Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland. 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?". Hello, my name's Tom Hardy. This is a well-written, fun hub. !, Youll often hear people refer to a young lad as a youngfella and a woman as a youngwan. On your trip to a nearby pub in Ireland, you might hear most young Irishmen refer to their fathers as their, National Flag of Ireland: History and Symbolism, My gaffer and mums currently staying at Dromoland Castle Hotel in, Annie and Agatha took a gander at the glassed jar that contained the, Gamers actually use this term quite a lot, with the same meaning and context. when meaning "may I help you?" What are some words youd use to describe different scents? When rendered as 'bold' (as in 'gold') it means 'naughty', even 'bad' or 'reprehensible'. Glad you enjoyed it was fun putting together! The word lethal is mainly used in northwestern Ireland and means great. You can also abbreviate lethal into leefs. As a nation we're all aware we have a language of our own. For example, Ross, ya pox! which means darling, or more literally vein or pulse. Have you heard of the new band from across the block? 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. Youre lookin fine, lad! '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. Seriouslynever met one that I didn't take to immediately! For example, Do you remember the time Micky got caught moving the cow in the back of his Ford Focus? Oh, I do. Trap has been used as a slang name for the mouth since at least the 18th century, and rattletrap is just one variation of this theme, alongside dozens of others like potato-trap . To have a shot of something means to try it out. Love the lists and entertaining hub. Cheese on your chin : - Your fly is open. I thought this Irish saying made perfect sense, but apparently not. Wise up Mon well . See, if someone's crazy, they're a nutter. lol. Thanks for sharing and passing this on. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. From the messages to jammy, here are some more popular ways of saying things using Irish slang words. Will I, yea?!. Its used to describe a bad case of something, for example, Ive been lashing in the tablets all week. Every good costermonger has skill in displaying the front of his stall. Ireland is the only European nation that has the highest percentage of citizens who speak English as their mother tongue or native language at 97.51%. Details Parent Category: Irish Slang Phrases Slang: Fighting Talk. At the moment, it is the primary language of a mere 72,000 people. Thanks for the fun hub! With the United Kingdom (UK) falling behind second, and a percentage of 94.45% native English language speakers. Call a taxi. Craic: popular throughout Ireland - where's the craic, as in where's the fun at. When it comes to A shot, you could say, Gimme a shot of that kettle there. " You're an awful snake (pronounced shnaake) " - Translation: you're a sneaky person, but I like you. For travelers, if your good friends call you boyo, it might be a term of endearment. 19. Jeff Berndt from Southeast Michigan on April 24, 2013: Great stuff! because I love the IRISH. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 23, 2012: rajan jolly, Thanks so much for your lovely comments! Actually, it's used to describe anything. 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". maybe another part is needed?? Howsagoin?! If ever there was a Gobdaw its that lad. For example, Declans been in there for the past hour faffin about the place.. 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. For example, The pub last night was wedged with culchies.. Arriving in Ireland, you may be forgiven for thinking you have been hoodwinked, cajoled, led up the garden path, or just plain misinformed as to the language widely spoken here. You know that feeling you get when youve enjoyed a fairly big Tuesday night in a club, and then stumble into work the next morning after downing six espresso shots at the nearest Starbucks? Also common slang term for a member of Canada's Conservative party. For example, Ah, nice one! said Karen, as she took the bag of chips from Kate. Great hub and I enjoyed reading it. 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. In slang nick N-I-C-K is a verb meaning to steal. 