Howya/Hewya How are you cobbled into a one-word expression. Or something they themselves wouldnt attempt. For instance, Ah, for gods sake. It is disgusting outside. Donkey's Years. Here are a few (Ill update this again later as new comments are submitted). Translation: Quiet down. The car wont start again because the engine is banjaxed, or No, the things banjaxed sure., In an Irish bar anywhere in the world, if you hear someone say theyre Going to the jacks or ask you, Where are the jacks, they are referring to the restroom. No need to be embarrassed. 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. Im going to call in sick, for instance. Youre acting the maggot. Say, Ah, stop, thats gas! , Emmas dog is gas, etc. We only had a few shots of whiskey. Example: You were with him all night and all you did was lob the gob? Deadly Indicates that something is cool or awesome. The term used to describe filthy or dung-filled people. Meaning: (Phrase) Having the craic means a person is ready to listen to the latest news of gossip. Example: I cant stay here a second longer. Meaning: (Adjective) Gas, in Irish slang, is not the gas we used to operate a car or cook our food. Its lashing outside and well surely get wet even if we use an umbrella. Give it a lash! It is often used sarcastically. Meaning: He is very chatty / He can talk at lengthExample of usage and translation: God yer one would talk the hind legs off a donkey = That girl would bore you to death with her incessant talk, Meaning: To kiss someone passionatelyExample of usage and translation: My mouth is red raw, he was scoring the face off me for hours at Coppers = I have sandpapered my skin off my passionately kissing someone for hours in the local meat market. Ive never heard some of these terms before! The Irish term is another word for a stupid person. For instance, Dont worry about it; its great., Up to 90 means completely occupied with something. Meaning: (Noun) The term glunterpeck is another word for a stupid person. Lets talk soon when were not busy. Example: My son is a chancer, alright. Youre a clown, they say. Impress your friends with your new accent. 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Meaning: (Noun) Bollox is Irish slang for testicles. Read on to find out several ways to say hello to Irish people as well as some other interesting sayings and funny phrases. Only friends from Drogheda that I am aware of use these words to describe intoxication. Give it a lash This is used to tell someone to give it a go, try it, give it a whirl. This piece is deadly. Meaning: (Expression) The expression good woman is an exclamation used when a person is surprised or in disbelief. A bit like some of these phrases for me! 2. Meaning: (Adjective) The word gobdaw is Irish slang thats used to describe a stupid person. Although craic generally refers to fun, there are several other ways to use it, as with many Irish slang terms. 15 . Broke: Embarrassed. There are only a few left-handed people compared to right-handed people even today. Example: Theres a long line at the jacks. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Sound is also used to describe someone who is cool/alright. Although I personally dont use the word feck, it is one of my favorites because it is associated with the wonderful Father Ted series. The most useless scut Ive ever seen. Ireland is the second largest island in the world, just next to Great Britain. Required fields are marked *. 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. Gas is used when someone or something is funny. Why? Jesus, Mary and Joseph This is one of those Irish things to say that every Irish mammy will utter, over and over again. People often answer with this expression when someone tells them something great. Check out our 25 Irish phrases and slang words below so you can practice them the next time you are at the pub. See good, sound, sound as. Example: Im not in the mood to go out. Meaning: (Noun) The word beour is Irish slang for an attractive girl. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish says youre jammy, he or she means you are lucky. Im not sure when hell be back. Or a little shady. I laughed until my belly hurt! A person who is able to shape circumstances to their advantage is referred to as a cute hoor because they are relatively crafty. The cure denotes a pint of beer/Guinness to cure the hangover. Ribena is a blackcurrant dilutable very popular in Ireland. Example: Its been a donkeys years since I had a day off. Example: Were you shifting with her the other night? I will, yes. Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20, or Stall the ball a minute what did he say? are two examples. For instance, That new full-back theyve brought on is pure class.. Is there anywhere else we can go? Meaning: (Expression) Sound, in Ireland, is an affirmative response to something a person says. Go away outta that This is another Irish phrase that has a few meanings, depending on the situation. Gammy : Useless. Ah, man, the heads are bouncing off of me, as an example. Meaning: (Expression) The expression quality means that something is good or made in great condition. Boking/boke/boked - not the most pleasant thing 15. Example: This party is dryshite. This is one of those funny Irish phrases that an Irish parent will shout after their children when they insist on doing something that might hurt them. Also, this expression can be used when you want someone to come near you, so you can say something to him or her. For instance, Mrs. Gas If an Irish person says Thats gas, they are not referring to an actual gas, they mean something is funny! Its gas! This is often combined with howya/hewya, especially in Dublin so you may hear howya, whats the story? as a greeting between people. Giving out Means someone is complaining about someone or something. Comes from the fact that some peoples cheeks go red with embarrassment. Its finely stopped pissing down. The day is suitable for drying. So, I actually believed that the term giving out was used widely. Example: I cant believe youre graduating with the highest remarks. The island comprises lush fields, but thousands of years ago, it was covered in a thick blanket of ice. Im sure you two will get along. For instance, She won money down the bingo this week once more. Jammy hoor! Given the lack of dry days in Ireland, youll be lucky to hear this said too often! Example: Gday beour. Its a grand, soft day Means its a rainy day, but more so fine, misty rain than pouring rain. Scarlet Is an Irish slang word for embarrassed. Usually only used informally among friends. In recent years, Ive heard much less of this one. He made a right bags of that. Raging An Irish expression means someone is angry or disappointed with themselves. 16. Catch yourself on . 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Wicklow, Most Beautiful Irish Names and What They Mean, What To Eat in Hawaii? Meaning: (Noun) The Irish slang yer man is usually a male person who you dont remember or have forgotten the name of. This one is frequently used as an answer to questions like, How was work today? It goes like this: Ah, shtap sure Ive been up to 90 since half 7.. Meaning: (Phrase) One of the Irish phrases that are popular anywhere in Ireland is Up to 90, which means a person is extremely busy and cannot be bothered. Buzzing: Very happy. Like, Ill see you in 20. I must first gather the messages. Example: I was locked last night and cant remember how I got home. It can mean you understand. Join the I Left My Heart in Ireland in Our Community on Facebook. In other words, I didnt. Meaning: (Phrase) The phrase bang on is used as a response when someone is asking how you are. Another way to describe someone who is very intoxicated is with this phrase. Bad dose. Example: What is this mess? Wee - our favourite word He is an absolute melter. That was shite can means that was rubbish. Shamey Brannagin was once more caught stealing from Kerrigans, for instance. Topic: +100 Irish Slang Words To Sound Like A Local. This term is used for an acquaintance and even for your father. For instance, She wants to be f****d out of the club. She is arranged in rags. Hes a gowl and a half that boy, for instance. Bloody Can be used instead of the f-word or its connotations above. There is not one Irish person I dont know that doesnt utter this at least once after the clocks have changed. After more than 400 comments, the following guide was created. Whats the craic can also be used to say hello to someone meaning hi, any gossip/how is it going. Example:Friend 1: Did you take out the trash? She was down here last Sunday, for instance. After everything I have done for you! Shes right on or Last week, I fixed the bike in Riordains yard. It was spot on and only cost ten pounds. She has fluted. . The hostel were staying in is a kip and a half, for instance! If you hear an Irish person say this in response to someone asking them to do something, it actually means there is not a hope in hell they will do it! Example: Howsagoin? Meaning: (Noun) An eejit is a person who acts stupid or is just a plain idiot. . Example: Cmere to me and tell me why your mother is furious again. This word is often associated with the expression go and bollox and is deemed offensive. Meaning: (Verb) Irish people use the word slagging when describing a person making fun of another person. The "Craic" Pronounced like 'crack, this actually means just having a good time and enjoying oneself. You got a bad dose of it, didn't you. 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. Meaning: (Verb) Just like everybody, Irish people love to party and sometimes get drunk. That is fatal. In this case it is a vague answer of itll be ok. Im Scots and so much (maybe 70% ?) I will, yeah This has the opposite meaning to what is implied. Im at a loss for words for this one. Ill burst ye Can be used to indicate youre going to swing for someone/hit them. Give it a lash basically means to try something out. I cant stand you!. Dont get confused with it being a person, for locals are always using this term. Meaning: (Noun) In Irish slang, the word clown is a person who is silly and loves to joke all the time. a different term for eejit. , It is referred to as a yoke to describe the object. By half past ten, I had locked myself in bed. The term is commonly used as an insult in Ireland. . Jammers when someone says it was jammers this means the bus/pub/train was packed with people. 