Youre jammy to find it again. Only friends from Drogheda that I am aware of use these words to describe intoxication. Learning the most commonly used Irish slang words and phrases can significantly improve your chances of blending in with the community in an instant. Broke to the bone: Hugely embarrassed. Although I personally dont use the word feck, it is one of my favorites because it is associated with the wonderful Father Ted series. Gammy : Useless. Meaning: (Verb) The term dander is used in everyday conversation and means to walk.. Shes a terrible wagon. This is often combined with howya/hewya, especially in Dublin so you may hear howya, whats the story? as a greeting between people. If a teenager says theyve a free gaff it usually means their parents are away/out and a party may ensue. Will I, yea? Someone who works for the police. Example: Good woman! Irish In origin. It can mean you understand. It has the same meaning in the English language. 10. Meaning: (Adjective) To many of us, deadly means something dangerous that could lead to death when done. Give it a lash! Grand : good / okay. Jammers when someone says it was jammers this means the bus/pub/train was packed with people. Ask me arse/bollix/hole 14. Example: Why are you with that geebag? Bad dose. Ah, another Irish proverb that describes something brilliant with a word that is actually used to describe something dangerous. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. He is an absolute melter. Ireland is the second largest island in the world, just next to Great Britain. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station? = Oh my god, she was a disgrace. I thought you passed out! Impress your friends with your new accent. For instance, Oh well! Fair play This Irish phrase is used a lot to tell someone well done for something they have done, completed or achieved. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish says youre jammy, he or she means you are lucky. sound out irish slang. Many of the words below were unfamiliar to me as well, but Ive included them in a section specifically for slang used in Belfast. Example: Hey, hows the form? Depending on the county, greetings tend to differ quite a bit. Meaning: (Verb) Just like everybody, Irish people love to party and sometimes get drunk. It can mean youre joking me or really or for my Welsh readers, go away outta that = never. Or a little shady. This term, which is pronounced Flue-tered, designates a person who has consumed more alcohol than 9 pints. Meaning: (Noun) Gowl is another word for eejit that is used as an insult in Ireland. Clean is a translation. Some of my favorites are listed below. Meaning: (Expression) Its rotten is another way of saying its raining in Ireland. It is often used to refer to rougher parts of Dublin in particular. 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. Sure you know yourself A confirmation of knowledge or unspoken acknowledgement about something or a situation. Please share your feedback in the box below. 20. In other words, a messer. Example: Wow, you really did get me a concert ticket. WHY did I have the second bottle of wine, for instance. Do you recall the time Micky was busted moving the cow in the back of his Ford Focus, for instance? Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. Im in a hurry, so lets talk soon! Meaning: (Expression) Sound, in Ireland, is an affirmative response to something a person says. Note: A show of optimism that relies on nothing but hope. For instance, use your umbrella to Gway out of that. Example: Quit slagging her. The word unreal typically refers to something that is imagined or illusory, but not in Ireland. You are such a gobshite! Example: My oul fella wants to join this trip and I said yes. Meaning: (Noun) The term oul fella is an older man. Irish people frequently refer to people or situations as Gas. Funny is referred to as gas in Irish slang. Irish slang is a rich verbal tradition rooted in the hard and hearty struggles of the Irish people, who are predominantly Celtic in ethnicity. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The weather is sunny. Meaning: (Expression) The expression its lashing is used when theres heavy rain and strong winds. 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? Every day, I use slang. Comes from the fact that some peoples cheeks go red with embarrassment. Meaning: (Adjective) Unreal is yet another word for good. It is used when you experienced something unbelievably or unexpectedly good. Shamey Brannagin was once more caught stealing from Kerrigans, for instance. Bloody Can be used instead of the f-word or its connotations above. C'mere 'til I tell ya 15. 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. Example: Im glad we met your mot. