There you have it. See, if someone's crazy, they're a nutter. Craic is an Irish word that can be translated to mean "fun," "enjoyment," or "good times.". Learn something new or share one or two that we ought to put on the list with us! Banjaxed is another lovely Irish expression. Gamers actually use this term quite a lot, with the same meaning and context. Bookmarked it. You tend to hear a lot of mad Irish slang words when people greet each other. In my last job, I worked in a building with around 250 people from 34 different countries. From words emerging from the Irish language via Hiberno-English classics to unexpected words coined by . For example, He used cooking oil on the lettuce thinking it was salad dressing what an eejit. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 25, 2012: Thanks viking305, The good old garda, thanks for that, a good one! Although Im from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. Scrumptious! E's in the Rah. In an attempt to discover more Irish expressions, lingo, and slang that may be causing people trouble, I asked the 250,000+ Irish Road Trip community what their favourite bit of Irish slang was. Now. This isnt slang find out what it means here. So, the next time your trip advisor mentions that your trip to a certain destination is on tenterhooks, be wary. Developed "straight from the horse's mouth". For example, I still cant believe we won that match. 7. What a tool!. Aye . Cheers, thanks a million. Sassenach - From the Gaelic word sasunnach, meaning Saxon, and used to describe non-Gaelic speaking Scottish Lowlanders (and our English friends). Jeff Berndt from Southeast Michigan on April 24, 2013: Great stuff! Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. Thanks so much! Weather type: Sunny. 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! Acting the maggot - Acting in a particularly foolish manner. 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. For example, Shite, put the cans away. Yes. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 14, 2012: What quick work you are! 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. This term means its raining heavily. Hello, my name's Tom Hardy. Born in New Ross, County Wexford but we most commonly used the word craic. "he fecked the remote control across the table at me".) Its been ages since I last seen ye, boyo. More of a clich to be honest! Thanks from this here lass!! as in put the kettle on and we'll have a wee cup of tea. It's either called "the toilet," and the Irish slang word for that is "the jacks.". Slinte! A phrase used when a good time goes bad and no fun is had at all. To Eat the head off of someone means to get very angry at them. We do use many weird and wonderful words don't we!! A useless scut if Ive ever seen one. For example, Did you do that thing for yer man? Did I fu*k. The word colleen is derived from the old Irish Gaelic term cailin which means girl or maiden. Dressed to the nines : - Don in your Sunday best. ! translates into I definitely wont be doing that. You might befriend an Irish local or a tourist who is a. and he or she will take you to the wildest places you could imagine. I missed ye. Jo Maxi simply means, In Ireland, if you have to use the toilet, you might need to go to the, Whenever somebody feels embarrassed or flustered, some peoples cheeks turn red or. The thing has gone to shit and I only have it a week. Interesting! Glad you found it interesting and came upon words you recognised. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on July 03, 2012: Hi How-to-crafts, Appreciate your comments and sharing! Scrumptious! Boxin' the fox : - Robbing an orchard. I lived in Britain for many years and when I first arrived, I couldn't understand a word they were saying, "You alright me duck?". Havent seen you in about ten years. Very interesting and useful as well. You are so right, and I am forever using it! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 02, 2012: Like your use of a bit of slang, your are coming on grand and soon you will be suckin diesel me ol' flower! 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Its worth noting that when someone says that theyre grand, they may not necessarily be so. Cheese on your chin : - Your fly is open. and never thought of it being another "Irish" saying or phrase but it obviously is one! Amadan - Generally refers to a fool or a buffoon. I said like alllllllllll of these to people I know and they were soooooooooo confused. 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. Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on June 23, 2012: Voted up and funny. I lived in NZ for a year and did not hear any Aussies use them either. Its okay to feel scarlet if you ever accidentally pour an ale over a handsome, young lad in a pub. Way back, uncut liquor and alcoholic beverages were sold in Ireland in unlicensed bars and clubs in Ireland. My father, from Dublin, often says: Jaysus! Its used to describe something (or someone) thats not working/broken. Deadly doesnt mean dangerous and Class isnt always used to describe a lesson. 'Will you look at the state of her over there, theres more meat on a hamster, the skinny malink.' is just the Irish version of "How can I help you?". Someone thats boring. lemonkerdz from LIMA, PERU on November 06, 2012: man i loved this article, my family came from Swords in ireland, although i have never been, but it was amazing to read a lot of expressions that me and my brothers use are in your irish slang words..and the others.well we learned them from watching "Father Ted" bless him, he opened up ireland to the world. 