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. Quare And we're gonna teach you some English slang. It was a fun hub to write and laughs all the way!! Your "oul fella" and your "oul wan" These terms refer to your father and your mother respectively. Thon - an Irish phrase for any sentence. Tenterhooks are hooks used to fasten cloth, either on a wall or a frame, for drying. Another one thats fairly tame. Ah, another Irish phrase that uses a word thats actually meant to describe something hazardous to describe something brilliant. She is in love with the countryside and the people. This isn't a word that even exists in many cultures and dialects. Like a pulled piece of cloth from a tenterhook, one can imagine the stretched agitation of a person, So, the next time your trip advisor mentions that your trip to a certain destination is, In Irish and UK slang, a dosser is someone who prefers to relax all day, a lazy person, in simpler terms. LOL. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on August 23, 2012: Thanks mollymeadows for visiting and commenting, I appreciate it! ): how we like to say that we couldn't care less about something . The word slap means 'limp' in Afrikaans and is a perfect description for the oily potato chips which are larger than French fries. This is another one for describing someone thats stupid. In terms of direction, this term is not a bit offensive and is actually quite useful. I cant hear the radio!. Then I ended up third in line and heard the woman behind the counter ask everyone if they were okay, and I realized that "Are you okay?" 3. But dont be too proud when someone calls you by this term. Let me know in the comments section below! We talk about the weather a lot in Ireland. It's for a poem and I can just see the look on people's faces in the workshop. You could refer to someone that's annoying you as 'That yoke over there' or you could also say 'Here, pass me that yoke there on the counter'. When someone says "slinte," whether on St. Patrick's Day or not, they're . (Term of endearment), A state of discontentment, envy, or sometimes, wishing of ill will for those who achieve success on a friend or a person of higher power or authority. Know more? 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?" I'm steamin' - you might hear this at the pub. 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. Grand: means good and is used up North and down South. It means "May God remove obstacles in your journey through life". Appreciate your voting :-). 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. This isnt slang find out what it means here. It could also denote a place where cheap entertainment can be availed. Ill be in their lodging place in two hours. For example,Their kitchen is manky. How ya getting on? Or mor ya or mauryah in Irish English, it is a derisive interjection that can be properly translated as, in the UK. (Especially after enjoying an evening in a . Hopefully you will get to visit us over this neck of the woods and have a head start in the speech! At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely. Ill chat to ye later, yea?!. Its been ages since I last seen ye, boyo. Hope this helps! 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. Weather type: Sunny. Scrumptious! Synonymously and practically, it refers to a person who is over-fatigued from a long, tiring day. What an absolute geebag. 24 of 30. Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? A short or a clipped version of the word traditional, trad often refers to traditional Irish folk music. Youre lookin fine, lad! That was a . theyre not doing what theyre supposed to be doing. Donkeys years is used to describe a long passing of time. But be wary if a stranger addresses you with this term at the middle of the night. Dooter. or perhaps, touched by the Devil himself. The word crack came from the Middle English term crak, meaning loud, bragging conversation. Actually they do exist although they are rare! I know. ! translates into I definitely wont be doing that. .thank YOU for your kind comments as well. I wish more people write hubs with slangs used in their countries as well. And who said Strine was an Australian invention? Hardchaw, Hardman rough person. Lets watch? Example: "My mate's birthday party was good craic.". Not to be confused with the actual meaning for deadly, i.e. 'So you were out until all hours last night, show up late for work, took two hours for lunch and now you're leaving early! Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 29, 2012: Ha!! On your next hiking or rock-climbing adventure with your buddies, you can use this term however you want. Now, if youre not familiar with the word Bollox or Bollocks, its slang that refers to a mans testicles. Bate - To be completely exhausted and out of energy. Shes in rag order.. Now, for our American readers when we say dope in Ireland, were not talking about anything dodgy. Their accent didn't help one bit - especially after a few drinks. Slagging means to make fun of. For example, Hes a cute hoor that fella, always manages to get a free ticket to the concerts in the Phoenix Park. For example, Youll be getting off your hole and emptying