An Irish slang Guide: Irish slang terms to know

Irish slang is a language all to its own. From the Republic to Northern Ireland slang can go over your head in an instant and you stand there with no clue as to what is being talked about. I’ve watched both my husband and my son stand puzzled when in a pub or shop and hear awk sure ya know yerself, when asked about living in Canada compared to Ireland. Or the funny look on their faces when asked if they need a “wee bag”.

The Irish people have a way with words and Irish terms and funny Irish sayings have been handed down from generation to generation. Irish idioms like “Jesus, Mary and Joseph” or “hand us the wooden spoon” are terms most of us Irish have heard at some point in our lives. 

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can read my privacy policy here.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) states this about Irish slang and Irish colloquialisms.

Irish English is a cover term for varieties of English spoken in Ireland—there are a number of shared features in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary across the forms of English throughout the entire island. Below the level of Irish English, a distinction can be made between English in Ulster (more narrowly Northern Ireland) and varieties in the south, i.e., in the Republic of Ireland. For example, words like “craic”, which originated from Old English “crak” (meaning loud conversation or boasting), have become central to Irish culture, now meaning fun or banter. Similarly, “gas”, which the OED traces back to James Joyce’s “Dubliners”, is widely used in Ireland to mean funny or amusing.

The Irish sense of humour even shows in their road signs.

Northern Ireland has a vocabulary distinctly its own. From Belfast central to the outer edges regional accents and sayings do differ a lot. Irish slang and Irish expressions differ depending on where you are in the country be it the North or the South. The Irish pretty much shorten everything so here they say up North or they say down South to make their lives easier.

Language is a reflection of history, culture and shared experiences. Wikipedia says that hiberno-english –  

Hiberno-English also formerly sometimes called Anglo-Irish, is the set of dialects of native to the island of Ireland. In both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, English is the dominant first language in everyday use, one of two official languages of the Republic of Ireland, along with the Irish language, and one of the three recognised languages of Northern Ireland, along with Irish and Ulster Scots.

A Dictionary of Hiberno English: The Irish Use of English

The Dictionary of Hiberno-English is the leading reference book on Hiberno-English – the form of English commonly spoken in Ireland. It connects the spoken and the written language, and is a unique national dictionary that bears witness to Irish history, struggles and the creative identities found in Ireland.

Ireland has two official languages that of English and Gaelic which over the years have blended together in a variety of ways from popular phrases with different meanings from what you might expect. Weather in Ireland is a topic that comes up all the time locals might say it’s “a bit grim” or “a lovely day,” depending on the mood. You’ll also hear that Ireland has 4 seasons in one day.

When you’re in Ireland, getting familiar with the local slang can transform your experience. If you’re chatting with an Irish friend, they might refer to someone as a “chancer,” which indicates a person who takes risks and stands out in a crowd. Don’t be surprised if you hear “ye” instead of “you” – that’s just the Irish way of saying things!

A Massive Book Full of FECKIN’ IRISH SLANG

Can you tell your cute hoors from your chancers, or your gougers from your gurriers? Do you know a slapper, a snapper, a shaper or a sleeveen when you see one? No? Well, that’s coola boola, because we’ve put together the most massive, mighty and manky collection of Irish slang in history, or at least in donkey’s years. So stop acting the maggot and give it a lash!

The Origins of Irish Slang: Gaeilge and the English Influence

Irish slang’s roots are closely intertwined with the history of Ireland’s native tongue, Gaeilge (Irish Gaelic). Before the 12th century, Ireland’s people predominantly spoke Irish, a Celtic language with a history going back thousands of years. However, the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century marked the beginning of a long, complicated relationship between Ireland and the English language. 

Though Gaelic remained the main language for centuries after the invasion, the influence of English began to grow, particularly after the Tudor conquest of Ireland in the 16th century. English became the language of the ruling classes, while Irish persisted among the common people. Over time, this bilingual environment gave birth to a unique blend of Irish and English that would eventually evolve into modern Irish slang.

One of the most interesting aspects of this evolution is how the Irish language continued to influence the way English was spoken. The rhythm and expressions of Irish carried over into English speech, giving Hiberno-English its distinct cadence and flavor. For instance, the Irish phrase “ar mhaith leat” (literally meaning “would you like?”) influenced the popular Hiberno-English construction “Are you wanting?” instead of the more standard “Do you want?”