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. Severe illness. Meaning: (Verb) The term dander is used in everyday conversation and means to walk.. In Irish slang, people who live in the countryside are called culchie.. For instance, Declan has been in there for the past hour looking around., To eat the head off someone is to become extremely enraged with them. For instance, Mam made you some dinner. Later, Ill drop it off. Example: What were you thinking when you joined them? That must be why you have good penmanship. Yer man over there (with pointing or nodding of the head) This indicates that man over there. Scundered/scunnered - different meanings depending on your location 16. It is pelting down. For instance, He had three bottles of Coke and a bag of Skittles an hour ago; hes been on high doh ever since.. You could say, Here, pass me that yoke there on the counter, or you could call someone annoying, That yoke over there.. May God strike me down/dead When someone uses this term it can often be in conjunction with if Im lying to indicate that they are telling the truth and being honest with you. HEY. Youll hear Dubliners saying town was jammers in the run up to Christmas when the streets are full of shoppers. Many of the words below were unfamiliar to me as well, but Ive included them in a section specifically for slang used in Belfast. Here are some more typical expressions using Irish slang words, from the messages to jammy.. Most frequently, it is used in response to the questions Hows it going and How are you feeling? How are you doing today? So, strangely enough, the most frequent email weve received since we first published this guide in early 2019 is from people looking for words and Irish slang for girl. She can be mean or acts unrespectable. Usually when a child has a near-miss at hurting themselves, youll hear grandparents saying he put the heart across me. Meaning: (Expression) A grand aul day is an expression used in Ireland when the weather is perfect. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Invoke a taxi. Meaning: (Noun) Fella is Irish slang for a boy or a man at any age. Translation: I will never get around to it. Mocking is catching If you are mocking or teasing someone about something, be careful karma doesnt come to bite you in the backside! How useful! Example: Lets not leave today. Example: Houl yer whisht! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Culchie/Langer These are terms that usually refer to someone to who lives down the country and isnt a Dub. Dryshite A term used to describe someone who is boring, really boring. Ah, fatal. Grand : good / okay. Thats sound! This expression means he or she wont be doing something. Your man who I purchased the car from is a serious Gombeen, I said. Craic A word with a few meanings. Bring your wishes there. We listed all of them in alphabetical order and provided you with examples for each slang. . Nice person. Be wide, my friend! Ill speak with you later, okay? The slang was taken from the original word and is now one of the common Irish sayings today. We actually do not want a casual acquaintance arriving on our doorstep expecting to be put up and shown the town. This is yet another kissing-related Irish expression. Example: Feck, I forgot to charge my phone! Meaning: (Adjective) Unreal is yet another word for good. It is used when you experienced something unbelievably or unexpectedly good. I only have it for a week and its gone to shit. Thanks a million! How many years has it been since we saw each other? When something (or someone) is not functioning properly, it is said to be broken. I am not familiar with any books. She's only an aul wagon 8. 19. Story horse? Meaning: (Verb) Faffing is used by Irish people when a person is pretending to do something or acting like he or she is doing something but with no half measures. Although he is from Malahide, he is spot on. Here we've rounded up 20 common Dublin slang phrases and what they mean. For instance, Oh well! Youre a savage! Can you still walk? . Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I thought they were sold out, Savage, man. To be sound: Irish slang. Will you wait for me in this spot? They can often be used in jest as well as in spite. Donkeys years is a term for a lengthy period of time. Slagging This Irish term means teasing someone or means insulting someone behind their backs. . For instance, That lads just a goon,. Where's the jacks? Meaning: (Phrase) In a heap/hoop is a person who is overly intoxicated. Cath is an Irish expat now living in Portugal. Example: Hes gone from the house early this morning. It can often be heard from irritated parents telling off their offspring. Example: Get away from me, melter! Example: Thats so funny. Shes cutting how? Since there are so many different ways to use the word craic, Im giving it its own section. Hes a shnakey little shitehawk, that man. Some of my favorites are listed below. You dropped your wallet. Lazy person is the correct translation. I had a wild night last night. Example: Im glad to see you suckin diesel. This Irish proverb is frequently used in a crude manner to describe someone who is feeling queasy, as in Ive had a bad dose of the shits all day.. That lad keeps texting me, for instance. Sure you know yourself A confirmation of knowledge or unspoken acknowledgement about something or a situation. or when asking about a specific circumstance, such as Hows that lad doing? He and I havent spoken in ages. Hewya, me auld segotias An old Irish way of saying hi my friend. Donkeys years Used to refer to a very long time. Meaning: (Noun) The