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I got my fair share of strange looks when I said certain things during my time there. Can also be used to describe someone who isnt facing reality about something or a situation. Developed "straight from the horse's mouth". Ask me arse Usually said to someone in response to a question to do something. When someone is Acting the maggot, they are dossing or messing around, which means they are not carrying out their intended task. Meaning: (Expression) The phrase Its pure shit means that its a rainy day. Someone who causes trouble. Meaning: (Verb) Irish people use the word slagging when describing a person making fun of another person. Meaning: (Noun) In Irish words, The jacks means toilet. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! I clipped the wing mirror off the pillar yesterday, as an illustration. have you no shame?! Meaning: (Expression) Give me a shot is one of the most common Irish phrases youll hear when youre in Ireland. Meaning: She is very annoyingExplanation: An insult that translates literally as a bag of vaginas.. Will you wait for me in this spot? . Meaning: (Phrase) Ogeous handling is a situation wherein the people are in danger. Example: Wow, this hotel is the good of it! Meaning: (Noun) Baked is another name for the mouth or face. Thanks a million! Hold on for a moment, and Ill pass it to you right away! Meaning: (Noun) Even though Ireland seems to only have vast fields and beautiful views, they also have cities. Your email address will not be published. He thought I was trying to get his attention, even though I already had it. Example: I was locked last night and cant remember how I got home. Simply means whats happening. It usually refers to someone who willingly does a favour, asked or not, although usually unexpected - Like when you ask for one rollie and your given two, or the bouncer to an over 21s let's you in when your 20. Join the I Left My Heart in Ireland in Our Community on Facebook. It originates in rhyming slang of the early-20 th Century, and was derived from "donkey's ears ", which are naturally pretty long. Meaning: (Adjective) Mouldy or mullered is a term mostly used in Drogheda, Ireland, and is used to describe a drunk person. He is a smooth-talker and gets what he wants, even in the wrong way. The more frequent, everyday Irish sayings and phrases that frequently appear in conversation are covered in the following section. Your Michael is a little hallion, for instance. Although he is from Malahide, he is spot on. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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. So, whats the craic? 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: (Verb) The Irish slang shifting is used when two people are making out. He's a bleedin' dope 17. 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. I thought they were sold out, Savage, man. Dont go anywhere alone with him. Oh, I do. Last night, after Foleys, I was in a hoop. . 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? For instance, Here. Buzzing: Very happy. Example: Go and bollox if you think you can get me to agree with you. someone who wastes things. Example: Shell never find a man. Deadly Indicates that something is cool or awesome. This term is used as a derogatory word. You could eat in Jacks and feel safer. For instance, Shite man, Im late. 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!) Say, Theres your change, for instance. Cop on to yourself Used to tell someone to pull themselves together. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyones breath away. Hes a right chancer This Irish term is used when talking about someone who chances their arm. All of these Irish slang words can be used to describe someone who is drunk. Meaning: (Noun) Midden was originally a Scottish word that later on was used to call an unattractive person from Ireland. He spends his day traveling between the bookies and the pub, for instance. Its often called squash or cordial in other countries. The Jacks An Irish slang word for the toilet. Email: Word: Define: They have fought against the more powerful and oppressive British empire, whose members mostly derive from Anglo-Saxons. Meaning: (Expression) The Irish expression grand is used as a response to questions like How are you?, How are you doing? and many more. Its pissing down today. Example: What were you thinking when you joined them? For instance, Mrs. Bang on is another example of Irish slang for good and is typically used as a response. Someone who has no life or laughs in him. Mocking is catching If you are mocking or teasing someone about something, be careful karma doesnt come to bite you in the backside! , 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. . For instance, He had three bottles of Coke and a bag of Skittles an hour ago; hes been on high doh ever since.. Something that is dirty is referred to as manky. Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. Below, we have 125 Irish slang words and Irish slang phrases you should learn. You jammy sod Meaning you are very lucky. This one, which is pronounced Ban-jacks-d, is also for someone who has overindulged significantly. Lets go to some place exciting. Depending on the circumstance, this one might be offensive. And this is the one that the fantastic Father Ted series popularized. Say, That chicken fillet roll was class, for instance. 