Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 24, 2012: Delighted it gave laughter to start the day, billybuc!! There you have it. If you value children for the stroreen that they are, or any animal or anything small that you value highly, then storeen might be an appropriate word to use. Ive no idea, but its a bit of Irish slang that Ive heard all my life. Caleb, help me find the jacks in this bar, quickly. For example, Ah, nice one! said Karen, as she took the bag of chips from Kate. Thanks for sharing and passing this on. Too bad April Fools' Day is past. For example, The hostel were staying in as a kip and a half!. you might befriend a couple of colleens studying horticulture. For example, It was definitely Colin. Fair play to her. Kenneth. Suzie from Carson City on August 23, 2012: I really LOVE this hub!! Be sure not to let anyone tell you that youre a, A more endearing term for the word idiot or fool is the Irish slang, Yet, still, it is used in a mocking mannerwith a hint of affection. Irishmen and women, with shamrock and four-clover leaves, are fans of good luck. I know. Here's a list of redneck words and their meanings to help you understand exactly what is being said. Or, it could also mean that something is not working properly, like a tourist van or a cellular device. Its okay to feel scarlet if you ever accidentally pour an ale over a handsome, young lad in a pub. Yes, savage is also Irish slang for good. The word gas is Irish slang for funny. For example: "Let's meet after the lecture for a few jars.". And it has further connotations: a ciotach is regarded as a strange person, a strange one, or perhaps, touched by the Devil himself. Aye - Yes. Tame. Have fun, you will be talking like a seasoned pro in no time! But maybe thats because Im getting old and getting out less Sarahs new fella was out last night. Ireland is the only European nation that has the highest percentage of citizens who speak English as their mother tongue or native language at 97.51%. 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Culchie is the term people who live in Dublin use to refer to someone who lives in the rural areas outside the city. Rich from Kentucky on September 14, 2012: And I thought the Irish spoke English! Our Nature Reserves . It was minus craic. (Derogatory). While it might be confusing, yes means hello. Jeff Boettner from Tampa, FL on September 29, 2012: Glad I took a gander at this hub Suzie HQ :), I studied the words until I was completely knackered. nb: Use a verb to mean make fun of someone in a nice way or else it has the same meaning as elsewhere i.e. That said at speed, did not sound like English. Bate - To be completely exhausted and out of energy. For example, WHY did I have the second bottle of wine. Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. Wind yer neck in - shut up. Its alternate meaning is of a foolish person or a simpleton. The people from Northern England and Scotland borrowed the word that denoted a meaning for conversation or news. The term whats the crack essentially means, how are you, or have you any news? Interestingly, crack was borrowed from the Irish term craic, and was re-borrowed! Here are top Irish sayings that you will love: 1. Actually, its used to describe anything. Or mor ya or mauryah in Irish English, it is a derisive interjection that can be properly translated as, in the UK. For example, That chicken fillet roll was class. the part of a garment that covers or is next to the neck. Addressing your darling or Irish sweetheart from Ireland will never be as soft and endearing as the Irish term acushla. Roon - Round. Wind yer neck in . I could understand words like Banjaxxed and Poxy causing hassle, but I couldnt get over that Giving out didnt make sense. Its okay to feel scarlet if you ever accidentally pour an ale over a handsome, young lad in a pub. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on July 18, 2012: Hi clevercat, Thanks so much for visiting, glad it gave you a chuckle or two! This word is as pretty as it sounds. i don't know of a slang term or colloquial term for farmer i'm afraid but check it out online or in an Irish slang dictionary. To take a gander at the beautiful golden beaches of Ireland is a fun and relaxing idea. :-). Weve an almost endless number of ways to describe a person that we dont like in Ireland. Over the course of my time there, I received my fair share of strange looks when I said certain things. For example, Shes been up to 90 since she came home and saw what the dog did to the couch in the living room. Your feet must be bogging. So, this is a pretty insulting bit of slang thats female-specific. LMAO! From the messages to jammy, here are some more popular ways of saying things using Irish slang words. Im a pure irish woman, born and raised ,im surprised ,ive heard all of these but the most common ive heard are ,acting the maggot ,craic, ejit ,black stuff ,eff off ,feck off, and lots more . (no correlation to the collie, Lassie, on TV), just waited to say that word. Appreciate your comments! Appreciate greatly you reading and bringing your experience to light, great comment, i love it! Looking for a slang or colloquial term for farmer. Contrary to popular belief this does not mean "great" or anything nearly as enthusiastic. Sure look. There are two peelers coming up the road there. Loads of the below words were new to me as well, but Ive lashed them into a section dedicated to Belfast slang. Its just right across the block, and they serve delightfulpastries, too. For example, Ah, man, the heads bouncing off of me. Nice work :). Talk about a dope. In Ireland, many of us use slang words so often that we forget theyre actually slang, for