Why? He still has his communion money Another expression used to describe a person who is tight with their money. When I was starting to put together this list with my husband, I wanted to run this list by him. Therefore, this is a particularly derogatory phrase that is used by women only. This word is often associated with the expression go and bollox and is deemed offensive. Example: We were hammered last night, but I loved every minute of it! There is no way I would wait there for a bus. I will, yeah This has the opposite meaning to what is implied. For instance, Shite man, Im late. Whats the story? 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. Its a grand, soft day Means its a rainy day, but more so fine, misty rain than pouring rain. This way, you wont have a hard time understanding locals that often use Irish expressions. That yung wan 18. What a complete jerk. 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. Rainey weather type. . Meaning: (Greeting) The term hows the form? is a greeting when you unexpectedly see a friend you havent spoken to in a while. Meaning: (Noun) The term glunterpeck is another word for a stupid person. Hence, a precarious situation. As above, usually instead of saying something like hi buddy, any news. 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. Did you see her going to the toilet in front of the police station?" all lured - feeling delighted banjaxed - a multipurpose word that can mean broken, tired or drunk be wide - be careful 19. These can be a derogatory term or meant lightly. Meaning: (Noun) The Irish slang yer man is usually a male person who you dont remember or have forgotten the name of. Boke: Vomit. I'm steamin' - you might hear this at the pub 18. For instance, Im going in there right now and eating his head off! 3. Lets talk soon when were not busy. Example: What is this mess? Shut your bake, you clown, for instance. For instance, use your umbrella to Gway out of that. Lashing You'll hear this one on a regular basis in Ireland. Meaning: (Expression) A grand aul day is an expression used in Ireland when the weather is perfect. Meaning: (Expression) The term acting the maggot is when an Irish person deems to mess around instead of doing what he or she is supposed to be doing. , Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. In this case it is a vague answer of itll be ok. Example: Dont be such a pox. 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. Hes a sad little bugger. Shame the color is so awful. Example: Are you alright? Example: Im not in the mood to go out. Its complete shite. Many of us in Ireland use slang terms so frequently that we forget they are slang. For instance, I gave him a kick in the bollox because he was slagging me.. The radio is not audible to me. Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase gone from means that a person is away or has left. You can post any Irish slang youre unsure of in the comments section below, and Ill get back to you. Donkeys years Used to refer to a very long time. Craic A word with a few meanings. Example: Theres no place for a latchio here! See how hes pulling a beamer. sound out irish slang. Is it true that your cousin is getting married just after a few weeks of dating? It is a book containing the gallows speeches from over 100 offenders. The Irish term is another word for a stupid person. Combine this piece of Irish slang with 'pound' (before 2002, the Irish currency used to be pounds) and . 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. Example: Why dont we go on dander and have a picnic? 50+ Best Irish Slang Words And Phrases To Try Out Thinking of going on a trip to Ireland and fit in with the locals? Example: How could you come to this kind of place? Translation: Im not planning on getting absolutely hammered, but one might very well turn into 15. 2. 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.. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. HEY. Bloody Can be used instead of the f-word or its connotations above. 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. If you want to visit Ireland and experience the culture, food, and history of the country, then you should get to know Irish slang words so you can sound like an Irish person. Grand : good / okay. Sound is also used to describe someone who is cool/alright. For instance, Hes a terrible latchio., In other words, how are you? I remember kids in school saying scarlet for you meaning Im so embarrassed for you. Meaning: Stop moaning / complainingNote: To gurn is to complain about a person. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase bang on is used as a response when someone is asking how you are. See what I did there! Dilutable = Non-alcoholic concentrated syrup used to make beverages. Meaning: (Expression) Minus craic is an Irish expression that means a person, thing, or situation is boring. Youll often hear hes an awful eejit meaning hes a bit dumb. In Irish slang, people who live in the countryside are called culchie.. Meaning: You're a disgrace Example of usage and translation: "Oh my god, she was an absolute state. one who is uninteresting. Meaning: (Noun) The word wean is used to identify a small child. Like, "I'll see you in 20." Here are 20 Northern Irish phrases and what they mean in plain English. Karen remarked as she took Kates bag of chips. Full of Tips, Reviews, Travel Blogs 7 Coronation Road, Launchese, London, NW10 7PQ, UNITED KINGDOM Contact us: [emailprotected] Read more. Example: That boy is thick. 