Despite centuries of English domination, the Irish language never fully disappeared, and its traces can still be found in modern Irish slang. Some Irish words, like “craic” (fun, entertainment) or “sláinte” (cheers, good health), are used every day in casual conversation, even among those who don’t speak Gaelic.

Irish slang words and phrases

Irish insults are known for their wit and humor, often mixing lighthearted mockery with sharp cleverness. A classic one is “gobshite”, used to describe someone who is talking nonsense or acting foolishly. It’s less harsh than it sounds and is often thrown around playfully. Another is “eejit,” a term meaning idiot, commonly used in a less aggressive, almost affectionate way, like, “Ah, ya big eejit!”

Other popular insults include “dose,” which refers to someone who is annoying or a pain, and “tool”, used to label someone as stupid or useless. The phrase “acting the maggot” means someone is misbehaving or being troublesome, while “cute hoor” is a clever or sly person, often someone who gets away with something sneaky but is admired for their cunning.

These insults often carry a tone of sarcasm and can be delivered with a smile, which many tourists and visitors can misunderstand

Unique Phrases from Gaelic words

Many Irish slang words have their roots in the Irish language (Gaeilge), often reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. Here are some Irish slang words derived from Gaelic:

Craic: Originating from the Irish word “cráic,” it means fun, entertainment, or enjoyable conversation. It’s a central part of Irish social life—when someone asks, “What’s the craic?” they’re asking about the latest news or how you are.

Sláinte: This means “health” and is used as a toast, similar to “Cheers” in English. It’s commonly heard in pubs across Ireland when people raise a glass.

Gaff: Derived from the Irish word “gaibh,” meaning house, it refers to someone’s home, especially in a casual or party context. For example, “Let’s head to my gaff!” This is also a well used phrase in Cockney English.

Culchie: This term refers to someone from rural Ireland, derived from “cúl an tí,” meaning “back of the house.” While it can denote pride in rural roots, it can also be used pejoratively to suggest someone is unsophisticated.

Bóthar: This means “road” in Irish and is sometimes used in slang to refer to any path or way, particularly in rural contexts.

Póg: Meaning “kiss,” this word is often used in a playful context. The phrase “póg mo thóin” translates to “kiss my arse,” .

Féileacán: This means “butterfly” in Irish, but can sometimes be used colloquially to refer to someone who flits from one thing to another.

Tógaí: This means “scoundrel” or “rogue” in Irish, often used affectionately to refer to someone who’s a bit mischievous but not harmful.

Amadán: This is a derogatory term meaning “fool” or “idiot,” used in a lighthearted or teasing way.

Bainne: The Irish word for “milk,” it sometimes appears in slang phrases, especially in rural contexts where milk and dairy farming are prevalent.

Minerals: the Irish word for soft drinks or pop depending on where you are from in the world.

Irish colloquialisms – Common Irish slang phrases

One of the most interesting aspects of Irish slang is its deep connection to daily life, where humor, sarcasm, and affection mingle effortlessly. 

“Ah sure, we had mighty craic last night at the gaff—fair play to John, he’s a sound gas man, always acting the maggot and keeping everyone in stitches. I’m absolutely banjaxed today though, but it was deadly altogether!”  In this sentence:

– Mighty craic: great fun.

– Gaff: house or place.

– Fair play: admiration or praise for someone’s actions.

– Sound: reliable or decent.

– Gas man: someone who is very funny.

– Acting the maggot: misbehaving or messing around playfully.

– Banjaxed: exhausted or broken.

– Deadly: excellent or impressive.

Craic

Arguably the most famous of all Irish phrases, good craic (pronounced “crack”) is synonymous with fun, good times, and lively conversation. Originating from the Irish word “cráic,” this term has become a catch-all expression for anything entertaining. Whether you’re having the “best craic” at a pub or asking someone “What’s the craic?” (What’s going on?), this word is the embodiment of Irish conviviality.

Sláinte

A traditional toast, “sláinte” means “health” in Irish. Often used when raising a glass of whiskey, beer, or any drink, it’s an expression of goodwill, similar to “Cheers” in English.

