4. 33 Irish Insults And Curses: From 'Dope' And 'Hoor' To 'The Head On Ye' And More. Speechless Kenneth! 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!! 18. Or is that just a clich?! Care for a cup of cha? 'Will you look at the state of her over there, theres more meat on a hamster, the skinny malink.' My gaffer and mums currently staying at Dromoland Castle Hotel in County Clare. Yoke is probably the quintessential Irish word, and perhaps the most difficult for foreigners to grasp. Lets enjoy the view! Loads of the below words were new to me as well, but Ive lashed them into a section dedicated to Belfast slang. Youll hear the word fine used in a variety of different ways: If you hear someone say Its fine, it means Its OK. The word 'gas' is Irish slang for funny. For example "Susie's phone got nicked at the party!" meaning Susie's phone was stolen at the party. For example, Shite man Im running late. It shows on your cheeks. Listen, mates, we got ourselves on tenterhooks for a while. When someone says "slinte," whether on St. Patrick's Day or not, they're . It commonly refers to chips or other potato-based finger foods. For example, Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20 or Stall the ball a minute what did he say?. It's easy enough to see the words now, but to hear them - that's a whole different story. May the road rise up to meet you. Its alternate meaning is of a foolish person or a simpleton. Here are 20 Northern Irish phrases and what they mean in plain English. To Lob the gob means to kiss someone. Hi fpherj48, Thanks so much for your lovely comments which definitely made me laugh! But a chancer is a person who pushes their luck a wee too much. At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. It means "May God remove obstacles in your journey through life". Hello, my name's Tom Hardy. Depending on how you use it, boyo (plural: boyos) can refer to a boy or a lad, who is usually younger than the speaker. There's no need to be embarrassed or feel badly about . The word lethal is mainly used in northwestern Ireland and means great. You can also abbreviate lethal into leefs. This is a well-written, fun hub. When it comes to A shot, you could say, Gimme a shot of that kettle there. Weather type: Rainy. It was some Ogeous handling. lol Thanks again RC. 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. Scundered/scunnered - different meanings depending on your location. Interesting on it being close to Essex slang, that's a new one . Im glad I came across your site. Banjaxed is another lovely Irish expression. The part of the body joining the head to the shoulders or trunk. Today, the term is commonly used for hidden bars that provide good music and a variety of drinks. It's either called "the toilet," and the Irish slang word for that is "the jacks.". The Middle English word "bigrucchen" meant "to grumble about"; the Irish made "begrudge" a noun. A more endearing term for the word idiot or fool is the Irish slang eejit. Glad you enjoyed and found fun.Appreciate your comments as always :-). Mike Licht NotionsCapital.com,CC-BY-2.0, via flickr. The word Yoke is used to describe something. 2. Check out these 10 Irish slang phrases you'll definitely hear while you're there. Glad you enjoyed this you may enjoy the humour in my other Irish hub, so you want to be Irish !! So, I thought giving out was something used globally genuinely. 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! UK Only: 028 7173 0331; Int: +44 28 7173 0331; Set Currency: Login (0) Item(s) 0.00; Menu ||| Buy Plot; Accessories; Our Story. I for years always dated foreign men and then met an Irishman on a blind date and that was 5 yrs ago, still going strong!! Well wait until dusk. For example,Their kitchen is manky. Down the Swanee : - Down the drain. Sure its only spitting. You can also use this word to describe something thats bad. More of a clich to be honest! If youve had a few too many pints of Guinness (also known as the black stuff) in Ireland, you might be described as langered, or drunk. it might be a term of endearment. Mor ya, you dont have a brother, Eddie! I turned scarlet when he saw me picking my nose, ugh! Youre lookin fine, lad! Hardchaw, Hardman rough person. For example, It was definitely Colin. In Ireland, dope is another way of describing someone stupid. Appreciate your input and votes!! Way back, uncut liquor and alcoholic beverages were sold in Ireland in unlicensed bars and clubs in Ireland. And whatever end of Paddy's Day you're on, it's always a good time to test them out. You coming out for a few pints later?!. Translation: A messer. To have a shot of something means to try it out. Thanks so much for input! Actually they do exist although they are rare! Looking forward to reading more of your work here! E's . You certainly wouldnt want to hear this from your Irish tour guide at the start of his or her tour! An Irish blessing - "May the road rise to meet you." From the Gaelic "Go n-iri an bthar leat," which means "may success be with you". I may have to pepper my States language with these soon, especially "not the full shilling"! Glad you have been getting some mileage out of the jacks at work!! For example, Martinas youngwan was in working with us for a few days last week.. 3. Or, it could also mean that something is not working properly, like a tourist van or a cellular device. For example, Im going to go in there now and eat the head off of him!, Cmere to me can mean two things: the first is to literally come here, for example, Cmere to me and tell me what happened?. To the Cockney, the phrase "steps and stairs" describes the idea of gradation. As each generation comes of age, it adds new and creative slang to the culture. If you arrive in Ireland and ask someone for the restroom, it is a social suicide. My father, from Dublin, often says: Jaysus! 