example, Thanks a million makes absolutely zero sense to non-Irish people (or so my non-Irish friends tell me!). Much fun was had compiling our unusual language here!! If no help comes to us, well move on. (Cassells Dictionary of Slang says the phrase means crazy.). Someone not working or is messing about, up to no good, Go away (polite version), used to show surprise or shock, Used for your guy, as in 'Me Fella' partner/husband/boyfriend, Home, to have a 'free gaff' means you are home alone, Fun phrase used in a conversation to get a laugh, reaction. And now, it is an official slang in the modern Irish scenes. Mary Strain from The Shire on August 23, 2012: Loved this! This term is used for news, gossip, and fun conversations engaged by the locals. Yoke. Acting the maggot. Example: "My mate's birthday party was good craic.". Ann Carr from SW England on July 01, 2012: Voted up, funny and interesting. I heard the waves are great at Inchydoney Beach, honey. " You're an awful snake (pronounced shnaake) " - Translation: you're a sneaky person, but I like you. Jammy - if you are a lucky person you might be described as flukey or jammy. Fair play is an Irish expression used to congratulate someone. I cant reach my coworkers, and the other tourist guides trailing behind us wont be able to hear us outside the Cave of Maghera. If you hear someone saying that theyre Going to the jacks or maybe someday someone will ask you Where are the jacks in an Irish bar somewhere in the world, theyre referring to the toilet. To Eat the head off of someone means to get very angry at them. I must have really absorbed your words and meanings because I scored 100% on the test! The locals like their slang more than most, and deciphering it requires expert supervision. Listen to Niall's n. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. Howve ye been? Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on August 24, 2012: Thanks Relationshipc, Appreciate your comments and visit! Wind yer neck in . Donkeys years is a phrase Irish people use meaning a long time (as in, Ive known him for donkeys years, an example given in the video above), as is yonks. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 27, 2012: Many thanks for reading this! There are two pronunciations of 'bold', each with a different meaning. I hear things like "deadly", "donkey's years", "fella", "knackered", "we legged it outta there", "mortified", "we went to the pictures" and so on on an almost daily basis, just to name a few. If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. It refers to a young Irish girl, or a, is derived from the old Irish Gaelic term. Speaking of minus craic, "Dryshite" is a term used to refer to someone who is boring and no fun. For example, Ill see you in 20. That gentleman is a member of the terrorist group called Irish Republican Army On jest terroryst z IRA. In Ireland, dope is another way of describing someone stupid. For example, Did you do that thing for yer man? Did I fu*k. It, again, is Irish slang for good. 100%! 10. This isn't a word that even exists in many cultures and dialects. You could actually use lash here as well, for example, Give me a lash of that. I cant hear the radio!. Derived from the Irish word gaeilge, meaning beak, gob often refers to as mouth in English. LOL It's funny that you mention dating an Irishman. I wish I'd had your list before we traveled to Ireland in 2010. Call a taxi. to use these words will be up to your discretionand that makes learning and using Irish slang words more fun and exciting! The word crack came from the Middle English term. When to use these words will be up to your discretionand that makes learning and using Irish slang words more fun and exciting! It's for a poem and I can just see the look on people's faces in the workshop. you are very welcome to hear the truth about your amazing writing from me any day. Tenterhooks are hooks used to fasten cloth, either on a wall or a frame, for drying. I was in a hoop after Foleys last night. 1. Craic - A word with a few meanings. However, it can also be an indication that the person youre speaking to is either 1, uninterested in what youre saying, or 2, has no idea how to respond to what youve just said. It refers to a young Irish girl, or a lass, in Scottish tongues. Looking for some fun Irish slang words and phrases? Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on September 14, 2012: Great information Suzie HQ. Legend says that if you find one each leaf has a meaning. The thing has gone to shit and I only have it a week. the siphon of a bivalve mollusk (such as a clam). The only people that I know who use these words to describe drunkenness are friends from Drogheda. 17. Im starving!. lol Appreciate your incredibly kind words soooo much. In my last job, I worked in a building with around 250 people from 34 different countries. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. Hes a sound lad. That man is a shnakey little shitehawk. For example, How ya doing hey?! With this knowledge at hand, youll find a good way to empathize with their current situation. Translation: How are you?. Lets watch? meaning leg covering. Appreciate your input and votes!! For example, Sure look, what can ye do?!. It describes a situation or a person thats no fun. I use this about 20 times a day. Weather type: Sunny. For example, Eh, is that Karen up on that table? Shes on her 17th vodka. "Sure look" fits practically everywhere because of its meaning. I'll have to re-read this to get the full effect of all the phrases! Thanks . Speechless Kenneth! Over the years the word changed so it was simply 'mot', which became used by lower class Dubliners. The jacks. Its not literally black, but you guessed it righta strong pint of this famous Irish dry stout might knock-out the light-hearted. Many are used without us even realizing we must sound odd to foreign visitors! Youll hear the word fine used in a variety of different ways: If you hear someone say Its fine, it means Its OK. A good destination for your Irish escapade. Shes flutered. For example, Sure hes been on the pints all day, hes banjxxed. According to Ireland Calling, its most likely short for the phrase cat on a melodeon. For example, Shamey Brannagin was caught stealing from Kerrigans again. Translation: The name given to dung heaps/dirty people. Every time I went to buy something in a sandwich shop or get a bed at a hostel, the person behind the counter would ask me, "Are you okay?" Making a hames in Irish slang is equivalent to making a mess in US English slang. Glad you enjoyed this you may enjoy the humour in my other Irish hub, so you want to be Irish !! When you first hear the word "yonks" used in Ireland, you might be a little confused. I heard off Noley that you were in getting the haemorrhoids sorted?! If you use one of these . Internet slang now occasionally reinterprets it as the acronym for "sad and pathetic". Ill never forget my stay in Ireland. Example "E's in the Rah so he is". Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 30, 2013: Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 28, 2013: Appreciate you dropping in! A Galway term for prison, e.g 'don't steal, you'll end up in the clinker' Cop on 'Cop on' is a general catch-all term for having common sense or intelligence in any situation. 18. On your next hiking or rock-climbing adventure with your buddies, you can use this term however you want. Eighteenth- and 19th-century Scottish and English schoolboy slang ("sapskull", "saphead") that the Irish took and shortened. So you would go to get your messages and pick up any shopping you might need. I have never been to Ireland but if I am lucky enough to get the chance to visit, your hub here will come in quite useful! Now, for our American readers when we say dope in Ireland, were not talking about anything dodgy. Quare Yoke more or less means 'thing' but it's use and meaning can very ambiguous. Will I, yea? Slinte! But most of them are creations of literary geniuses and everyday Irishmen who strive to make the English language as dynamic, engaging, heartfelt, communicative, and fun as possible. 'Our kid'- strictly reserved for close family, or friends who are like family, age does not come into it. Youll often hear this one used in response to questions like How was work today Ah, shtap sure Ive been up to 90 since half 7. In the guide below, you'll find LOOOOOOOADS of Irish insults and Irish curse words (or 'cuss words', for ye Americans). For example, Youll be getting off your hole and emptying the bins in 5 minutes. Very interesting and useful as well. Don't forget to test your slang street cred and your gift of the gab ability, by taking my small quiz at the end! I spent a lot of time nodding and smiling, and then admitting I had no idea what they were talking about. For example, Shut your bake, you clown. Craic Ah, deadly. A good destination for your Irish escapade. livingabroad from Wales, UK on June 19, 2012: What about "to be sure, to be sure"? Define neck. For example, Im going to call in sick. I used to use, and here this one used, back during my days in school. Read: I absolutely will not be doing that. For example, Hes a cute hoor that fella, always manages to get a free ticket to the concerts in the Phoenix Park. Check out these 10 Irish slang phrases you'll definitely hear while you're there. Youll hear the craic was 90 used when someone is describing a situation where a serious bit of fun was had. (Term of endearment). For travelers, if your good friends call you boyo, it might be a term of endearment. Tough luck, fella. This is another female-specific word thats reasonably offensive. Can you give it a lash with your jump cables? or Ive never tried that before, but sure Ill give it a lash. A version of this story ran in 2019; it has been updated for 2023. Craic: popular throughout Ireland - where's the craic, as in where's the fun at. Here's to you and here's to me, I pray that friends we'll always be, but if by chance we disagree, the heck with you and here's to me. For example, Story horse?! Craic is an Irish word that can be translated to mean "fun," "enjoyment," or "good times.". This said the Irish locals have created thousands of English slang that dates back from the medieval period up until modern times. Thanks a million means Thank you very much. If a person is Acting the maggot theyre messing around / dossing i.e. So, it does your nut in, doin' my nut in . A two-day short trip around the. It commonly refers to chips or other potato-based finger foods. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 29, 2012: Ha!! Very interesting. 