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. 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. Example: Finally, its a good day for drying! Meaning: (Noun) Even though Ireland seems to only have vast fields and beautiful views, they also have cities. You are such a gobshite! Ill speak with you later, okay? Meaning: (Adjective) Dryshite is used in Ireland to describe a person, thing, or situation that is boring. Meaning: (Adjective) The term shitehawk is used to describe the poorest of the poor. That lad keeps texting me, for instance. Given the lack of dry days in Ireland, youll be lucky to hear this said too often! Another one for extremely inebriated people. For example, Mary says John bungee jumped in Costa Rica last week, to which Patrick, who would never do a bungee jump, responds fair play to him. Example: Theres a long line at the jacks. That was shite can means that was rubbish. Youll often hear Irish mammies say ah feck instead of the f-word around kids. sound out irish slang 05 Jun. Im going on the lash at the weekend means I am going out drinking this weekend. This expression means he or she wont be doing something. Did you see her taking a piss in front of the Garda station?" = "Oh my god, she was a disgrace. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Do you mean to say Susans here? Example: Shes a cute hoor for always getting what she wants. Meaning: A scoldingExample of usage and translation: He spent the whole evening drinking at the pub. Although Ireland became a country that spoke English as its primary language around the turn of the 19th century, the English that is spoken there differs significantly from the original. Faffing is the act of doing something but not actually doing it. All of these Irish slang words can be used to describe someone who is drunk. 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? He spends his day traveling between the bookies and the pub, for instance. Example: Shut your bake! This is hilarious! Oh, I do. It is often used vulgarly, but can also be used in day-to-day conversations. 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. Meaning: This is not a threat, but a person offering a lift to another person. 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. For instance, Last night, the pub was jam-packed with culchies.. Hammered is the word Irish people use when they drink too much and get intoxicated. There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. I bet she was in rag order. Example: Tell the kids to come in now because its rotten. He thought I was trying to get his attention, even though I already had it. It can also be used in annoyance. Ribena is a blackcurrant dilutable very popular in Ireland. Example: Im up to high doh about this trip! This is yet another mild example of Irish slang for someone you dont particularly like. It can mean youre joking me or really or for my Welsh readers, go away outta that = never. If you think your new Irish friend is friendly, helpful or generally a good soul, you can describe them as 'sound'. Hes a cute hoor that fella, for instance, and he always manages to score a free ticket to the concerts in Phoenix Park. Example: Hes a bog. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Meaning: (Noun) The slang yer wan in Ireland is usually used to call a female person youve forgotten. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. My advice is not to use them unless you are certain of their meaning and the situation is appropriate. Example: Gosh, she was stumbling out of the pub last night. For instance, Cmon. We should go outside and get some fresh air. It might still be long, just a slightly shorter version of the whole story. For instance, Since she got home and saw what the dog did to the couch in the living room, shes been up to 90.. It can be subsitited for ah feck but not around little ears! Someone who works for the police. For instance, Dont worry about it; its great., Up to 90 means completely occupied with something. Grand (an iconic bit of Irish slang) Grand means OK. You'll hear it most commonly used as a response to, 'How's it going'/'How are you feeling?'/'How are you today?'. Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. Yes, savage is also slang for good in Ireland. You are such a clown! They are not real. Irish people will say, Fair play, when they want to congratulate someone. Meaning: (Noun) A young wan is Irish slang word for a young lady, maybe a teenager. Topic: +100 Irish Slang Words To Sound Like A Local. Simply means whats happening. For instance, I called over yesterday and he talked for an hour about his new tractor. It wasnt very fun. Dont go anywhere alone with him. Shed talk the hind legs off a donkey This girl/woman is a right chatterbox, never stops talking. , For instance, Oh, Kayla. Join the I Left My Heart in Ireland in Our Community on Facebook. Every day, I use slang. Leppin Another word for starving or hungry. If a teenager says theyve a free gaff it usually means their parents are away/out and a party may ensue. Example: Let me see the video again. Lazy person is the correct translation. Irish slang is a rich verbal tradition rooted in the hard and hearty struggles of the Irish people, who are predominantly Celtic in ethnicity. How are things going? Raging An Irish expression means someone is angry or disappointed with themselves. Example: Continue with that behavior and Ill tell everyone youre a bollox! Tbf Irish phrases / idioms are better than the slang words, If yer . Glad you enjoyed the post . Sure look People might say sure look, itll be grand to respond to a question. A place where members can be honest with each other, share their stories and travel photos, and try out a new way to see Ireland together. Meaning: (Noun) Gowl is another word for eejit that is used as an insult in Ireland. Probably more often than not, sound is used as an affirmative response, as in Ah, sound. Thank you for that. Therefore, Ireland has been one of the most recommended destinations for people who love to travel and explore the world. Shes a tool. Let me help you with your things. Such as, Ross, ya pox! Example: Stall the ball! By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 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. I legged it for the bus means I ran for the bus. Boking/boke/boked - not the most pleasant thing 15. Example: Hey, hows the form? If something is inferior or ugly, you cannot change it into something of value or attractive. He made a right bags of that. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Youre jammy to find it again. 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. Meaning: Shes overly excitedExample of usage and translation: Shes seen Jamie Dornan walking around Belfast and now she up to high doh.. I am not familiar with any books. It was handled in an ogeous manner. There, its like a midden. One of the most famous Irish words is 'grand.' Unfortunately it has a multitude of meanings depending on context. For more information read our privacy policy. Your man who I purchased the car from is a serious Gombeen, I said. Meaning: (Phrase) Ogeous handling is a situation wherein the people are in danger. Or to tell someone to get sense about something. OK is grand. Sorry pal, can you tell me where the jacks is? is one example. . Lets go on a picnic! a term from old Irish slang used to describe a chancer. or Ive never tried that before, but Ill definitely give it a lash. Example: Go and bollox if you think you can get me to agree with you. Meaning: (Noun) Midden was originally a Scottish word that later on was used to call an unattractive person from Ireland. The weather is sunny. Meaning: (Adjective) Locked is another term used when a person is blackout drunk. The words Class and Pure are frequently used together. I laughed until my belly hurt! drunk and banned. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. Example: I was locked last night and cant remember how I got home. Fear no more. Can you use your jumper cables to give it a lash? 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. I havent seen him in donkeys years means that you havent seen that person for a very long time. Bollocks/bollix Can be used instead of saying bullshit. Lets go to some place exciting. Ah, another Irish proverb that describes something brilliant with a word that is actually used to describe something dangerous. Meaning: Little brats /little shitsExplanation: shitehawk can be used affectionately. Good luck A different way of saying goodbye to someone. This article is the combined work of four writers: Sorcha OHiggins, Tara Povey, Sarah Arnold, and Niall Colbert. Lovely to hear our Celtic ties are still going strong with us using many of the same terms. Ive missed you so! 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 However, there are a few different ways youll hear it used more frequently: There is absolutely no way that I am doing that. That young lad was acting the maggot in here last night.. Example: You have an excellent eye for art. Meaning: (Adjective) Banjaxed is an Irish slang word that can either mean a person is drunk, brokenhearted, or tired. Everyday Irish Slang Words and Phrases The exact meaning and usage of these words and phrases from Ireland may vary from one area to another, so be sure and pay close attention to the context in which they're being used. Example: Youre so dope, you cant even pass a simple exam. I have visited more than 50 countries, as well as lots of towns and villages all around the world. Where's the jacks? So, I actually believed that the term giving out was used widely. Only friends from Drogheda that I am aware of use these words to describe intoxication. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Hes a right chancer This Irish term is used when talking about someone who chances their arm. Here are a few (Ill update this again later as new comments are submitted). When someone is Acting the maggot, they are dossing or messing around, which means they are not carrying out their intended task. 