Have to bookmark it as I do plan on making it over to Ireland one of these years. Your "oul fella" and your "oul wan" These terms refer to your father and your mother respectively. For example, He used cooking oil on the lettuce thinking it was salad dressing what an eejit. Example: 'Stop faffin' and do some work.'. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 13, 2013: Very funny. For example, Please tell me hes called off training. For example, Shes been up to 90 since she came home and saw what the dog did to the couch in the living room. 20. The term roots from the Irish word sbn, meaning illegal whiskey. For example, He had a bag of skittles and three bottles of Coke an hour ago hes been up to high doh ever since. Hi ya oh he from the Samui isle!! Its pissing down out there., Weather type: Rainey. gwan oura dat ye bleedin' mad ting. It commonly refers to chips or other potato-based finger foods. Based on recent reports, about 99% of the Irish people actually use English than the Irish . On your next hiking or rock-climbing adventure with your buddies, you can use this term however you want. Weather type: Rainy. Bate - To be completely exhausted and out of energy. If youre from Dublin, you tend to refer to anyone that lives outside of Dublin as A culchie. Be sure not to let anyone tell you that youre a dosser on your trip. Hows she cutting?! Glad you enjoyed and found fun.Appreciate your comments as always :-). Or something along those lines? At a dinner party one should eat wisely but not too well, and talk well but not too wisely. Shes bang on or I had the bike fixed down in Riordains yard last week. That was a . to use these words will be up to your discretionand that makes learning and using Irish slang words more fun and exciting! A shorter and a fancier way of asking for an Irish local to have a cup of tea with you at your local tea shop is by asking them, Care for a cup of cha? An old Irish slang word used to describe someone thats a chancer. For example, She passed her exams in the end. Irish toast for St Patrick's day -. 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. Down the Swanee : - Down the drain. 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. To Eat the head off of someone means to get very angry at them. Lets watch? Gamers actually use this term quite a lot, with the same meaning and context. 3. Here are top Irish sayings that you will love: 1. There are no strangers here, only friends that we have not yet met. 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. Here is a guide to the most popular Irish Slang words used today in everyday speech. Shes an awful wagon. Actually they do exist although they are rare! Its just right across the block, and they serve delightfulpastries, too. 4. 3. Therefor, I think it is very much possible that the police officers have actually got the saying from the potential . Or, it could also mean that something is not working properly, like a tourist van or a cellular device. If you have an Irish expression that you need to be explained, pop it in the comments section below and Ill get back to you. Hi fpherj48, Thanks so much for your lovely comments which definitely made me laugh! One you might want to include is Guards. 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? Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on July 03, 2012: Hi How-to-crafts, Appreciate your comments and sharing! Cheers Brett.Tesol!! "Sleeven" A sleeven is a sly or underhanded person. (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. LOL Check out my other Irish hub sometime for a real "flavour" of warped Irish humour! This was one of the most enjoyable posts that Ive written in a while. I, unfortunately, have never been there, but would love to some day. 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. Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on June 23, 2012: Voted up and funny. Not to be confused with the actual meaning for deadly, i.e. Wise up Mon well . Quite possibly Irelands greatest linguistic achievement, this phrase is the perfect way to curse without technically cursing. Why? Redneck slang got you a little confused? How ya getting on? There are hundreds of slang I could use but had to limit this list somewhere! Annie and Agatha took a gander at the glassed jar that contained thering of the late Pope John Paul II. 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. Tough luck, fella. LOL maybe due to the fact us Irish are a wee bit mad at times! Howaya! A short or a clipped version of the word traditional, trad often refers to traditional Irish folk music. Lina, please order a chicken salad with some Tayto for me. Look at him pulling a beamer. You see that poor painter, begging for scraps? Mainly when Im speaking to a non-Irish person and I forget that the words Im using actually areslang. Or a bit dodgy. For example, Cmon. Havent seen you in about ten years. 1. Act the maggot is a verb that means "to mess around," by behaving foolishly, for example, or by avoiding work. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 23, 2012: rajan jolly, Thanks so much for your lovely comments! So glad that I found YOU on Hubs. This is another female-specific word thats reasonably offensive. I did have fun compiling this, it has to be said! For example, Do you remember the time Micky got caught moving the cow in the back of his Ford Focus? Oh, I do. Youre looking well!, For example, Ah, Kayla. A first for me!! The word originates in from the Irish 'maith' which means good. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on April 26, 2013: Many thanks for visit and comments. Another way to say youre feeling delighted. Yer man. Ive heard this one a lot less in recent years. The press is the kitchen cupboard where food is stored. For example, Feck this, Im not listening to him shiting on for any longer, or That fecker was in here mooching about the place again this morning., Photo by Gardiner Mitchell via Tourism Ireland. Well wait until dusk. It commonly refers to chips or other potato-based finger foods. For example, I havent seen Tony in donkeys years.. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 11, 2012: Thanks Daniel, Appreciate your comments! Will I, yea? This has been a bad aul dose. 