Irish slang words and meanings Eejit - This is probably one of the most commonly used Irish slang terms that I know of. Im very proud of him. Dont get confused with it being a person, for locals are always using this term. Youll hear this being asked of people who are hungover after a heavy night. Example: Do you still want to go to the park? or Ive never tried that before, but Ill definitely give it a lash. But in the Irish slang dictionary, deadly means outstanding or cool. Example: I have never seen these people in the city. 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. It can be subsitited for ah feck but not around little ears! A lot of the time, when Im speaking to someone who isnt Irish, I forget that the words Im using are actually slang. So much so that I always thought that they WERE Scots. 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. sound out irish slang. Hammered is the word Irish people use when they drink too much and get intoxicated. There, its like a midden. Bang on is a way to describe a person or a circumstance. Meaning: (Adjective) Gobshite is used to describe an incompetent person. Im interested in 18th century Irish slang, particularly the word they used to make denigrating remarks about the British. 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. So, whats the craic? Rainey weather type. People often answer with this expression when someone tells them something great. 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. Example: He is such an eejit for breaking your heart! Sound person. He thought I was trying to get his attention, even though I already had it. Hes a shnakey little shitehawk, that man. Both deadly and class are not always used to describe a lesson. Lazy person is the correct translation. Not to be confused with the following. Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. Howaya! Wait till I tell you This term is used at the start of a conversation that will entail gossip and scandal. But he was raging with her means he was so angry with her. Example: Get away from that sleeveen! It is a book containing the gallows speeches from over 100 offenders. Story horse? You dropped your wallet. Leave a door open unnecessarily in an Irish house and youll hear this expression coming your way. Usually only used informally among friends. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. Posted at 16:45h in lucia marisol williams by colin mclean where is he now. Meaning: (Adjective) Mouldy or mullered is a term mostly used in Drogheda, Ireland, and is used to describe a drunk person. Meaning: (Noun) A young wan is Irish slang word for a young lady, maybe a teenager. Its pissing down today. Meaning: (Noun) An eejit is a person who acts stupid or is just a plain idiot. First, you can use this to ask someone to come near you because he or she wants to say something to you. She's only an aul wagon 8. You threw away all the important documents! Fooling and messing around. In other words, face. Ah bollix can also be used if you have forgotten something or done something wrong. Im in a hurry, so lets talk soon! One more gentle one. 1222: Jokes and slang from Ireland that my nonIrish friends didnt understand when we first met Irish Slang Words, Common Irish proverbs that you hear every day from 23 to 36 Irish Slang Words, Craic, the most misunderstood Irish slang (verses 3740) Irish Slang Words, Common Irish expressions to use when referring to someone you dont like, from 41 to 56 Irish Slang Words, Dope (a word my aul lad frequently uses in Irish slang!) Donkey's Years. Example: Shes giving out in the living room, but I dont understand her. For instance, Here. I clipped the wing mirror off the pillar yesterday, as an illustration. Lashing You'll hear this one on a regular basis in Ireland. Hes a slievene means hes a sneaky so-and-so. Like, "I'll see you in 20." Email: Word: Define: Its bucketing down outside. However, there are a few different ways youll hear it used more frequently: There is absolutely no way that I am doing that. Example: I heard you got promoted. 25. The Jacks An Irish slang word for the toilet. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. Meaning: (Greeting) The term hows the form? is a greeting when you unexpectedly see a friend you havent spoken to in a while. Example:Friend 1: Did you take out the trash? In Ireland, there are literally countless ways to describe someone we dont like. For instance, Stop, I know. Not to be confused with deadlys actual meaning of dangerous. Example: Wow, you really did get me a concert ticket. Meaning: (Noun) Gowl is another word for eejit that is used as an insult in Ireland. Sorry pal, can you tell me where the jacks is? is one example. You could say some of these Irish funny phrases are gas. For instance, Last night was a serious one, but I was out of it and ordered 7 bags of chips on the way home.. This is a formal gathering. Meaning: You're a disgrace Example of usage and translation: "Oh my god, she was an absolute state. Jammers when someone says it was jammers this means the bus/pub/train was packed with people. Shed talk the hind legs off a donkey This girl/woman is a right chatterbox, never stops talking. Here are some more typical expressions using Irish slang words, from the messages to jammy.. Meaning: (Adjective) In Ireland, dope has a different meaning from the American version of the word. one who is uninteresting. 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. To be pissed off/fucked off Means to be annoyed with something/someone/a situation. The more frequent, everyday Irish sayings and phrases that frequently appear in conversation are covered in the following section. Youre a savage! Im famished! Pronounced as ki-togue, it is an Irish slang that usually refers to a left-handed person. Example: Theres no place for a latchio here! Meaning: (Greeting) The greeting How ya getting on? is used when two people have not seen or talked to each other in a while. Lets go to some place exciting. . She might get upset even if its only a joke. For instance, She wants to be f****d out of the club. She is arranged in rags. 