word mucker is used as another name for a friend. Shes always giving out means shes always complaining or moaning. Example: I need rest today. She regularly returns to Ireland to explore more of the wonderful island with her family. In reality, it can describe anything. Meaning: (Expression) Go and bollox is the Irish way of saying you are not agreeing with what a person is saying to you. Hold on for a moment, and Ill pass it to you right away! Take a look below! "Tommy, it's been donkey's years since you've been here!". She only needed four years. If you fall and break your legs, dont come running to me! If youre unfamiliar with the terms, Bollox or Bollocks refer to a mans testicles in slang. Did you see what she posted on Facebook? is an illustration. Hes going home to a tongin from the wife. My brother-in-law uses this term all the time. Tame. insulting: Youre just a bollox. Saying, Go and ask my bollox, is less offensive. This is a formal gathering. The jacks is also. Will I, yea? Meaning: (Expression) The expression a good day for drying means that the sun is out, and its a sunny day, perfect for drying clothes. Example: Wow, you really did get me a concert ticket. sound out irish slang. Jammy essentially means good fortune. I was pretty mouldy last night. Hed been in the middle of something on his computer, but when he turned around to me, I said come here to me (ie the first phrase) and his response was Im listening, havent I turned around. Well, no need to reach for your Irish language dictionary just yet. 20. Here are 20 Northern Irish phrases and what they mean in plain English. For instance, Oh man, my heads are in shambles. 111: My favorite Irish slang expressions Irish Slang Words, Grand (an iconic bit of Irish slang) (an iconic bit of Irish slang), Cut it some slack (one of my favourite Irish phrases), Giving out (I recently learned that this expression is an Irish one), St Patrick's Day Origin - What is The Meaning Behind St Patrick's Day, 1222: Jokes and slang from Ireland that my nonIrish friends didnt understand when we first met , Common Irish proverbs that you hear every day from 23 to 36 , Craic, the most misunderstood Irish slang (verses 3740) , Common Irish expressions to use when referring to someone you dont like, from 41 to 56 , Dope (a word my aul lad frequently uses in Irish slang!) Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Well done, her. There are many different Irish slang terms for drunk or for someone who has consumed excessive amounts of alcohol. or Ive never tried that before, but Ill definitely give it a lash. Example: Why dont we go on dander and have a picnic? Are you going for the cure? Example: he yer wan last night gave me her number but I dont remember her name. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It can mean someone is an idiot, a bit silly or just plain stupid. For instance, Last night, the pub was jam-packed with culchies.. Revealing the Origins of this Scary Irish Creature, What is Ireland Famous For? have you no shame?! Travel Around Ireland is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. For a personge to be alright, good, and fair dinkim. However, I may be getting older and going out less as a result. Meaning: (Expression) In Irish slang words, the term eat the head off is used when someone is furious with another person. Meaning: Stop moaning / complainingNote: To gurn is to complain about a person. Meaning: (Adjective) To many of us, deadly means something dangerous that could lead to death when done. Meaning: (Noun) A sleeveen is a person whos often rogue. Meaning: (Adjective) Flutered is used to describe a person who is drunk. Dye see yer wan over there with the red hat? is one example. . Meaning: (Expression) The term Its spitting is used when there is light rain. Is it true that your cousin is getting married just after a few weeks of dating? Can you use your jumper cables to give it a lash? Faffing is the act of doing something but not actually doing it. C'mere 'til I tell ya 15. Irish people will say, Fair play, when they want to congratulate someone. Example: Gosh, she was stumbling out of the pub last night. Translation: Im not planning on getting absolutely hammered, but one might very well turn into 15. A manky day out refers to a day that is grey, miserable and probably raining too. We like her! Irish In origin. 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? People can also say Im roasting meaning Im really hot. 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. It refers to a bad situation or a bad person. I know. The car wont start, for instance. For instance, Thanks a million makes no sense to non-Irish people (at least, thats what my non-Irish friends tell me!). Fear no more. Example: I cant explain it but Im in bits after the meeting. It was in this paper bag, but its not inside anymore. 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. Pronounced as ki-togue, it is an Irish slang that usually refers to a left-handed person. As in "it is absolutely lashing". Meaning: (Adjective) Locked is another term used when a person is blackout drunk. 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 Janie (mac) An expression to denote shock or exasperation. Use with caution as these Irish slang phrases can range from mild to offensive. THE IRISH WAY with words is a complex one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As above, usually instead of saying something like hi buddy, any news. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyones breath away. They have a filthy kitchen, for instance. Meaning: (Expression) The Irish expression grand is used as a response to questions like How are you?, How are you doing? and many more. Meaning: (Expression) A bad dose is one of the most used Irish expressions when someone is having a bad day. Im tired already! Theres a grand aul stretch in the evenings This is often uttered in springtime, particularly when the clocks have moved forward in March and evenings are staying brighter for longer. Yer man is used to refer to a man, but it can also be used when you dont know their name. Meaning: (Verb) The old Irish slang beamer means that a person is going red all over the face because of embarrassment. Same as whats the story. In Ireland, there are countless ways to describe something as great or good. My friend Mayo Declan is an expert in this field. For instance, She ultimately passed her exams. Example: You better teach the chiseler not to mess with my things. An Irish proverb that expresses approval of behavior is nice one. Such as, Ah, nice one! Meaning: shes an unfortunate looking girl wearing a lot of make-up to try and cover it up. 25. Ever. Meaning: A person from the country, or basically anyone that comes from anywhere other than Dublin. If you think your new Irish friend is friendly, helpful or generally a good soul, you can describe them as 'sound'. His sister told his Mam about what happened, for instance. From a few houses to several miles away. Example: 'He's not feeling the best today, he was locked last night.'. However, there are a few different ways youll hear it used more frequently: There is absolutely no way that I am doing that. Someone who works for the police. Meaning: Stop acting upNote: Most often said by ones mother, it basically means stop doing what youre doing right now, or suffer the consequences. Such as, Story horse?! I got the job in the chipper, did you hear? 3. Irish Slang Words, Irish proverbs for describing the weather, pp. You will often hear Irish expats say I havent heard that in donkeys years meaning whatever it is being said to them, they havent heard that in years and years. Now you are prepared for your trip to Ireland with this dictionary of slang Irish words and phrases, and most importantly, their meanings to ensure you understand what people are saying around you. one who is uninteresting. Beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean will definitely take anyone's breath away. 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. Meaning: (Expression) The expression whats the craic? is when a person asks you how you are. Example: Hurry, theres a peeler heading our way. For the benefit of any American readers, let me clarify that when we say Craic in Ireland, we dont mean either the substance you smoke on a street corner or the crack in your arse. OK is grand. Meaning: (Expression) The expression houl yer whisht is used when a person is trying to tell others to keep quiet. Meaning: (Adjective) The Irish slang all lured denotes a feeling of delight towards someone or something. Meaning: (Adjective) When an Irish person says fine, he or she is referring to a beautiful person, thing, or place. Im truly sad for his parents. Ask me arse/bollix/hole 14. Meaning: (Adjective) Mouldy or mullered is a term mostly used in Drogheda, Ireland, and is used to describe a drunk person. Meaning: (Expression) Its rotten is another way of saying its raining in Ireland. Whats the story? If a teenager says theyve a free gaff it usually means their parents are away/out and a party may ensue. Ah no. Example: Youve been in your room faffing all day but failed to clean it! Example: Wow, your boyfriend sure is dead on! Depending on the county, greetings tend to differ quite a bit. Slievene Means a sneaky person. Here are some terms youll need to know, whether youre a first-time visitor or just trying to watch an Irish movie without needing subtitles. Let me help you with your things. Please share your feedback in the box below. Gobshite - An Irish slang word for fool, eejit, stupid person. Lashing You'll hear this one on a regular basis in Ireland. Glad you enjoyed the post . Meaning: Im alrightExplanation: Often the answer to How are you?, Meaning: PartyExplanation: This is a blanket term for any kind of social gathering that has the potential to get a little loose.Example of usage and translation: Fair auld session last night there lads, great to get the lock in = Great night of merriment and music last night boys, delighted to be able to stay after hours in the pub, Meaning: Kissing with the tongueExamples of usage and translation: Here, will ye shift me mate? = Hey, will you kiss my friend? / Yer mans a great shift = That guys a really good kisser, Meaning: That guy / that girlExample of usage and translation: You know yer man, the ginger fella whos friends with Cathal = You know, that ginger guy whos friends with Cathal, Meaning: Im drunkNote: Gee is also a slang term for vagina, Meaning: Good looking person / sexExamples of usage and translation: Did ye get the ride off yer one last? = Did you have sex with that girl last night? / OMG, Brian ODriscoll is suuuuuuuuuuuuch a ride = Brian ODriscoll is hot.