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. If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. Irish slang can differ depending on what part of the island a person is from, but most of these phrases can be found throughout. 24 of 30. Here are a few Irish colloquialisms to help you understand the next person you meet from Derry, Dublin, or Donegal. Act the maggot is a verb that means "to mess around," by behaving foolishly, for example, or by avoiding work. meaning beak, gob often refers to as mouth in English. Acting the maggot - Acting in a particularly foolish manner. Fluthered. This is another tame bit of Irish slang used to describe a man or woman that youre less than fond of. And now, it is an official slang in the modern Irish scenes. It is a term most commonly used by angry Irishmen for the current state of their lives, caused by another Irishmans fortune. It is amazing how us Irish pop up everywhere, happy to hear a community are thriving in Massachusetts!!! For example, Did you hear Martin and Bernies youngfella was caught cheating in the Garda exam. I know. Here are some of my favourites. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 06, 2013: Nice one buachaildana, quite an appropriate name! !, Youll often hear people refer to a young lad as a youngfella and a woman as a youngwan. The selected samples of fruit and vegetables . 3. Slang Is Always Evolving. LOL. Over the years the word changed so it was simply 'mot', which became used by lower class Dubliners. 22. 17 Easy St. Patricks Day Cocktails + Drinks, 73 Funny St. Patricks Day Jokes For Adults And Kids, Our Favourite St. Patrick Legends And Stories, Ah here you can go and bollox if you think Im doing that = theres absolutely no way that Im doing that, Ive a pain in me bollox with you / listening to you = im annoyed with the situation or the person. Arseways - To make a complete mess of. "wind your neck in" was often a phrase of banter. For example, Youll be getting off your hole and emptying the bins in 5 minutes. For example, That chicken fillet roll was class. So you would go to get your messages and pick up any shopping you might need. the part of a garment that covers or is next to the neck. It was a fun hub to write, us Irish are good at making fun (polite term!!) Hash to mess up. When rendered as 'bold' (as in 'gold') it means 'naughty', even 'bad' or 'reprehensible'. On one hand, people say it, meaning "it is what it is". This is another female-specific word thats reasonably offensive. 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. A nasty ciotog he was, and a great painter, but filled with greed and self-loathing. Our Nature Reserves . This Irish expression gets more than its fair share of use and isnt specific to any particular county. Ill never forget my stay in Ireland. The slang is much similar to the Irish word, meaning clumsy. Jammy basically means lucky. You would be lead to believe us Irish speak the English but don't be fooled!! It might sound derogatory to some, or might be a term of endearment for others. You can use this word to say something is bad or awful. Its okay to feel scarlet if you ever accidentally pour an ale over a handsome, young lad in a pub. I heard theyre performing good trade at the old marketplace. Know more? Related Reads: Check out our guide to 31 funny Irish jokes and 33 Irish insults and curses that locals use. I cant reach my coworkers, and the other tourist guides trailing behind us wont be able to hear us outside the Cave of Maghera. Actually, it's used to describe anything. It's baltic - commonly heard in winter. The word slap means 'limp' in Afrikaans and is a perfect description for the oily potato chips which are larger than French fries. Greetings tend to vary quite a bit, depending on the county. I also lived in 3 continents from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. We got back from the pub at half 2 but we were up until 7 having the craic. The word Culchie is used to describe someone living in a remote part of Ireland. Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. Dressed to the nines : - Don in your Sunday best. Great hub and I enjoyed reading it. Its a good day for drying. Weather type: Rainey. Example - "My wee lad is doing his eleven plus the day". Always have wanted to see Ireland now I can practice up on the slang. But in Ireland, when you say someone is, it means they are at the edge of something agitating. Wind yer neck in - shut up. The word gas is Irish slang for funny. Can also be "I will yeah" or "Oh I will"it's all in the tone. Another way to say youre feeling delighted. There are hundreds of slang I could use but had to limit this list somewhere! For example, busted can mean "broken" or "ugly," sick can mean "ill" or "very cool," and hip can mean "trendy" or "fashionably un-trendy.". For each question, choose the best answer. For example, Sure look, what can ye do?!. That said at speed, did not sound like English. This word is as pretty as it sounds. In Irish slang words, if your parents are away for the night, or for a day or two, you go to someones, to have a party or a sleep-over. Screwball - Unhinged, mad. She is in love with the countryside and the people. Meaning of Craic. Thon simply means "the" or "those" in a sentence and can be used to describe pretty much anything. Aye . When you feel scarlet in Ireland, you feel embarrassed or mortified over something. Its pissing down out there., Weather type: Rainey. 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 . Don't forget to test your slang street cred and your gift of the gab ability, by taking my small quiz at the end! . Now, you have sparked within me an interest and desire to go to Ireland! Kenneth Avery from Hamilton, Alabama on June 28, 2012: @ Susie Q . 10. Here's hoping you will get to use here soon!! Thank you for sharing those great Irish slang words with us :) Brilliant. If you hear a barrage of swear words coming from an Irish person and ask them what's wrong, it's likely they'll reply "The F$@ %&*! The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. Tell them to wind their neck in. (Term of endearment). Learn something new or share one or two that we . What are some words youd use to describe different scents? Thanks very much for your comments, much appreciated this part of the globe! Whats the craic can either be used as a greeting, for example, Ah, Tony. Hi, Im Christine a full-time traveler and career woman. Theyre unreal. I did have fun compiling this, it has to be said! Craic is an Irish word that can be translated to mean "fun," "enjoyment," or "good times.". Theyll tell you the secrets to creating the best garden in the world. A first for me!! Its worth noting that when someone says that theyre grand, they may not necessarily be so. Have you heard of the new band from across the block? thanks for a great hub, voted up from me. Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on April 23, 2015: Suzanne, this was a real interesting read about the top Irish slang words and their meanings. Translation: A member of the police. A cute hoor is used to describe someone thats relatively crafty and thats able to mould a situation to benefit themself. To Eat the head off of someone means to get very angry at them. Acting the maggot. I must have really absorbed your words and meanings because I scored 100% on the test! It all depends on the mood or context of your sentence or idea. One day I will get over there and look up my ancestors, the O'Dowds.greatly enjoyed this hub! Thats deadly. I recently went to Newfoundland, and they have a lot of different slang words also. Savage, mate. See, if someone's crazy, they're a nutter. " Ye half eejit ye " - Not quite a full eejit, but still quite foolish. . For example, Mam cooked some dinner for you. Addressing your darling or Irish sweetheart from Ireland will never be as soft and endearing as the Irish term acushla. Scrumptious! Translation: Face. He does be flying around the garden like hes possessed.. It stems from the English noun grudgeand as you can hear from Irish conversations, the persons who use this term usually hold a grudge towards the persons they are referring to, or, they just simply are complaining about their rough situation in life. A way to describe a person who is a bit stupid, or at least very annoying. Pamela Oglesby from Sunny Florida on September 14, 2012: Great information Suzie HQ. It's an odd pronunciation of "queer," but it's used as a replacement for "very.". Us Irish are a canny lot! Whats the craic? Making a hames in Irish slang is equivalent to making a mess in US English slang. But much stronger. Glad you found hilarious! Cheers, thanks a million. You could actually use lash here as well, for example, Give me a lash of that. 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? Seriouslynever met one that I didn't take to immediately! . For example, She was down here last Sunday. . To take a gander at the beautiful golden beaches of Ireland is a fun and relaxing idea. (Cassells Dictionary of Slang says the phrase means crazy.). 18. 26 counties in Republic of Ireland and 6 counties in Northern Ireland. Id never thought wed make it to the top! I heard the shebeens in Dublin at night are great places to enjoy good jazzand fresh drinks. to use these words will be up to your discretionand that makes learning and using Irish slang words more fun and exciting! If you use one of these . You are so right, and I am forever using it! It was a fun hub to write and laughs all the way!! Theres no way Im waiting for a bus in that. 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.. This genre has endured and stands against the hip and modern music genres introduced in Ireland. !LOL what an idea!! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 28, 2012: Thought there was a hint of the 'ol Irish charm there!! We all went back to Sharons after. Free burgers. Looking for a slang or colloquial term for farmer. Another word for eejit. Anyhow, while the prisoners were locked in their cell they used to talk out of their windows while sticking their neck out. 1 The press. Thanks so much for your great comments! According to Irish Central, the craic was 90 signifies the nirvana of craic, though it can also be used sarcastically when something that was supposed to be a good time ends up being the opposite. Nice one is an Irish saying thats used to show approval of someones behaviour. Appreciate your votes and sharing!! 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. For example, Dont be worrying about it, its grand. How ya getting on? So, the next time your Irish friend cancels your much-needed Irish vacation plans because of a stomach-ache, you can say, it is an Irish slang that usually refers to a left-handed person. Act the Maggot. Ill chat to ye later, yea?!. Weather type: Fine. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 19, 2013: Hahaha that was gas! For example, He got a taxi home with us and hopped out without giving us any money towards it. If you hear someone refer to a person as a Fine thing, it generally means they find that person attractive. Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 24, 2012: What a great hub! Thats what some might call being wired to the moon. Yes. We use Unreal to describe something that so good its actually hard to believe. It refers to a young Irish girl, or a lass, in Scottish tongues. This term means its raining heavily. Your man that I bought the car off is a serious Gombeen. Listen to Niall's n. BANJAXED. Its been ages since I last seen ye, boyo. You can have "good craic" at the pub as well as hear the "latest craic". It is amazing how many of these slang words we use daily here in Dublin lol. 17. Glad you enjoyed Gypsy Rose Lee! For example, That new car Jerry picked up is cracking. It could also denote a place where cheap entertainment can be availed. Howsagoin?! I was chatting to a friend from London recently over pints about the Irish phrases and slang words that he couldnt get his head around when he first moved to Ireland. Andrew Spacey from Sheffield, UK on June 22, 2012: Lovely hub. You have some neck on ya.' SKINNY MALINK Very Dublin phrase to describe a person of slender features. Should be framed and in a pub. Weather type: Sunny. Gamers actually use this term quite a lot, with the same meaning and context. For example, Yer man was caught last week stealing from the till in Superquinn. However, youll more commonly hear it used in a few different ways: This is another way of describing something thats dirty or thats in a bad way. So, this is a pretty insulting bit of slang thats female-specific. Quite possibly Irelands greatest linguistic achievement, this phrase is the perfect way to curse without technically cursing. For example, Did you see what she posted on Facebook?! For example, That car needs a good clean. 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. But no need to get too intellectual! Contrary to popular belief this does not mean "great" or anything nearly as enthusiastic. Yer man. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 23, 2012: rajan jolly, Thanks so much for your lovely comments! Mary Wickison from USA on April 25, 2013: Wonderful. The Hub (n.): haven't you noticed; Boston is the center of the universe. Locked is just one such term - others include mouldy, ossified, polluted, twisted and langers. Actually, its used to describe anything. It's a term that is used to describe the good vibes and atmosphere of a party, night out, or gathering. Do one's nut in. Ah, another Irish phrase that uses a word thats actually meant to describe something hazardous to describe something brilliant. Appreciate your reading,votes and sharing! lol. Tame. Appreciate your comments! For example, Do you remember the time Micky got caught moving the cow in the back of his Ford Focus? Oh, I do. For example, Bout ye, chief! Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? 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. Some of these words are familiar to native English speakers from the USA and UK but used in a different Irish context. :-). A lot of it seems to be similar to Essex slang but, then I'm not sure that's necessarily a good thing lol. Great, great job! It generally means house, and more often used by Irish, Scottish, and English teenagers and young adults. Appreciate your voting :-). 4. :P Reall fun and great craic ;). I have a question: what does sleane mean in closing a letter? :-). For example, He was slagging me, so I gave him a kick in the bollox. For example, Here. Why? Howaya! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on November 18, 2012: Afraid I am not familiar with bant except being short for banter, as in chat, talk. For example, We went to the new club last night. Proud of that too, lassie! And a new book offers those who aren't . Its okay to feel scarlet if you ever accidentally pour an ale over a handsome, young lad in a pub. That young lad was in here last night acting the maggot. Sassenach - From the Gaelic word sasunnach, meaning Saxon, and used to describe non-Gaelic speaking Scottish Lowlanders (and our English friends). Will I, yea?!. A lot of uses, most popular are: reply to how are you, how are you feeling, being told of a decision, We will meet you there - " Grand "; Dinner will be 10 minutes - " Grand ", I had a quick kip before dinner; It was a real kip of a hotel, Three meanings: to rain hard, to make an attempt at something or to go out drinking, It was lashing out of the heavens, Give it a lash or Let's go on the lash Saturday, I was mortified when I realised my mistake, Very difficult or to really want to do something, Finding a taxi was murder, I could murder a Guinness. on June 23, 2012: A great idea to put together a hub on slangs. Developed "straight from the horse's mouth". '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. So, the next time your trip advisor mentions that your trip to a certain destination is on tenterhooks, be wary. maybe another part is needed?? 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! A personal favourite. 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! Fancy a pint?. Irish toast for St Patrick's day -. Translation: Excited. For example, It was a serious night last night, but I was off my head and ordered 7 bags of chips on the way home. With the United Kingdom (UK) falling behind second, and a percentage of 94.45% native English language speakers. Your feet must be bogging. Thanks again for commenting, it is much appreciated! Joshua Zerbini from Pennsylvania on June 29, 2012: Suzie, this was a hilarious hub! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 23, 2013: Thanks for the comment! In my last job, I worked in a building with around 250 people from 34 different countries. livingabroad from Wales, UK on June 19, 2012: What about "to be sure, to be sure"? The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. @ Susie: Sorry I forgot. The pubs right in front of our gaff! Voted up and across. Definition of a farmer a man how is outstanding in his own field. Also common slang term for a member of Canada's Conservative party. Gas, when used by the Irish, means funny.. For example, Its finely stopped pissing down. Stop, I know. lol Appreciate your incredibly kind words soooo much. Banter: banter is the backbone of Ireland's identity and it is all over Ireland, the banter, the craic, having a good chat and a laugh. Another tame one. If a person is Acting the maggot theyre messing around / dossing i.e. performing good trade at the old marketplace. Translation: How are you?. Here's a list of redneck words and their meanings to help you understand exactly what is being said. LOL Check out my other Irish hub sometime for a real "flavour" of warped Irish humour! Pronounced Ban-jacks-d, this is another one for a person thats heavily overindulged. Annie and Agatha took a gander at the glassed jar that contained thering of the late Pope John Paul II. Youd be safer eating in the jacks. During your trip, if an Irish local or your best friend calls you their acushla, dont be too flattered! 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. thing is banjaxed!". Thanks . No idea how to describe this one. In Irish Gaelic, it's Is do mhac do mhac inni, ach is d'inon d'inon go deo. Weve an almost endless number of ways to describe a person that we dont like in Ireland. Oh, and "it's bucketing down" comes up semi-regularly in winter (you know, when it actually rains). Here, you'll find everything from hike and drive guides to funky places to stay and more! 20. Its like a midden in there. Love the lists and entertaining hub. Example: 'He's not feeling the best today, he was locked last night.'. Translation: Embarrassed. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 30, 2013: Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on March 28, 2013: Appreciate you dropping in! Culchie is the term people who live in Dublin use to refer to someone who lives in the rural areas outside the city. This comical Irish phrase basically just means "messing about". Other craic terms include good craic, mighty craic, deadly craic, and whats the craic, meaning how are you?. Bang on is generally used as a response and is another bit of Irish slang for good. I heard off Noley that you were in getting the haemorrhoids sorted?! For example, He had a bag of skittles and three bottles of Coke an hour ago hes been up to high doh ever since. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on August 24, 2012: Thanks Relationshipc, Appreciate your comments and visit! Or mor ya or mauryah in Irish English, it is a derisive interjection that can be properly translated as, in the UK. Now, if I can just figure out how to afford that trip to Ireland I long for. Irishmen and women, with shamrock and four-clover leaves, are fans of good luck. Lol. Or yer woman a saying that is heard all over Ireland, sometimes because they simply can't remember the person's name or then again just because.