26 counties in Republic of Ireland and 6 counties in Northern Ireland. Translation: A messer. Thanks for stopping by! Example "E's in the Rah so he is". Can also be "I will yeah" or "Oh I will"it's all in the tone. LOL. Its not literally black, but you guessed it righta strong pint of this famous Irish dry stout might knock-out the light-hearted. 2. A long time ago I was serving a custodial sentence. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. These meanings portray left-hand people as weird outcasts of or Irish society. I loved this. Sleeveen = Sly, calculating person. Caleb, help me find the jacks in this bar, quickly. For example, Yer man was caught last week stealing from the till in Superquinn. !lol Appreciate your support and comments! This next section covers the more common, everyday Irish sayings and phrases that tend to pop up in conversation frequently. 33 Irish Insults And Curses: From 'Dope' And 'Hoor' To 'The Head On Ye' And More. the siphon of a bivalve mollusk (such as a clam). Whenever somebody feels embarrassed or flustered, some peoples cheeks turn red or scarlet. For example, Shes an awful gobshite. Weather type: Rainey. Someone who is driven by anxiousness, waiting for something to occur. Teresa Kennedy Harris on August 19, 2018: Very helpful for my book that is based out of Dingle Ireland, and I am a California girl! I enjoyed reading them. Ireland Travel Guides aims to help travelers to find their way for the first time in Ireland. For example, Shut your bake, you clown. These Irish slang words can range from tame to offensive, so use with caution. May her lakes and rivers bless you. Fancy a pint?. In bits is used when youre describing something or someone thats in a bad way. So, weirdly enough, since we first published this guide in early 2019, the most common email weve had off the back of it is from people looks for words and Irish slang for girl. Had fun compiling, thinking there really is soooo many, where did they all come from?!! Jammy basically means lucky. Here's hoping you will get to use here soon!! Or is that just a clich?! He does be flying around the garden like hes possessed.. There are two peelers coming up the road there. Weather type: Light rain. In Ireland, for some bizarre reason, we describe the shopping or the groceries as the messages. My cousin does professional Irish dancing and has visited there every year. But a chancer is a person who pushes their luck, They are commonly risk-takers or, sometimes, daredevils. Quare We have a million different ways of describing something as good or great in Ireland. A life making mistakes is not only more honourable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing at all. Originally, the word was spelled crack when it was used by Ulster Scots; the Gaelic spelling wasnt widely used in Ireland until it was popularized as the catchphrase in the Irish-language TV show SBB ina Shu starting in the 1970s. Actually, it's used to describe anything. When you first hear the word "yonks" used in Ireland, you might be a little confused. We have to go to Clonakilty. For example, Your Michael is a little hallion. Proud of that too, lassie! Some instruments commonly used for trad music are the fiddle, the flute and the whistle, Uilleann pipes, Have you heard of the new band from across the block? . Wind yer neck in . I wish I'd had your list before we traveled to Ireland in 2010. But sometimes, the slang word is a reused word with a new meaning. On your next trip to Ireland, you might want to avoid it. For example, His sister told his Mam about what happened. The hot press is where the boiler is for the hot water and central heating. For example, He was slagging me, so I gave him a kick in the bollox. Sample Usage: Whoo! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 2013: Very funny. As a nation we're all aware we have a language of our own. Lol. Ill chat to ye later, yea?!. For example, That chicken fillet roll was class. However, youll also hear people describing someone as Sound when theyre giving that person their approval, for example, That chap from around the corner fixed the engine. Or mor ya or mauryah in Irish English, it is a derisive interjection that can be properly translated as Yeah, right in the US English language slang or bullocks in the UK. 4. A way to describe a person who is a bit stupid, or at least very annoying. Lets get out for a dander and get some fresh air. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. Another one thats fairly tame. Anatomy a. Derived from the Irish word gaeilge, meaning beak, gob often refers to as mouth in English. The slang is much similar to the Irish word ciotach, meaning clumsy. Ah, deadly. The perfect way to take someone who is overly arrogant down a peg or two? This term is used for news, gossip, and fun conversations engaged by the locals. This said the Irish locals have created thousands of English slang that dates back from the medieval period up until modern times. You might befriend an Irish local or a tourist who is a chancer, and he or she will take you to the wildest places you could imagine. 4. Loads of the below words were new to me as well, but Ive lashed them into a section dedicated to Belfast slang. Mary Wickison from USA on April 25, 2013: Wonderful. lol. It shows on your cheeks. Cailln maith meaning 'good girl' became a way of refering to your girl friend. Speechless Kenneth! 