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!) For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. Example: Are you alright? Since there are so many different ways to use the word craic, Im giving it its own section. The weather is wet. You got a bad dose of it, didn't you. Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. This term is used for an acquaintance and even for your father. Meaning: (Noun) A sleeveen is a person whos often rogue. How ya getting on? mobile app, chipper = Local greasy food stand where you can get French fries. Example: Hes gone from the house early this morning. He's a right bowsie 9. For instance, All those guys do is sit around and play Xbox. They are two dryshitters. 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. Unfortunately, it was all I could find. Meaning: (Verb) The old Irish slang beamer means that a person is going red all over the face because of embarrassment. Leg it to the shops, or leg it to meet one of the lads around the corner. Any type of alcohol-free beverage is called minerals in Ireland. That lad keeps texting me, for instance. It was 90 fun. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase gone from means that a person is away or has left. It was handled in an ogeous manner. This article is the combined work of four writers: Sorcha OHiggins, Tara Povey, Sarah Arnold, and Niall Colbert. 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. Leave a door open unnecessarily in an Irish house and youll hear this expression coming your way. Example: Story horse! Required fields are marked *. Irish slang words and meanings Eejit - This is probably one of the most commonly used Irish slang terms that I know of. It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. Meaning: shes an unfortunate looking girl wearing a lot of make-up to try and cover it up. 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. Where's the jacks? Meaning: (Noun) A hallion is a person who is worthless. Im tired already! Locked. Meaning: (Expression) The Irish phrase give it a lash is used to encourage a person to pursue something or give it a go.. Leppin Another word for starving or hungry. On me tod People use this Irish slang phrase to let others know they were alone when doing something or going somewhere. That yung wan 18. For instance, I observed you conversing with him for about four hours. Did you throw up? 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!. Going on the lash Means going on a pub crawl, going for as many alcoholic drinks it takes to get drunk. Lets talk soon when were not busy. Meaning: (Adjective) Gobshite is used to describe an incompetent person. Example: Thats so funny. THE IRISH WAY with words is a complex one. In recent years, Ive heard much less of this one. 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. Maybe they are culchie. Ive split these into sections: slang Irish phrases, slang Irish words, Irish expressions used for saying hello, Irish slang phrases for drunk and also Irish slang insults and swear words. Example: Sure look like its going to rain. She can be mean or acts unrespectable. Severe illness. See what I did there! For instance, Last night, the pub was jam-packed with culchies.. Meaning: (Expression) The expression good woman is an exclamation used when a person is surprised or in disbelief. People can also say Im roasting meaning Im really hot. Meaning: (Noun) Latchio is a form of derogatory word used for a male person with a low social status. 31 Things that might surprise you, Exactly What to Pack for Ireland in April Clothes, essentials and more. Ever. Bang on is a way to describe a person or a circumstance. Did you see what she posted on Facebook? is an illustration. I will, yeah This has the opposite meaning to what is implied. 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. This Irish expression, which is overused and not unique to any one county, is used frequently. Fear no more. Example: Im up to high doh about this trip! all lured - feeling delighted banjaxed - a multipurpose word that can mean broken, tired or drunk be wide - be careful 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. Im Scots and so much (maybe 70% ?) Leg it means to move quickly. When describing a severe case of something, one might say, Ive been lashing out on the tablets all week. This has not been good at all. I cant be arsed. You pup : You brazen individual. Sorry pal, can you tell me where the jacks is? is one example. Can you still walk? Example: Get away from me, melter! For example, Richard says I got you a pint cause I was at the bar to which Mick responds sound. Thats why he dropped out of school. The "Craic" Pronounced like 'crack, this actually means just having a good time and enjoying oneself. Ah, fatal. 