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. Its another one for very drunk people. In Ireland, we have a fairly random, and often completely impenetrable, number of Irish slang words and expressions. For example, His sister told his Mam about what happened. Look forward to catching more of your insightful writing!:). Now if I can only save enough to go to Ireland so I can test out my nifty new words! Love the lists and entertaining hub. 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! You're ready to book the Ireland trip of your dreams and talk like a local. Example: "I'd rather stay for another round, but I have to crack on.". Think of it as an Irish slang translator, of sorts. Thanks again:-) !! For example, Martinas youngwan was in working with us for a few days last week.. Looking for some fun Irish slang words and phrases? Nice work :). Meredith, I really need to go to my brothers wedding. A great fun hub, really well put together, great stuff, well done, thanks for sharing, voted up, Lee. Translation: Face. On your next, The term is derived from a teenage Irish entertainment show that commonly reported teenage issues. Its used to describe a bad case of something, for example, Ive been lashing in the tablets all week. Details Parent Category: Irish Slang Phrases Slang: Fighting Talk. 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. 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. So many cultures adopt their own language as if in code it seems! The verb "nick" can be traced back to the late 16th century meaning trick or cheat. That said at speed, did not sound like English. 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. Born in New Ross, County Wexford but we most commonly used the word craic. For example, Your Michael is a little hallion. Although Im from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. "Jaysis, it's quare warm today isn't it?". Youre lookin fine, lad! Im giving the word craic its own section, as there are heaps of different ways that it can be used. It was some Ogeous handling. The perfect way to take someone who is overly arrogant down a peg or two? Savage, mate. 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. If you use one of these . This is an Irish phrase thats used to ask someone to wait for you or to stop what youre saying. For example, Ah well! Quare neck: [noun] the part of an animal that connects the head with the body. 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. the siphon of a bivalve mollusk (such as a clam). UK Only: 028 7173 0331; Int: +44 28 7173 0331; Set Currency: Login (0) Item(s) 0.00; Menu ||| Buy Plot; Accessories; Our Story. Common Irish Phrases. This is another one for describing someone thats stupid. On the other hand, "sure look" is a perfect collocation to fill an awkward pause. Its a good day for drying. Now. 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%. You tend to hear a lot of mad Irish slang words when people greet each other. But much stronger. Wind yer neck in . Act the Maggot. In his great dictionary of slang, Eric Partridge traced the origins of "hard neck" - meaning "extreme impudence" - to about 1870, and attributed it to two groups of people: "Anglo-Irish" and . I must have really absorbed your words and meanings because I scored 100% on the test! Perhaps unsurprisingly given the drunken Irish stereotype, there are several different words in Irish slang that all mean drunk. Appreciate your reading,votes and sharing! Can't Never Could. This is another tame bit of Irish slang used to describe a man or woman that youre less than fond of. This is yet another tame one thats used to describe someone dense. For example, Dont be worrying about it, its grand. which means darling, or more literally vein or pulse. A lot of it seems to be similar to Essex slang but, then I'm not sure that's necessarily a good thing lol. I was in a hoop after Foleys last night. If a person is Acting the maggot theyre messing around / dossing i.e. Craic is an Irish word that can be translated to mean "fun," "enjoyment," or "good times.". With the United Kingdom (UK) falling behind second, and a percentage of 94.45% native English language speakers. Common Irish Slang Words. Appreciate your input and votes!! 2. From always working with the public, I often say "Are you okay?" Not as offensive: Go and ask my bollox. Sap. Some instruments commonly used for trad music are the fiddle, the flute and the whistle, Uilleann pipes, harp, accordion, banjo, mandolin, and harmonica. For example, Stall the ball chief, Ill be there in 20 or Stall the ball a minute what did he say?. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. Example, "Tara, I'm going to the shop", and . 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. Although, it might be fun as a joke. It was a fun hub to write and laughs all the way!! lol Thanks again RC. Very very drunk! (Especially after enjoying an evening in a . For each question, choose the best answer. For example, I clipped the wing mirror off the pillar yesterday. Thanks for stopping by! If you value children for the stroreen that they are, or any animal or anything small that you value highly, then storeen might be an appropriate word to use. HEY. Cailln maith meaning 'good girl' became a way of refering to your girl friend. Heres a handful (Ill update this again at a later date as more comments come in). It's funny, though: the thing that wrong-footed me when I first arrived in Ireland isn't on this list. 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). You coming out for a few pints later?!. "Top of the morning to you." Someone thats a nuisance. For example,She won money down the bingo again this week. I would only really use "to be sure, to be sure" as a form of emphasizing Irishness, and in a funny way. .OMG, how did that one escape me? The jacks. I heard off Noley that you were in getting the haemorrhoids sorted?! 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). Irish Slang and Phrases explained. Brutal. Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? Funny reading that as I have taught Irish slang to students abroad :). HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. What are some words youd use to describe different scents? These Irish slang words can range from tame to offensive, so use with caution. Thanks very much for your comments, much appreciated this part of the globe! It was minus craic. 