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. That was shite can means that was rubbish. used to describe a bothersome person. The following section delves into Irish idioms and slang terms that Ive used in the past but that were completely lost on listeners. Example: Why are you with that geebag? Hes a cute hoor that fella, for instance, and he always manages to score a free ticket to the concerts in Phoenix Park. Meaning: A scoldingExample of usage and translation: He spent the whole evening drinking at the pub. Cheers, many thanks., To try something out means to take a shot of it. In Ireland, we use the adjective deadly to describe excellent or fantastic things. Ah, man, the heads are bouncing off of me, as an example. Leppin Another word for starving or hungry. Or something they themselves wouldnt attempt. Example: Do what you want; Im up to 90 today. Example: You have an excellent eye for art. Example: Story horse! Buncrana: A popular holiday destination. Example: Its minus craic here. For instance, I called over yesterday and he talked for an hour about his new tractor. It wasnt very fun. mobile app, chipper = Local greasy food stand where you can get French fries. It is often used sarcastically. Shes right on or Last week, I fixed the bike in Riordains yard. It was spot on and only cost ten pounds. Your email address will not be published. 20. Example: Youre acting like a goon! Example: My son is a chancer, alright. Howsagoin?! Meaning: (Expression) The expression good of it is another way of saying that something is great. Example: What is this mess? It's baltic - commonly heard in winter 19. Meaning: (Noun) The word wean is used to identify a small child. . Meaning: (Phrase) A cute hoor is used to describe a person who can turn any situation into one that can benefit him or her using crafty ways. 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. Example: Hes a bog. You can also use it to respond to a greeting without giving too much away about how you are doing. Manky Used to describe something that is dirty, horrible, ugly or disgusting. Meaning: This is not a threat, but a person offering a lift to another person. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Its manky! Meaning: (Adjective) Flutered is used to describe a person who is drunk. Meaning: (Expression) Thanks a million is how an Irish person thanks another person for doing him or her a solid. Meaning: (Expression) Its rotten is another way of saying its raining in Ireland. 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. I cant be arsed. 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!. I got the job in the chipper, did you hear? The term used to describe filthy or dung-filled people. Meaning: (Noun) A goon is Irish slang for a man whos so drunk he becomes too loud and too much to handle. Bags (To make a bags of something) Make a mess of doing something. Sound is also used to describe someone who is cool/alright. I cant understand the news! 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? Meaning: shes an unfortunate looking girl wearing a lot of make-up to try and cover it up. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Here are a few Irish expressions that I frequently use. 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. It can often be heard from irritated parents telling off their offspring. Jesus, Mary and Joseph This is one of those Irish things to say that every Irish mammy will utter, over and over again. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. Work on your Irish accent, practicing the inflection and sound of consonants and vowels. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. 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. And this is the one that the fantastic Father Ted series popularized. 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. 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. I cannot stand another word from you. Without a doubt, this is one of my favorite Irish proverbs. For example, that yoke over there means that thing over there but can also mean that person over there. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Wind yer neck in - shut up 17. Meaning: (Verb) Just like everybody, Irish people love to party and sometimes get drunk. You are such a gobshite! Irish slang words and phrases and how to use them The state of you! To be sound: Irish slang. Say, That chicken fillet roll was class, for instance. Janie (mac) An expression to denote shock or exasperation. Another way to describe someone who is very intoxicated is with this phrase. 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. It refers to a bad situation or a bad person. Example: You went to the beach? Youve been warned! Although I personally dont use the word feck, it is one of my favorites because it is associated with the wonderful Father Ted series. 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. I laughed until my belly hurt! Boke: Vomit. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Meaning: (Expression) Go and bollox is the Irish way of saying you are not agreeing with what a person is saying to you. At my previous job, I shared a building with about 250 individuals representing 34 nations. Meaning: (Expression) The expression whats the craic? is when a person asks you how you are. Meaning: (Phrase) The Irish phrase be wide is what the locals used to tell a person to be careful. 2. OTool assigned us enough math homework to last about seven weeks. You pup : You brazen individual. When you arrive in Ireland, particularly for the first time, you may be forgiven for thinking youve landed on an alien planet. I thought they were sold out, Savage, man. 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. Example: Should we bring a sanger to avoid getting hungry while on the trip? Can also be used to mean a person. Ribena is a blackcurrant dilutable very popular in Ireland. Used when it is raining especially hard outside. Meaning: Little brats /little shitsExplanation: shitehawk can be used affectionately. This is said often in my area of Dublin as a bit of humour. Can you still walk? Meaning: (Verb) Irish people use the word slagging when describing a person making fun of another person. In Ireland, there are countless ways to describe something as great or good. It even includes a guide to reading between the lines of what the Irish are really saying when they address you read it carefully! Meaning: Oh my God!Explanation: In Ireland, its okay to use the Lords name in vain to express your frustration. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyone's breath away. Irish Slang Words, Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. Example: You were with him all night and all you did was lob the gob? Your man who I purchased the car from is a serious Gombeen, I said. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Example: Nice one! Example: I cant believe you turned into a hallion! Cop on to yourself Used to tell someone to pull themselves together. Example: Its spitting outside but it might rain harder, so dont forget your umbrella. Gas If an Irish person says Thats gas, they are not referring to an actual gas, they mean something is funny! Its important to remember that not everyone who describes themselves as grand actually is. Ive never heard some of these terms before! Example: Lets not leave today. A bit like some of these phrases for me! https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1100284 Meaning: (Noun) The slang yer wan in Ireland is usually used to call a female person youve forgotten. I legged it for the bus means I ran for the bus. Im going on the lash at the weekend means I am going out drinking this weekend. Example: Clean the toilet now. Meaning: (Phrase) Having the craic means a person is ready to listen to the latest news of gossip. Usually when a child has a near-miss at hurting themselves, youll hear grandparents saying he put the heart across me. Im sure you two will get along. Meaning: (Expression) The phrase Its pure shit means that its a rainy day. You could eat in Jacks and feel safer. Please share your feedback in the box below. Read on to find out several ways to say hello to Irish people as well as some other interesting sayings and funny phrases. . It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. How many years has it been since we saw each other? You can post any Irish slang youre unsure of in the comments section below, and Ill get back to you. Shamey Brannagin was once more caught stealing from Kerrigans, for instance. Meaning: (Verb) When visiting Ireland, youll often hear the word manky which is used to describe something dirty. Example: The craic was 90 at your birthday party last night! Dye see yer wan over there with the red hat? is one example. By half past ten, I had locked myself in bed. When absolutely no fun was being had, it was said to be minus craic, which is the complete opposite of having the craic. For instance, Last night, we went to the new club. 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. Note: A lie. Give it a lash! Meaning: (Noun) A hallion is a person who is worthless. Nobody knows when the rain will stop in Ireland. . Yes, savage is also slang for good in Ireland. I thought you passed out! 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) 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. Can you use your jumper cables to give it a lash? Ask any Irish person! Example: How could you come to this kind of place? Locked. Where's the jacks? 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. Meaning: (Phrase) When you hear someone say sure look, it means it is what it is or a person is bored but does not want to talk more. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. a favorite of mine. Example: You better teach the chiseler not to mess with my things. Meaning: (Noun) Sangers is the Irish slang for a sandwich. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station? = Oh my god, she was a disgrace. Such as, Story horse?! 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This is yet another mild example of Irish slang for someone you dont particularly like. Say, Eh, is that Karen up there on that table? She has consumed 17 vodkas. The smell off those runners, for instance. Courtin = Dating (term commonly used in Northern Ireland). The hostel were staying in is a kip and a half, for instance! Broke to the bone: Hugely embarrassed. Example: Finally, its a good day for drying! Leg it to the shops, or leg it to meet one of the lads around the corner. Ah, fatal. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. I remember kids in school saying scarlet for you meaning Im so embarrassed for you. Meaning: (Adjective) To many of us, deadly means something dangerous that could lead to death when done. or when asking about a specific circumstance, such as Hows that lad doing? He and I havent spoken in ages. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyones breath away. Give it a lash basically means to try something out. Give it a lash has many different applications. Hed been in the middle of something on his computer, but when he turned around to me, I said come here to me (ie the first phrase) and his response was Im listening, havent I turned around. Meaning: (Noun) The term bog is an Irish word for people of the lowest class. Meaning: (Adjective) The word gobdaw is Irish slang thats used to describe a stupid person. Example: We were hammered last night, but I loved every minute of it! Meaning: (Noun) A melter is someone incredibly annoying that he or she might actually melt your brain. Hold on for a moment, and Ill pass it to you right away! Meaning: (Greeting) Howsagoin' is an Irish greeting when two people come across each other but dont have time to talk. You got a bad dose of it, didn't you. Yer man over there (with pointing or nodding of the head) This indicates that man over there. Meaning: (Noun) Ciotog is Irish Gaelic for left-handed people. a different term for eejit. Youre a clown, they say. Culchie/Langer These are terms that usually refer to someone to who lives down the country and isnt a Dub. Lets go on a picnic! You appear healthy. Meaning: (Expression) Sound, in Ireland, is an affirmative response to something a person says. Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. Meaning: (Noun) Latchio is a form of derogatory word used for a male person with a low social status. First, check out this brief guide to 10 of the more common words that may trip up the unsuspecting traveller. Buzzing: Very happy. 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. Raging An Irish expression means someone is angry or disappointed with themselves. Meaning: (Noun) Fella is Irish slang for a boy or a man at any age. . This term is used for an acquaintance and even for your father. Youre better off without him, anyway. Can also mean someone is a fool. Lovely to hear our Celtic ties are still going strong with us using many of the same terms. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station?" = "Oh my god, she was a disgrace. Donkeys years is a term for a lengthy period of time. He still has his communion money Another expression used to describe a person who is tight with their money. 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. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the Irish phrases that are popular anywhere in Ireland is Up to 90, which means a person is extremely busy and cannot be bothered. That must be why you have good penmanship. 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.