a blackcurrant dilutable very popular in Ireland. Example: Go and bollox if you think you can get me to agree with you. Your Michael is a little hallion, for instance. You got a bad dose of it, didn't you. Lazy person is the correct translation. Example: Houl yer whisht! This term is used as a derogatory word. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Jesus, Mary and Joseph This is one of those Irish things to say that every Irish mammy will utter, over and over again. Example: Shes a cute hoor for always getting what she wants. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. Example: The man you were with is gombeen. That new car Jerry picked up is cracking, for instance. 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. These are all bad! C'mere 'til I tell ya 15. It might still be long, just a slightly shorter version of the whole story. Karen remarked as she took Kates bag of chips. Meaning: (Expression) Bucketing down is one of the most used Irish slang phrases when there is a heavy downpour of rain. For instance, Last night, her new fella was here. , For instance, Oh, Kayla. 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. As above, usually instead of saying something like hi buddy, any news. Bags (To make a bags of something) Make a mess of doing something. My advice is not to use them unless you are certain of their meaning and the situation is appropriate. The TV is banjaxed simply means its not working. Meaning: Stop acting upNote: Most often said by ones mother, it basically means stop doing what youre doing right now, or suffer the consequences. It is often used to refer to rougher parts of Dublin in particular. She was down here last Sunday, for instance. Meaning: (Noun) The term glunterpeck is another word for a stupid person. 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). There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. This is yet another kissing-related Irish expression. insulting: Youre just a bollox. Saying, Go and ask my bollox, is less offensive. 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. About 20 times a day, I use this. Example: Hurry, theres a peeler heading our way. I was raging I missed it means Im so disappointed I missed it. Same as whats the story. 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!) Nobody knows when the rain will stop in Ireland. No need to be embarrassed. Im interested in 18th century Irish slang, particularly the word they used to make denigrating remarks about the British. Im going on the lash at the weekend means I am going out drinking this weekend. For example, that yoke over there means that thing over there but can also mean that person over there. However, a quick Google search for 18th-century Irish speech suggested this: Last night, after Foleys, I was in a hoop. If you hear this you should expect sunshine and warm weather, possibly a light breeze. For instance, Last night, the pub was jam-packed with culchies.. Many of us in Ireland use slang terms so frequently that we forget they are slang. Example: Wow, you are a ciotog. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. Example: I heard he turned in to a skanger. Bollocks/bollix Can be used instead of saying bullshit. The term is commonly used as an insult in Ireland. Rainey weather type. Get up the yard 13. Im going to call in sick, for instance. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. For instance, Stop, I know. all lured - feeling delighted banjaxed - a multipurpose word that can mean broken, tired or drunk be wide - be careful Its definitely Irish slang once more. Or something they themselves wouldnt attempt. We only had a few shots of whiskey. Meaning: (Expression) Give me a shot is one of the most common Irish phrases youll hear when youre in Ireland. Youre a savage! . This *might* give you an insight. Meaning: Oh my God!Explanation: In Ireland, its okay to use the Lords name in vain to express your frustration. It can mean you understand. , 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. 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.. Ask me arse Usually said to someone in response to a question to do something. Another way to describe someone who is very intoxicated is with this phrase. Cheers, many thanks., To try something out means to take a shot of it. I havent seen him in donkeys years means that you havent seen that person for a very long time. Hammered is the word Irish people use when they drink too much and get intoxicated. You are such a gobshite! Give it a lash has many different applications. Meaning: (Noun) The word mucker is used as another name for a friend. You may hear people saying hes an awful dryshite. I will, yeah This has the opposite meaning to what is implied. He might act like a bollox, but he's sound out really. Its a grand, soft day Means its a rainy day, but more so fine, misty rain than pouring rain. Meaning: (Adjective) Kip is another slang term in Ireland used in everyday speech that means dirty. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) The Irish phrase be wide is what the locals used to tell a person to be careful. Bloody Can be used instead of the f-word or its connotations above. Example: Come meet my mucker. 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). If you think your new Irish friend is friendly, helpful or generally a good soul, you can describe them as 'sound'. 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. I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. This piece is deadly. . Example: You were with him all night and all you did was lob the gob? My stomach hurts so badly. Culchie/Langer These are terms that usually refer to someone to who lives down the country and isnt a Dub. Example: Why dont we go on dander and have a picnic? Even more deadly slang that is unique to Ireland and the Irish. Please enter your username or email address to reset your password. . What a complete jerk. Example: Im glad to see you suckin diesel. . 