Banjaxed

To be “banjaxed” is to be broken or ruined, either physically or mentally. If someone says, “The car’s banjaxed,” you know it’s time to call a mechanic. The origins of the word are debated, but its meaning is universally understood in Ireland.

On the lash

Out drinking probably to excess.

A snapper

A snapper is child there are a series of films set in and around Dublin called The Snapper which feature Colm Meaney and a raft of rude Irish expressions.

Sleeveen

The word sleeveen comes from the Irish word slíbhín, which means a trickster, especially one with a silver tongue. Usually used to describe a politician or scammer.

Gobshite

A term that’s both affectionate and insulting, depending on the context. Calling someone a “gobshite” is akin to calling them an idiot or a fool, but it’s often used in a teasing or humorous way.

Manky

Another word for disgusting as in your bedroom is manky.

Eejit

Similar to “gobshite,” “eejit” is the Irish version of “idiot.” However, it’s typically used in a more affectionate manner, with a good-natured tone. Someone might say, “Ah, ya eejit,” when a friend does something silly.

Feck

“Feck” is a uniquely Irish expletive, less harsh than its English counterpart fuck but still packing plenty of punch. It can be used to express frustration, excitement, or surprise. For example, “Feck off!” means “Go away,” while “Feck it” means “Forget about it” or “Oh well.”

Gas

In Irish slang, if something is “gas,” it means it’s hilarious or funny.

Gas Man

In Irish slang, calling someone a “gas man” means that the person is very funny, entertaining, or full of good humor. The word “gas” in Irish slang means something is hilarious or amusing, and when you refer to someone as a “gas man,” you’re saying they’re a really funny person or a bit of a character.

Sound

To call someone “sound” in Ireland is high praise. It means they are reliable, decent, and kind-hearted. If someone says, “You’re sound,” they’re complimenting your good character.

Langers

This slang word hails from County Cork, one of Ireland’s most linguistically distinctive regions. To be “langers” means to be drunk, often to the point of incoherence. It’s a lighthearted term that’s rarely used maliciously.

Grand

In Ireland, if something is “grand,” it means it’s fine, good, or okay. This is one of the most versatile words in Irish English, as it can describe everything from how you’re feeling (“I’m grand”) to how well something is going (“It’s grand”).

Yoke

A “yoke” is a word used to describe just about anything, especially if the speaker can’t immediately think of the correct word. For example, if you’re looking for your phone, you might say, “Where’s that yoke gone?”

Deadly

In many English-speaking countries, calling something “deadly” would indicate danger, but in Ireland, it’s a slang term meaning excellent or impressive. If someone says, “That band was deadly,” they’re praising the performance.

Gaff

A “gaff” is a slang term for someone’s house. If a friend invites you to their gaff, they’re inviting you to their home, possibly for a party or get-together.

Ride

While in standard English, a “ride” refers to transportation, in Irish slang, it’s a rude term for an attractive person that you would like too or have slept with.

Acting the Maggot

This colorful phrase is used to describe someone who’s misbehaving or causing trouble, usually in a playful, non-serious way. “He’s acting the maggot again,” might be said of a drunk person.

Give Out

To “give out” means to complain or scold. If your mother is “giving out” to you, you’re probably in trouble for something!

Bollocks

“Bollocks” is a multipurpose expletive in Ireland, often used to express frustration or describe something that’s nonsense. If something’s a “load of bollocks,” it’s not worth paying attention to. Also another cross over from English slang.

Knackered

If you’re “knackered,” it means you’re exhausted. The word has an agricultural origin, where a “knacker” referred to someone who slaughtered worn-out horses, but today, it simply means you’re worn out yourself.

Fair Play

When an Irish person says fair play to ya When the Irish say “fair play,” they are expressing admiration, approval, or praise for someone’s actions, achievements, or behavior. It’s similar to saying “well done” or “good job.” It can also mean that someone is acting fairly, honestly, or with integrity.

Oul Fella

An “oul fella” is an affectionate term used to refer to an older man or father figure, often implying wisdom, and experience, like saying “the old chap” or “the old man.”

Suckin Diesel

In Ireland, saying someone is “sucking diesel” means they are doing well, having a good time, or thriving, as in, “Since he got that new job, he’s really been sucking diesel!”