the bins in 5 minutes. The slang is much similar to the Irish word ciotach, meaning clumsy. I can sense that. Speaking of minus craic, "Dryshite" is a term used to refer to someone who is boring and no fun. 2. A nasty ciotog he was, and a great painter, but filled with greed and self-loathing. Our list of 101 words and phrases that will have you speaking the lingo as if you were born in England . Related Reads: Check out our guide to 31 funny Irish jokes and 33 Irish insults and curses that locals use. My gaffer and mums currently staying at Dromoland Castle Hotel in County Clare. Irish Slang Word #22: Deadly or Savage What it means: A more extreme way of saying awesome in Irish slang is deadly or savage. Often used in a derogatory context. Glad you enjoyed and found fun.Appreciate your comments as always :-). Looking forward to reading more. Thanks so much! Not as offensive: Go and ask my bollox. For example, How ya doing hey?! People in Ireland speak English, but not exactly the Queens English. With a little help from the Gaelic languagecalled Irishthe populace of the Emerald Isle has devised its very own collection of weird and wonderful words and phrases. A lot of it seems to be similar to Essex slang but, then I'm not sure that's necessarily a good thing lol. For example, He was slagging me, so I gave him a kick in the bollox. Loads of the below words were new to me as well, but Ive lashed them into a section dedicated to Belfast slang. It can mean fun, going's on or gossip. These meanings portray left-hand people as weird outcasts of or Irish society. Thanks for stopping by! Its another one for very drunk people. . If no help comes to us, well move on. A way to describe a person who is a bit stupid, or at least very annoying. Us Irish are a canny lot! 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. 30 Irish Slang Words Every Visitor Should Learn Before Visiting Ireland, , if you and your friends have a couple of more rounds, the best Irish chant for c, Its not literally black, but you guessed it righta strong pint of this famous, Addressing your darling or Irish sweetheart from Ireland will never be as soft and endearing as the Irish term. OTool gave us about 7 weeks worth of maths homework. For example, That car needs a good clean. Faffing means to do something without actually doing anything. Dad, weve only climbed less than a hundred feet. Learn something new or share one or two that we ought to put on the list with us! Some of these words are familiar to native English speakers from the USA and UK but used in a different Irish context. This term is used for news, gossip, and fun conversations engaged by the locals. The answer key is below. Were stuck here. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on October 06, 2013: Nice one buachaildana, quite an appropriate name! Therefor, I think it is very much possible that the police officers have actually got the saying from the potential . Here, you'll find everything from hike and drive guides to funky places to stay and more! This is another tame bit of Irish slang used to describe a man or woman that youre less than fond of. 4. This term is used to describe something that is very small. Although, it might be fun as a joke. :-). Annie and Agatha took a gander at the glassed jar that contained thering of the late Pope John Paul II. Jo Maxi simply means taxi. Define neck. Have to bookmark it as I do plan on making it over to Ireland one of these years. For example, She passed her exams in the end. For example, Shes after being f****d out of the nightclub. Now. 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). For example, Yer man was caught last week stealing from the till in Superquinn. Ill drop it over later. And FYI, my ancestors came from Old Ireland. Craic is a versatile word that can be used in a number of situations. Check out these 10 Irish slang phrases you'll definitely hear while you're there. And I made perfect score too. LOL Glad you enjoyed, appreciate your continued support and votes:-). For example, Please tell me hes called off training. But a chancer is a person who pushes their luck a wee too much. on June 23, 2012: A great idea to put together a hub on slangs. This word is pronounced as "slaan-sha". There are no strangers here, only friends that we have not yet met. Youd be safer eating in the jacks. Although Im from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. Now, you tend to hear this used in a vulgar manner quite a bit, but its also used in everyday conversation, also. Hash to mess up. 3. This has been a bad aul dose. Stems from the more common English term crack. Our GPSs gone arseways. Cuisle was sometimes paired with ma, giving us macushla, or my darling a term of endearment youll never