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. 15 Things That Might Amaze You, The Two Fascinating Capitals of Ireland Dublin and Belfast, What is a Banshee? It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. Acting the maggot - messing around Someone acting the maggot is messing around, playing around, or being silly. They are not real. The Craic was 90 There's more than just one craic in Irish slang. Shes up there giving out to Tony about something, for instance. Will I, yea? I don't know, but it sounds like some Irish slang I've heard my entire life. a favorite of mine. 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? Leg it to the shops, or leg it to meet one of the lads around the corner. 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. Meaning: You're a disgrace Example of usage and translation: "Oh my god, she was an absolute state. Meaning: (Adjective) Dryshite is used in Ireland to describe a person, thing, or situation that is boring. Example: Quit slagging her. Meaning: (Noun) Midden was originally a Scottish word that later on was used to call an unattractive person from Ireland. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Scarlet for ya 11. It was completely lacking in fun. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase out of your tree is used when a person is severely drunk that he or she will most likely have a hangover the following day. For instance, Mary, what a wonderful day it is today.. Join the I Left My Heart in Ireland in Our Community on Facebook. Good luck A different way of saying goodbye to someone. I cant understand the news! A bit like some of these phrases for me! Meaning: Little brats /little shitsExplanation: shitehawk can be used affectionately. 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) In Ireland, the word tool is used to calling a person who you dont like. This one is typically used the morning following a strenuous session to explain why your head is pounding. Meaning: (Adjective) Gas, in Irish slang, is not the gas we used to operate a car or cook our food. have you no shame?! With my guide to certain Irish lingo, you will understand what the phrases mean and fit right in! Meaning: (Expression) The term Its spitting is used when there is light rain. Here are some terms youll need to know, whether youre a first-time visitor or just trying to watch an Irish movie without needing subtitles. . For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. rinnai condensate drain installation Likes. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! For instance, Oh man, my heads are in shambles. In Ireland, there are countless ways to describe something as great or good. Example: Youre acting like a goon! sound out irish slang. Ah, another Irish proverb that describes something brilliant with a word that is actually used to describe something dangerous. 19. It is a book containing the gallows speeches from over 100 offenders. For example, if my son spills milk because he is not being careful pouring it, youll often hear me say Jesus, Mary and Joseph, can you watch what youre doing!. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase gone from means that a person is away or has left. 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. Hes a shnakey little shitehawk, that man. I legged it for the bus means I ran for the bus. A person who is able to shape circumstances to their advantage is referred to as a cute hoor because they are relatively crafty. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. Meaning: (Noun) Ciotog is Irish Gaelic for left-handed people. Manky Used to describe something that is dirty, horrible, ugly or disgusting. Youre better off without him, anyway. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish person says fine, he or she is referring to a beautiful person, thing, or place. This Irish expression, which is overused and not unique to any one county, is used frequently. In this case it is a vague answer of itll be ok. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Youre one can short of six. Wait till I tell you This term is used at the start of a conversation that will entail gossip and scandal. Sarahs new fella was out last night, for example. Some of my favorites are listed below. 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. For instance, Here. His sister told his Mam about what happened, for instance. Example: You have an excellent eye for art. She has fluted. An Irish proverb that expresses approval of behavior is nice one. Such as, Ah, nice one! The cure denotes a pint of beer/Guinness to cure the hangover. So, whats the craic? Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. He's a bleedin' dope 17. Example: I was locked last night and cant remember how I got home. Meaning: shes an unfortunate looking girl wearing a lot of make-up to try and cover it up. So much so that I always thought that they WERE Scots. You look well! Example: He is such an eejit for breaking your heart! Meaning: (Adjective) The word savage originally means a person who is wild or untamable that has no manners or decency. It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. Example: Get away from me, melter! Brit: A member of the British armed forces. In Ireland, we discuss the weather a lot. Meaning: (Expression) The Irish phrase give it a lash is used to encourage a person to pursue something or give it a go.. How are things going? It can be subsitited for ah feck but not around little ears! Example: Are you done with schoolwork? Use with caution as these Irish slang phrases can range from mild to offensive. . It's worth noting that when someone says that they're 'grand', they may not necessarily be so.