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! Hi ya oh he from the Samui isle!! Wind yer neck in - shut up. Thanks . For example, He had a bag of skittles and three bottles of Coke an hour ago hes been up to high doh ever since. Not as offensive: Go and ask my bollox. Its lashing down.. Over the course of my time there, I received my fair share of strange looks when I said certain things. When you hear an Irish local saying that you are going in arseways, it means you are going in the wrong direction (A persons arse can be found behind). ): how we like to say that we couldn't care less about something . LMAO! Sorry, cant stop. Doing a line : - Courting, seeing someone. Sure you can find that vacation time, your hubs may suffer though!! May the Irish hills caress you. When someone says "slinte," whether on St. Patrick's Day or not, they're . Hang on there for a second and Ill leg it over to you now!. We all went back to Sharons after. But maybe thats because Im getting old and getting out less Sarahs new fella was out last night. Lets enjoy the view! A lesser-known, archaic, but still used term of endearment in some literary referencesit literally means little treasure. The suffix een denotes something diminutive or little in size. Ah, QUALITY. Now, for you Americans reading, when we say Craic in Ireland were not referring to something that you smoke on a street corner, nor are we referring to the crack in your arse. " Ye half eejit ye " - Not quite a full eejit, but still quite foolish. Craic - A word with a few meanings. Its just right across the block, and they serve delightful, Irish Slang Word #30: Cup of scald, or Cha, I have read and agree to the terms & conditions. (p.s., we never say Beantown) I could care less (int. It might sound derogatory to some, or might be a term of endearment for others. 2. Kenneth Avery from Hamilton, Alabama on June 28, 2012: @ Susie Q . The answer key is below. I heard theyre performing good trade at the old marketplace. Here, I have highlighted the most commonly heard words, their meanings, and provided examples of how they are used in everyday speech. This is a popular blessing oftentimes used in Catholic weddings or cross-stitched pillows. Pronounced as slawn-sha, if you and your friends have a couple of more rounds, the best Irish chant for cheers is Slinte! 18. nice wan yea, cyerafter. I would only really use "to be sure, to be sure" as a form of emphasizing Irishness, and in a funny way. Translation: Face. Appreciate your comments! Lol appreciate you commenting! Thanks for sharing and passing this on. Heres a handful (Ill update this again at a later date as more comments come in). Confusing or what?! That basically means that you did something EXTREMELY embarrassing and should probably be disowned. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 23, 2012: rajan jolly, Thanks so much for your lovely comments! -Grand: This is our most used response to any question. Ive no idea, but its a bit of Irish slang that Ive heard all my life. You're ready to book the Ireland trip of your dreams and talk like a local. My father has a brogue Yorkshire accent that he couldnt seem to get rid of; despite his three-decade stay in London, he sounds like a native York. Weather type: Rainy. Call a taxi. This is an Irish phrase thats used to ask someone to wait for you or to stop what youre saying. You made a hames in and out of our hotel room! So you would go to get your messages and pick up any shopping you might need. For example, Hes only a goon that lad. One can say that the English language is deeply ingrained in the blood of Irish people. In Irish slang words, if your parents are away for the night, or for a day or two, you go to someones gaff to have a party or a sleep-over. Must be interesting teaching our slang abroad! No idea how to describe this one. Example: 'He's not feeling the best today, he was locked last night.'. It wasnt until a friend from the UK said he didnt know what I was on about the first time we met and I used it in a sentence. You can also say Give me a go. Solomon's Knot Symbol - History And Meaning, In terms of direction, this term is not a bit offensive and is actually quite useful. 17. If someone told me they were shattered, I'd think they were drunk not tired! I Voted UP and all the way on this hub. you are very welcome to hear the truth about your amazing writing from me any day. to use these words will be up to your discretionand that makes learning and using Irish slang words more fun and exciting! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 29, 2012: Ha!! - common prostitute, Means sorry and also excuse me, pardon me, Now you're talking, now you're doing well. Translation: Embarrassed. The etymology of this fun Irish word remains unknown until today, but when you say something is banjaxed, it means they have been shattered or were broken. In Ireland, if you have to use the toilet, you might need to go to the jacks. At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely. Id never thought wed make it to the top! Example: 'Thon shoes would look . Translation: A tricky situation. Youll generally hear people use this when describing how long its been since theyve seen someone, or how long its been since theyve done something. Details Parent Category: Irish Slang Phrases Slang: Fighting Talk. The word crack came from the Middle English term crak, meaning loud, bragging conversation. Pity the colour is shite. Actually, its used to describe anything. For example, Mam cooked some dinner for you. I love it. Now is widely used to refer to all women of similar ages and not just girlfriends. Now, if youre not familiar with the word Bollox or Bollocks, its slang that refers to a mans testicles. For example, Dye see yer wan over there with the red hat? Seriouslynever met one that I didn't take to immediately! We are known for our gift of the gab and I have shown the words, their meanings and also given examples of this weird and wacky language of the Irish. Craic - a good time. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 19, 2013: Hahaha that was gas! Appreciate greatly you reading and bringing your experience to light, great comment, i love it! Define neck. 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). This is a well-written, fun hub. The jammy hoor!. Derived from the Irish Gaelic word brog, a shoe, or from Old Norse, broc, meaning leg covering. For example, He got a taxi home with us and hopped out without giving us any money towards it. Very interesting. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 11, 2012: Thanks Daniel, Appreciate your comments! I heard Cracking used constantly on a trip to Northern Ireland where we frequented far too many pubs. !, Youll often hear people refer to a young lad as a youngfella and a woman as a youngwan. Up to 90 means flat out busy doing something. . Whats the craic can either be used as a greeting, for example, Ah, Tony. Our GPSs gone arseways. Go fetch me a mug, boyo. I met a local once at a pub during our extended trip in County Donegal, and he kept complaining about his lifes begrudgery, and how he never has luck wherever he goes. 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. Specially something rancid, What would be the slang for "let's get drunk?". And FYI, my ancestors came from Old Ireland. For example, The smell off those runners. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 25, 2013: Many thanks hope it made some sense to you! May the road rise up to meet you. Pronounced kware, this word can be used in a variety of ways to mean great, very, and terrific.. 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). Today, the term is commonly used for hidden bars that provide good music and a variety of drinks. Its a good day for drying. Cheers for that.. Hope that helps! 10 Yonks. Having the craic means the person was out having fun, for example, Ah, man, Im dying. Tae: Tea. As each generation comes of age, it adds new and creative slang to the culture. I turned scarlet when he saw me picking my nose, ugh! On your next Irish trip, you might hear quite a few locals complaining about their state of begrudgery. 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. So glad that I found YOU on Hubs. "What's the craic" can also be used to say hello to someone meaning "hi, any gossip/how is it going". We use the word deadly in Ireland to describe something thats good or great, for example, That new pub on the corner is deaaaaadly! or Did you hear I got the job in the chipper? Ah no. 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! It means "May God remove obstacles in your journey through life". While it might be confusing, yes means hello. It could also denote a place where cheap entertainment can be availed. Or a bit dodgy. Its been ages since I last seen ye, boyo. 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?" Hope you get to visit here in the near future, you will then be up to speed fully armed with the lingo! Great Hub! "Jaysis, it's quare warm today isn't it?". Yer wan or Your one is used to refer to someone whos name you do not know or a person that you do not like. During your trip, if an Irish local or your best friend calls you their acushla, dont be too flattered! Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 24, 2012: What a great hub! When you feel scarlet in Ireland, you feel embarrassed or mortified over something. Youre lookin fine, lad! But in Ireland, when you say someone is on tenterhooks, it means they are at the edge of something agitating. performing good trade at the old marketplace. For example, Its a grand aul day today Mary. Circling over Shannon : - To be really drunk. Thanks for dropping by and commenting. If Americans have fries, and English people from the UK have chips, in Ireland, you might want to order a. as a side dish. It stems from the Irish Gaelic word cuisle, which means darling, or more literally vein or pulse. Cheers Brett.Tesol!! neck: [noun] the part of an animal that connects the head with the body. Thank you for sharing those great Irish slang words with us :) Brilliant. If you're easily offended, you may want to click the little 'x' now you dope . I did not realise it until I read your list. thing is banjaxed!". Here are a few Irish colloquialisms to help you understand the next person you meet from Derry, Dublin, or Donegal. This is another female-specific word thats reasonably offensive. Voted up and shared! I also lived in 3 continents from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. Here are top Irish sayings that you will love: 1. It commonly refers to chips or other potato-based finger foods. It was minus craic. Hardchaw, Hardman rough person. One of the most common Irish words, craic refers to both fun and news. You eejit! Appreciate your votes! It was a fun hub to write and laughs all the way!!