'Mate'- used when conversing with any human being at all, whether you like them or not; it is totally appropriate to use this term even if you don't know them. Can't Never Could. I use this one a lot. Sure its only spitting. The only way you got those types of correspondences was to get them from the post office which would normally be in your local shop (in rural areas anyway). Details Parent Category: Irish Slang Phrases Slang: Fighting Talk. For example, Shes an awful gobshite. Yet, still, it is used in a mocking mannerwith a hint of affection. It generally means. Definition of a farmer a man how is outstanding in his own field. And a new book offers those who aren't . If you have an Irish expression that you need to be explained, pop it in the comments section below and Ill get back to you. With all the different slang and the different accents going on it makes for a very crazy world of language! lol Thanks again RC. Another tame one. 18. Howaya! People in Ireland speak English, but not exactly the Queens English. With a little help from the Gaelic languagecalled Irishthe populace of the Emerald Isle has devised its very own collection of weird and wonderful words and phrases. Usually used casually with friends. You know that feeling you get when youve enjoyed a fairly big Tuesday night in a club, and then stumble into work the next morning after downing six espresso shots at the nearest Starbucks? Learn how your comment data is processed. You can leg it to the shops, or you can leg it around the corner to meet one of the lads. Translation: A tricky situation. 3. The hot press is where the boiler is for the hot water and central heating. For example, Hes a gowl and a half that boy. Hard neck this means cheek. Some of these words are familiar to native English speakers from the USA and UK but used in a different Irish context. From words emerging from the Irish language via Hiberno-English classics to unexpected words coined by . In Irish slang, gander means to quickly look at someone, or take a glance at. ! translates into I definitely wont be doing that. These Irish slang words are commonly used in everyday Irish conversationssome might sound offensive, some might sound like it was pulled out of a literary textbook. It commonly refers to chips or other potato-based finger foods. With the United Kingdom (UK) falling behind second, and a percentage of 94.45% native English language speakers. Based on recent reports, about 99% of the Irish people actually use English than the Irish . Pronounced Ban-jacks-d, this is another one for a person thats heavily overindulged. Looking forward to reading more of your work here! Act the maggot is a verb that means to mess around, by behaving foolishly, for example, or by avoiding work. !, Youll often hear people refer to a young lad as a youngfella and a woman as a youngwan. Will I, yea?!. performing good trade at the old marketplace. Arseways - To make a complete mess of. Always have wanted to see Ireland now I can practice up on the slang. Great hub and I enjoyed reading it. Yes. Its a good day for drying. Tell them to wind their neck in. Standard English: 'That was a great score'; 'He's a great guy'. In a nutshell, give it a lash means to give something a go. Have to bookmark it as I do plan on making it over to Ireland one of these years. . I heard theyre performing good trade at the old marketplace. Like very sorry? Dec. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 23, 2012: rajan jolly, Thanks so much for your lovely comments! The origin of banjaxed, which was first used in 1939 in the Irish novel At Swim-Two-Birds, is unclearthe Oxford English Dictionary posits it may have been Dublin slangbut it means damaged, ruined, or broken.. 5. 1. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 19, 2013: Hahaha that was gas! Here are some Irish slang words for describing both good and bad weather. Id never thought wed make it to the top! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 25, 2013: Many thanks hope it made some sense to you! Irish slang can differ depending on what part of the island a person is from, but most of these phrases can be found throughout. May the blessings of St. Patrick behold you. You've highlighted one phrase used quite a bit here! Voted up! I heard the waves are great at Inchydoney Beach, honey. Boxin' the fox : - Robbing an orchard. Listen, mates, we got ourselves on tenterhooks for a while. For example, Feck this, Im not listening to him shiting on for any longer, or That fecker was in here mooching about the place again this morning., Photo by Gardiner Mitchell via Tourism Ireland. He does be flying around the garden like hes possessed.. You certainly wouldnt want to hear this from your Irish tour guide at the start of his or her tour! For example, I got tickets to the Aslan gig. Haven't got a baldy no . It's either called "the toilet," and the Irish slang word for that is "the jacks.". Ya see i'm in a play and i really need to know what to do. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 06, 2012: Welcome! Im giving the word craic its own section, as there are heaps of different ways that it can be used. We all went back to Sharons after. And actually this is one that was made famous by the fantastic Father Ted series. When it comes to A shot, you could say, Gimme a shot of that kettle there. As long as it didn't put you off visiting our wee Emerald Isle! Yer man is used to describe a man Youll often hear this used when someones describing someone that they dont like, however it can also be used when you dont know someones name. Banjaxed drunk. A few of these I actually wouldn't have even known were slang, because I have used/heard them so much (namely gawked, brutal and mortified). 23. lol Thanks for your comments and votes, much appreciated!! Try these handy Irish phrases to fit right in: " Stop acting the maggot " - Acting in a foolish manner. In Ireland, for some bizarre reason, we describe the shopping or the groceries as the messages. Youre some clown. For example, That lad keeps on texting me. Voted up and across. A great fun hub, really well put together, great stuff, well done, thanks for sharing, voted up, Lee. No one is entirely sure of its origins, but its most probable origination is from the slang to doze-off, meaning to sleep for a short time, or take a nap. Mary Wickison from USA on April 25, 2013: Wonderful. That basically means that you did something EXTREMELY embarrassing and should probably be disowned.