A pint of the black stuff

This simply means a pint of Guinness usually down at the local pub.

Sure Look

A sort filler phrase that means something is out of your control. “Sure look, this is it. There’s not much we can do”.

Here are some other Irish slang terms

Bags: To make a mess of something

Boot: Trunk of a car

Chips: French fries

Culchies: Semi-insulting term for rural people

Donkey’s Years: a very long time.

Cute Hoor: refers to someone who is clever, crafty, or cunning. For example:  If someone manages to get a great deal or avoid trouble in a clever way, you might say, “Ah, he’s a cute hoor, alright!”

Rural Ireland sayings

One of the most fascinating aspects of Irish slang is its regional diversity. Ireland may be a relatively small country, but Irish expressions are full of local color and unique dialects. Different counties and regions have their own variations of slang, often rooted in historical or cultural factors, for example in rural areas such as Tralee and the County Kerry area you will more than likely be called “lads” even if you are female as lads is short for both ladies and lads.

For instance, in Dublin, you might hear phrases like “How’s the form?” (How are you?), whereas in Cork, you’re more likely to be greeted with “What’s the story?” Even the pronunciation of certain words can vary significantly across the country. In Galway or the west of Ireland, people might say “sound” to compliment someone, while in Northern Ireland, you’ll hear “wee” to describe something small (as in “I’ll have a wee cup of tea”). The Northern Irish often have slang words that are derived from the Ulster Plantation with the Scots being sent to Ireland to colonise the country. 

The Irish language itself has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, especially in the Gaeltacht regions (such as Donegal or Mayo) where Irish is still the primary language spoken. Even among English speakers, the inclusion of Irish words or phrases is increasingly seen as a mark of pride in one’s heritage. Terms like “amadán” (fool), “bainne” (milk), and “uisce” (water) are making their way back into casual conversation.

The Modern Evolution of Irish Slang

With the advent of the internet and the globalization of culture, Irish slang continues to evolve. Social media platforms, music, and popular culture are introducing new slang terms into the Irish lexicon, while others are being revitalized. Urban centers like Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick are areas where younger generations mix traditional Irish slang with influences from American, British, and other global cultures.

At the same time, Irish people living abroad—especially in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States—continue to keep their slang alive and spread it to new audiences. You might hear an Irish-American using terms like “craic” or “gobshite” just as naturally as someone back in Dublin.

As Irish slang continues to evolve, it remains a vital part of what makes Ireland distinct. Whether you’re enjoying the craic in a Dublin pub or acting the maggot with friends, the richness of Irish slang ensures that conversation is always colorful, engaging, and full of life.

FAQs about Irish slang

Why do the Irish say Feck?

Feck is a derivative of a more offensive word that I’m pretty sure you can guess. However, having said that if you are ever on a bus in Dublin you will hear the original word a lot and it may surprise you just how often the real F word is used.  

What do the Irish call a girl or woman? 

There are various words for females, women or girls in Ireland and they include: lass, colleen – bean pronounced ban is old Irish for a woman.

How do you insult an Irish person? 

A very difficult task as most Irish insult each other and you on a regular basis and if you can’t take an insult don’t go to Ireland as it is expected that you join in.

What Irish words have become well known as English words?

These are a few Irish terms that have become commonly used English terms: boycott, galore, slew, hooligan, brogues, gob, and clock.

How do you say good night in Irish?

Oíche mhaith or phonetically /Ee-ha wah/.

How do you say good morning in Irish?

First of all NEVER and I mean never use the words top of the morning to you – the Irish hate that it’s a stereotype and they consider it stupid and insulating. If you want to say good morning in Irish it is Maidin mhaith is pronounced as MA-jin wah or MA-jin why emphasis on the MA part.

If you can’t remember a specific term, don’t stress; the list of Irish expressions is long, and understanding Irish people often means just rolling with the flow. If you really want to go deeper, look for videos that upload original content about this rich culture. From county to county, every region has its unique twist on the language, making it all the more fascinating to visit Ireland.

You’ve probably heard a few that I haven’t listed – the Irish are pretty damn creative when it comes to banter so feel free to leave a comment with something you may have heard in passing. Here are a few Irish signs that you might come across when driving Ireland.

Pin it to save it