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. Cat. Cop on to yourself Used to tell someone to pull themselves together. It can also be used to indicate someone is irritated or angry. Or something they themselves wouldnt attempt. Meaning: (Noun) Sangers is the Irish slang for a sandwich. Example: Its been a bad dose since morning. A manky day out refers to a day that is grey, miserable and probably raining too. Did you do that thing for yer man? is an example. Shite Meaning shit, rubbish or pants. He's a right bowsie 9. Yer man is used to refer to a man, but it can also be used when you dont know their name. Meaning: (Noun) A geebag is a woman who is not pleasant. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyone's breath away. Ask me arse Usually said to someone in response to a question to do something. First, check out this brief guide to 10 of the more common words that may trip up the unsuspecting traveller. So "have sohme fun with ooehr Oirish accent translator bot!" If you like our Irish why not create a great app with it by using our Irish API? 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. The word comes from how Irish people pronounce idiot.. Meaning: (Verb) The old Irish slang beamer means that a person is going red all over the face because of embarrassment. This term, which is pronounced Flue-tered, designates a person who has consumed more alcohol than 9 pints. Example: Its so sad to see a shitehawk, but I have no money to spare. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/1100284 For instance, She won money down the bingo this week once more. Jammy hoor! Yes, its just spitting. For instance, Oh man, my heads are in shambles. Example: Youve been in your room faffing all day but failed to clean it! For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. Example: Its minus craic here. 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. Meaning: (Noun) A chancer is a person who takes a chance on anything, especially when theres an opportunity for him or her to become successful. 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. Example: I heard you got promoted. For instance, Mrs. We only had a few shots of whiskey. Note: This could mean anything. It's baltic - commonly heard in winter 19. Acting the maggot - messing around Someone acting the maggot is messing around, playing around, or being silly. 31 Things that might surprise you, Exactly What to Pack for Ireland in April Clothes, essentials and more. Yoke A word used instead of saying thing. The following section delves into Irish idioms and slang terms that Ive used in the past but that were completely lost on listeners. Bags (To make a bags of something) Make a mess of doing something. Its pure shit today. She regularly returns to Ireland to explore more of the wonderful island with her family. Here are some more typical expressions using Irish slang words, from the messages to jammy.. Youve been warned! Wow, what a dope. Lets go somewhere else. She can be mean or acts unrespectable. Here we've rounded up 20 common Dublin slang phrases and what they mean. Its often called squash or cordial in other countries. Sound A word that can often be used instead of grand or okay. There are three languages spoken in Ireland: Irish (Gaeilge), Ullans (in Northern Ireland), and English. Meaning: (Expression) Its pissing down is a term used in Ireland when its a rainy day. When something is so incredible that its difficult to believe it, we use the adjective unreal. Dye see me new runners, for instance. Can you still walk? I thought they were sold out, Savage, man. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. Meaning: (Noun) The word mucker is used as another name for a friend. Meaning: (Adjective) Unreal is yet another word for good. It is used when you experienced something unbelievably or unexpectedly good. Below, we have 125 Irish slang words and Irish slang phrases you should learn. Example: My oul fella wants to join this trip and I said yes. How ya getting on? 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. The most useless scut Ive ever seen. For instance, Thanks a million makes no sense to non-Irish people (at least, thats what my non-Irish friends tell me!). Deadly Indicates that something is cool or awesome. For instance, Hes banjxxed, sure hes been on the pints all day.. Meaning: (Expression) Up to high doh is an expression used when a person is excited or cant wait for something to happen. He may have taken us in a taxi to our destination and then hopped out without paying for it, for instance. Youre one can short of six. Example: Do you remember the yoke I brought home yesterday? It can often be heard from irritated parents telling off their offspring. Bang on. This is a phrase that means "a long time" or a "number of years". Sure you know yourself A confirmation of knowledge or unspoken acknowledgement about something or a situation. Can also be used to describe someone who isnt facing reality about something or a situation. A lot of the time, when Im speaking to someone who isnt Irish, I forget that the words Im using are actually slang. 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' Example: I have never seen these people in the city. Your email address will not be published. To learn more about affiliate links, read my Disclosure Policy here. Thank you. Donkey's Years.