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. It, again, is Irish slang for good. Fergus, my lad! What a tool!. Hes a bleedin melter.. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on June 19, 2012: Thanks anginwu, your a good student of Irish slang then!!! For example, WHY did I have the second bottle of wine. Shes flutered. Now, you tend to hear this used in a vulgar manner quite a bit, but its also used in everyday conversation, also. No idea how to describe this one. I spent a lot of time nodding and smiling, and then admitting I had no idea what they were talking about. If Americans have fries, and English people from the UK have chips, in Ireland, you might want to order a tayto as a side dish. 4. Tae: Tea. Cuisle was sometimes paired with ma, giving us macushla, or my darling a term of endearment youll never forget. Or mor ya or mauryah in Irish English, it is a derisive interjection that can be properly translated as, in the UK. I use slang ever day. Craic Check out these 10 Irish slang phrases you'll definitely hear while you're there. - common prostitute, Means sorry and also excuse me, pardon me, Now you're talking, now you're doing well. 24 of 30. Someone who is driven by anxiousness, waiting for something to occur. I can sense that. It generally means. So, the next time your Irish friend cancels your much-needed Irish vacation plans because of a stomach-ache, you can say mor ya. Now, if I can just figure out how to afford that trip to Ireland I long for. Now, you have sparked within me an interest and desire to go to Ireland! Translation: I did not. LOL. Glad you enjoyed it was fun putting together! Glad you enjoyed and i appreciate your votes and sharing! The selected samples of fruit and vegetables . E's in the Rah. Hang on there for a second and Ill leg it over to you now!. thing is banjaxed!". thanks for a great hub, voted up from me. 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!! Listen, mates, we got ourselves on tenterhooks for a while. The black stuffs spilling from your gob, laddie. Scundered/scunnered - different meanings depending on your location. . The word colleen is derived from the old Irish Gaelic term cailin which means girl or maiden. Learn something new or share one or two that we ought to put on the list with us! (Derogatory). Translation: A member of the police. "wind your neck in" was often a phrase of banter. Today, the term is commonly used for hidden bars that provide good music and a variety of drinks. We are your one-stop travel website for all things Ireland. Derived from the Irish Gaelic word brog, a shoe, or from Old Norse, broc, meaning leg covering. he can ask me bollix if he tinks im gettin into a barney wit him over it the poxbottle, sure ur aulwan kno's wot he's like n all inanyways dya kno worimean pal. Hi, Im Christine a full-time traveler and career woman. For example,The car wont start. The second use of this Irish phrase is used when you want someone to listen to you, for example, Cmere to me for a minute and Ill tell ya. 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?" 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. Tenterhooks are hooks used to fasten cloth, either on a wall or a frame, for drying. Now, theres another potential use for this Irish phrase, and thats when describing someone thats bull-thick (aka angry). For example "Susie's phone got nicked at the party!" meaning Susie's phone was stolen at the party. So, it does your nut in, doin' my nut in . Another one thats fairly tame. Glad you enjoyed Gypsy Rose Lee! 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. Looking forward to reading more. For example, Theres your change. I recently went to Newfoundland, and they have a lot of different slang words also. On your trip to a nearby pub in Ireland, you might hear most young Irishmen refer to their fathers as their gaffer. meaning leg covering. the part of a garment that covers or is next to the neck. Anyhow, while the prisoners were locked in their cell they used to talk out of their windows while sticking their neck out. Savage hub for reference, someday I'm makin it to the Pale for a pint of the Black stuff. You are so right, and I am forever using it! Mor ya, you dont have a brother, Eddie! Bad dose. LOL. For example, Shite, put the cans away. Suzanne Ridgeway (author) from Dublin, Ireland on September 27, 2012: Many thanks for reading this! It might sound derogatory to some, or might be a term of endearment for others. Internet slang now occasionally reinterprets it as the acronym for "sad and pathetic". Joshua Zerbini from Pennsylvania on June 29, 2012: Suzie, this was a hilarious hub! You can use give it a lash in a heap of different ways. Actually, its used to describe anything. Much fun was had compiling our unusual language here!! You'll hear this word in Ireland and Scotland, and slinte 's meaning is "health" in both countries. Suzie from Carson City on August 23, 2012: I really LOVE this hub!! And so is the jacks. You would be lead to believe us Irish speak the English but don't be fooled!! 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. Update: weve had around 50 emails since this guide was published asking about the term the luck of the Irish. nb: Use a verb to mean make fun of someone in a nice way or else it has the same meaning as elsewhere i.e. This guide to British sayings, funny British phrases, dirty expressions, slang words, and more will not only help you understand what the people of England, Wales, and . Do you know these British insults, slangs and phrases? Here's a list of redneck words and their meanings to help you understand exactly what is being said. :^D What a fun hub. Stop being a dosser, man! If he was mine Id give him a good kick up the hole!. Commonly used in the UK and Ireland, a gaffer is colloquially termed as ones boss, your old man, or a foreman. Locked. . 4. I have a question: what does sleane mean in closing a letter? (Cassells Dictionary of Slang says the phrase means crazy.). For example, Her new fella was here last night. Used to describe someone thats annoying. I know. Thanks vespawoolf! This term means its raining heavily. Irish slang is peppered with sounds and phrases and mythology from the ancient Gaelic language.