forget. Pronounced Flue-tered, this one describes a person thats on the wrong side of 9 pints. (no correlation to the collie, Lassie, on TV), just waited to say that word. 2. For example, Dont be worrying about it, its grand. Reas our list of some of the most commonly used Irish sayings, phrases & irish slang along with their meanings to help you on your travels in Ireland. Would an Irish person use the word cheeky?. Sassenach - From the Gaelic word sasunnach, meaning Saxon, and used to describe non-Gaelic speaking Scottish Lowlanders (and our English friends). Appreciate your votes and sharing!! For example, The hostel were staying in as a kip and a half!. My cousin does professional Irish dancing and has visited there every year. With this knowledge at hand, youll find a good way to empathize with their current situation. Way back, uncut liquor and alcoholic beverages were sold in Ireland in unlicensed bars and clubs in Ireland. These meanings portray left-hand people as weird outcasts of or Irish society. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 28, 2012: Thought there was a hint of the 'ol Irish charm there!! !lol Appreciate your support and comments! I hear things like "deadly", "donkey's years", "fella", "knackered", "we legged it outta there", "mortified", "we went to the pictures" and so on on an almost daily basis, just to name a few. Voting up and useful..thank you for sharing :). Depending on how you use it, boyo (plural: boyos) can refer to a boy or a lad, who is usually younger than the speaker. Then again I live in Massachusetts, and it sometimes seems we have as many Irish people as Ireland does :) Certainly interesting - esepcially how some of these phrases we also use, but for entirely different purpose. Dryshite. Youll often hear Irish people refer to a person or a situation as Gas. Youll often hear this one used in response to questions like How was work today Ah, shtap sure Ive been up to 90 since half 7. Rajan Singh Jolly from From Mumbai, presently in Jalandhar, INDIA. Its used to describe something (or someone) thats not working/broken. Its a handy conversation starter and its generally the topic of debate in shops and pubs alike. Usually used casually with friends. LOL Glad you enjoyed this insight into us Irish a wee bit!! Thank you for sharing those great Irish slang words with us :) Brilliant. The Middle English word "bigrucchen" meant "to grumble about"; the Irish made "begrudge" a noun. 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 term is used for news, gossip, and fun conversations engaged by the locals. Haven't got a baldy no . An old Irish slang word used to describe someone thats a chancer. I missed ye. Savage, man, I thought they were sold out. The word Culchie is used to describe someone living in a remote part of Ireland. :) If only I could find some vacation time :). meaning loud, bragging conversation. I heard the waves are great at Inchydoney Beach, honey. . Act the Maggot. If you ever get lost in a familiar neighborhood in Ireland, dont be too offended when your Irish friend calls you an eejit. Theyre unreal. 26 counties in Republic of Ireland and 6 counties in Northern Ireland. If you think you can't, you won't be able to accomplish something, but if you think you can, you'll succeed. For example, I saw you chatting to him for about 4 hours. I dont use the word feck personally, but its a word that I associate with the magnificent Father Ted series, which is why its part of my favourites. Heres a handful of slang words that are used to describe a girl/woman. - common prostitute, Means sorry and also excuse me, pardon me, Now you're talking, now you're doing well. Ah, QUALITY. Your gaffers banjaxed, and I feel like I cant conquer Mount Carrauntoohil any longer. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 27, 2012: Many thanks for reading this! Sample Usage: Whoo! That man is a shnakey little shitehawk. A two-day short trip around the. Translation: How are you?. Caleb, help me find the jacks in this bar, quickly. 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! I was hammered last night. Someone who is driven by anxiousness, waiting for something to occur. Appreciate your support!! You can have "good craic" at the pub as well as hear the "latest craic". Pronounced as slawn-sha, if you and your friends have a couple of more rounds, the best Irish chant for cheers is Slinte! For travelers, if your good friends call you. . From the food cooking in their kitchens to the traditions that warm us from the inside out, we can think of endless reasons why we're lucky to have these remarkable women in our lives. Eighteenth- and 19th-century Scottish and English schoolboy slang ("sapskull", "saphead") that the Irish took and shortened.