40 Essential Irish Expressions & Slang You Need to Know
Ireland is famous for its humorous way of Irish conversation. The quirky, colourful phrases are always interesting.
Discover the 40 most common Irish expressions and phrases. This will make chatting with the native Irish speakers a piece of cake.
Most common Irish expressions and slang
1-Craic
In Irish expressions, this slang means fun or entertainment. It is often used to ask what’s going on.
Example: “What’s the craic?”
2-Grand
Grand is a very versatile word which means fine or good. However, it is used in different contexts. The purpose is to avoid deep feelings.
Example: That’s a grand bit of sunshine”
3-Banjaxed
Irish use this word to refer to something broken or worn out.
Example: “That machine is banjaxed!”
4-Stall the ball
Irish people use the phrase “stall the ball” when asking someone to wait or hang on.
Example: “Stall the ball, I will come with you.”
5-Gas
Gas is a unique word used to characterise something funny in Irish expressions.
Example: “The party was gas.”
6-Jammy
Jammy is an informal word used to describe someone who got lucky. It is used when someone gets a good fortune when he doesn’t deserve it.
Example: “You’re a jammy for passing so easily!”
7-Lob the gob
This Irish phrase is a fun way to tell someone to kiss.
Example: “They were lobbing the gob at the dinner party.”
8-Feck
A slang that is commonly used for someone annoying and frustrating in everyday Irish speech. This is a humorous way to express irritation.
Example: “That fecker broke my watch!”
9-Yoke
This term is used for an object or person you dislike. It shows disdain for the object being referred to.
Example: “Don’t make me remember that yoke!”
10-Culchie
Culchie is a stereotypical word used for someone who comes from rural Ireland. It is used in a teasing manner in Irish humour.
Example: “She acts like a Culchie from Kerry.”
11-Fine
The fine is an understatement used to describe someone’s attractiveness.
Example: “He is a fine gentleman.”
12-Gobsh*te
This derogatory word means a foolish and annoying person. Gobsh*te is used when someone is frustrated.
Example: “That gobsh*te forgot to milk the cows!”
13-Eejit
Eejit helps express mild frustration but in a lighthearted way. It is used for someone who makes silly and careless blunders.
Example: “What an eejit, always leaves the door unlocked!”
14-Deadly
Deadly means that something is awe-inspiring. It can be used for music, food, or an event. The word has an exciting tone.
Example: “The movie that just released is deadly.”
15-Giving out
This phrase is used to complain in Irish expressions. It shows dissatisfaction.
Example: “She was giving out about not getting any days off.”
16-Slagging
Slagging is a lighthearted word used to tease someone playfully.
Example: “Her friends were slagging her about his new clothes.”
17-The jacks
In Ireland, this word means toilet. It can be used for public restrooms or a bathroom.
Example: “Please show me the way to the jacks.”
18-Kip
Kip expresses disappointment. It is used for a place that is unpleasant, unhygienic or poorly maintained.
Example: “The corridor of the old building was an absolute kip.”
19-Scut
Scut is a derogatory word used for someone lazy, unintelligent or careless.
Example: “He won’t get anywhere in life if he keeps acting like a scut!”
20-Sh*tehawk
The word describes someone mischievous. Anyone who causes trouble can be called a Shitehawk.
Example: “Her youngest child was an absolute sh*tehawk.”
21-Dosser
Dosser is a term used for a person who is lazy, irresponsible and lacks effort.
Example: “Stop dossing, the deadline is tomorrow!”
22-In rag order
This phrase is used to describe someone who has drunk heavily and is emotionally exhausted from it.
Example: “I’m in rag order after finishing all the wine at the party.”
23-Mouldy/Mullered
It is a humorous way to imply that someone is overly intoxicated.
Example: “He was completely mouldy after drinking three bottles.”
24-Yer man/year one
It is a traditional Irish phrase used casually for someone you dislike or don’t know.
Example: “Did you see yer man walking alone at night?”
25-Ah, here!
This slang is used to express surprise, shock, or frustration.
Example: “Ah, here! I can’t believe it is snowing outside!”
26-Out of your tree/off your head
This playful phrase is used for someone who is extremely drunk.
Example: “I was so out of my tree yesterday, I don’t recall where I kept the keys!”
27-Wagon
It describes someone who is persistently mischievous.
Example: “My little wagon kept me awake the whole night.”
28-Minus Craic
Minus craic implies that a person, event, or situation is dull
Example: “The new year night was a complete minus craic.”
29-Dope
Dope refers to a stupid person.
Example: “Her new best friend is a total dope.”
30-Sap
Sap means a simpleton.
Example: “Always think before you act so you don’t look like a sap.”
31-Cute Hoor
It means someone can quickly turn the situation to their advantage.
Example: “He’s a cute hoor, always getting the best of every opportunity.”
32-Spitting
Splitting is used to describe a light rain.
Example: “It is spitting, cover the clothes.”
33-The Sun is Splitting the Stones
Irish use this phrase to refer to a sunny day.
Example: “Let’s play, the sun is splitting the stones outside!”
34-Soft Day
It means a day with drizzle.
Example: “Don’t forget your umbrella, today is a soft day.”
35-It’s a Good Day for Drying
It means that the day is dry with no rain.
Example: “Let’s do all the laundry today, it’s a good day for drying.”
36-Lashing Down
It means that there is heavy rain.
Example: “All the roads are flooded from last nights lashing down.”
37-A Day for the Fire
The phrase refers to a cold day, precisely that of winter.
Example: “Wear your warmest clothes; it’s a day for the fire.”
38-Cracking
In Ireland, cracking describes something great.
Example: “The party was absolutely cracking.”
39-Dead On
Dead on refers to something being trustworthy
Example: “I can vouch for Adam, he is dead on.”
40-Wetter than an otter’s pocket
This Irish saying means that something is drenched from rain or water.
Example: “I didn’t have an umbrella when it rained; I’m wetter than an otter’s pocket!”
Conclusion:
Ireland is a culturally rich country. The best way to enjoy Irish culture is to learn Irish slang. By doing this, you can easily mix with the locals.
These funny Irish words and phrases show how fun the Irish language is. Add these Irish expressions and phrases to make yourself look humorous and charming.
Whether ordering at a restaurant or just greeting someone, these expressions will help you in everyday Irish conversation.