2. These 9 Will Climb Your Bucket List, The 6 Celtic Nations Around the World and What Makes Them Different, This Airport Security Scanner Could End Carry-On Liquid Restrictions, The 6 Flags of the Celtic Nations and the Meaning Behind Each Design, Stay Like Royalty at These Airbnb Ireland Castle Rentals, This Guide To Irish Gaelic Will Help You Charm the Locals in One of the Worlds Oldest Languages, The 10 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities inEurope, These Dublin Food Tours Showcase Irish Cuisine at Its Finest, The 16 Most Stunning Hotel Pools Around theWorld, Download the There are only a few left-handed people compared to right-handed people even today. Can also describe someone who takes risks. Meaning: (Noun) A pox is a slang used in Ireland for a person who causes nuisance. Example: Shes a cute hoor for always getting what she wants. Hes a gowl and a half that boy, for instance. 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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. When something is so incredible that its difficult to believe it, we use the adjective unreal. Dye see me new runners, for instance. I will, yes. Example: Tell the kids to come in now because its rotten. For instance, That car needs to be cleaned up well. Meaning: (Adjective) Kip is another slang term in Ireland used in everyday speech that means dirty. In Ireland, we discuss the weather a lot. Ah, man, the heads are bouncing off of me, as an example. For more information read our privacy policy. Meaning: (Noun) Yoke is Irish slang that is used to call something with a name you cant remember, even when you think hard enough. This is a phrase that means "a long time" or a "number of years". That must be why you have good penmanship. Not to be confused with deadlys actual meaning of dangerous. Did you see her going to the toilet in front of the police station?" Use with caution as these Irish slang phrases can range from mild to offensive. She was down here last Sunday, for instance. 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. Example: Youre acting like a goon! Meaning: (Noun) A skanger is a person who is often involved in minor acts of crimes and is often in danger or hiding from authorities. That was shite can means that was rubbish. For instance, Shite, store the cans. There are two peelers approaching from that direction. Irish In origin. 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. Convert from English to Irish speak. 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. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. Manky Used to describe something that is dirty, horrible, ugly or disgusting. Example: This ice cream is just class. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Gas is used when someone or something is funny. Translation: I will never get around to it. 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.. Giving out literally translates as to whine. The radio is not audible to me. 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' Revealing the Origins of this Scary Irish Creature, What is Ireland Famous For? In reality, it can describe anything. Example: I cant explain it but Im in bits after the meeting. She has fluted. Thank you so much is what thanks a million means. You can post any Irish slang youre unsure of in the comments section below, and Ill get back to you. a way of describing someone in a good way "he/shes sound", Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. . For instance, I gave him a kick in the bollox because he was slagging me.. Howaya! Meaning: (Greeting) Hows she cutting is an expression used when you are overly excited upon seeing a friend. Dope is another word for a stupid person in Ireland. Its lashing outside and well surely get wet even if we use an umbrella. 3. Meaning: (Adjective) Dead on is a phrase used when a person is hot or good-looking. Meaning: (Expression) Go and bollox is the Irish way of saying you are not agreeing with what a person is saying to you. You threw away all the important documents! 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. Im going on the lash at the weekend means I am going out drinking this weekend. During my time in school, I used, and you can hear this one used. Now you've learned a little Irish slang you can build on your slang vocabulary with these words. Meaning: (Adjective) In Ireland, if one person calls you thick, he or she thinks you are stupid. Example: hey, dawn! Example: Its been a bad dose since morning. Such as, Story horse?! Did I mess up? Wind yer neck in - shut up 17. The car wont start, for instance. This Irish proverb seemed to make perfect sense to me, but apparently not. Example: Youre a beamer, arent ya? The cure denotes a pint of beer/Guinness to cure the hangover. It can be subsitited for ah feck but not around little ears! A bit like some of these phrases for me! Its lashing/bucketing outside Means it is pouring with rain outside. Dye see yer wan over there with the red hat? is one example. Meaning: (Expression) In Irish lingo, feck is the f word, which is a funny way of saying it. Example: Shut your bake! Example: We were hammered last night, but I loved every minute of it! Hewya, me auld segotias An old Irish way of saying hi my friend. Example: My son is a chancer, alright. Rainey weather type. Example: Cmere to me and tell me why your mother is furious again. Meaning: Shes overly excitedExample of usage and translation: Shes seen Jamie Dornan walking around Belfast and now she up to high doh..