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Decoding the Irish Charm: 200 Irish Slang Words People Use Every Day

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Introduction

Language is a vibrant reflection of a culture, and Ireland is no exception. From its rich history to its lively people, Irish slang words add an extra layer of charm to everyday conversations. This blog post aims to unravel the colorful tapestry of Irish slang, highlighting 200 words commonly used by the Irish on a daily basis. So, grab a cuppa and join us on this linguistic journey through the Emerald Isle!

The Basics of Irish Slang Words

  • Craic – (pronounced “crack”) – Fun or entertainment.

We had a fantastic night out at the pub, filled with great music, laughter, and plenty of craic.

  • Feck – A milder alternative to a more explicit word.

I accidentally spilled coffee on my laptop, and I let out a frustrated ‘Feck!’ as I realized the potential damage.

  • Grand – Good or fine.

After a long day of hiking, a hot shower and a cozy bed felt absolutely grand.

  • Langer – A foolish person.

While attempting to fix the broken shelf, I accidentally hit my thumb with the hammer and let out a loud exclamation of ‘Ah, you langer!’

  • Yoke – An object or thing.

I can’t find my phone anywhere, it’s like the yoke disappeared into thin air.

  • Deadly – Amazing or excellent.

The concert last night was absolutely deadly, with the band delivering an electrifying performance that had the entire crowd on their feet.

  • Gobshite – A foolish or annoying person.

During the heated argument, he resorted to name-calling and referred to me as a gobshite, which only escalated the tension in the room.

  • Banjaxed – Broken or ruined.

I tried to start my car this morning, but the engine wouldn’t turn over. It looks like the battery is banjaxed.

  • Jackeen – A derogatory term for someone from Dublin.

When I moved to Dublin, my Cork friends jokingly referred to me as a jackeen, teasing me for becoming a city dweller.

  • Pint – A glass of beer.

After a long day of sightseeing in Dublin, I decided to relax and unwind at a cozy pub with a refreshing pint of Guinness.

What’s the Craic? The hilarious pocket guide to Irish Slang

Describing People

  • Sound – A good person or friend.

John is always there to lend a helping hand; he’s a sound guy you can rely on.

  • Culchie – A person from rural Ireland.

When I moved to the city, my friends teased me for my culchie accent, but I embraced it proudly as a reminder of my rural roots.

  • Eejit – An idiot or fool.

I accidentally locked myself out of the house again, proving once more that I can be a complete eejit at times.

Feckin Eejits Coffee Mug Irish Slang Words
  • Gowl – A stupid or annoying person.

Despite his claims of being a skilled driver, he managed to crash his car into a lamppost, making everyone around him call him a gowl.

  • Savage – Awesome or fantastic.

The waves at the beach today were absolutely savage, attracting surfers from all around to ride them.

  • Bucko – A term for a young man.

Alright, bucko, you think you’re tough? Let’s see what you’ve got in the boxing ring.

  • Thick – Stupid or slow.

She failed to understand the simple instructions, proving that she could be a bit thick at times.

  • Quare – Very or extremely.

We had a quare time at the music festival, dancing and singing along to our favorite bands all night long.

  • Shift – A kiss or make-out session.

At the school dance, he mustered up the courage to ask her for a shift, and to his delight, she said yes.

  • Lúnasa – A good-looking person.

She walked into the room with confidence, turning heads with her striking beauty and earning the nickname ‘Lúnasa’ among her friends.

Expressions and Phrases

Everyday Irish slang words, expressions and phrases.

Everyday Irish Slang

  • What’s the story? – How are you?

Meeting an old friend at the pub, I greeted them with a smile and asked, ‘Hey, what’s the story? It’s been ages since we caught up!

  • How’s the craic? – How’s it going? What’s happening?

As we gathered around the table in the pub, I greeted my friends with a cheerful ‘How’s the craic?’ eager to hear about their latest adventures and share a few laughs.

  • Fair play – Well done or congratulations.

He spent countless hours volunteering for the local charity, demonstrating his commitment to making a difference in the Adare community. Fair play to him for his selfless actions.

  • Sláinte – Cheers or good health.

As we raised our glasses for a toast, we cheerfully exclaimed, ‘Sláinte!’ wishing each other good health and happiness.

Slainte T-shirt
  • Whisht – Be quiet or hush.

The room fell silent as the speaker took the stage, and everyone whispered ‘Whisht’ to signal their anticipation for what was about to be said.

  • Jammers – Very crowded or busy.

The club was absolutely packed, with people dancing shoulder to shoulder, making it jammers and creating an electric atmosphere.

  • Up to ninety – Very busy or stressed.

More Everyday Irish Slang Words

Between juggling work deadlines, family commitments, and planning for the upcoming event, I’ve been up to ninety lately, trying to keep everything in order.

  • Gas – Funny or amusing.

We had such a hilarious conversation last night that had us all in stitches; it was pure gas!

  • Give it a lash – Give it a try.

He was hesitant to try surfing for the first time, but with encouragement from his friends, he decided to give it a lash and ended up catching some impressive waves.

  • It’s lashing – It’s raining heavily.

We had planned a picnic in the park, but just as we arrived, the rain started pouring down. It’s lashing outside, so we quickly took shelter under a nearby tree.

Food and Drink

  • Tayto – Brand of crisps (potato chips).

After a long hike, we sat down to enjoy a well-deserved picnic, complete with sandwiches, drinks, and a bag of delicious Tayto crisps.

Tayto Cheese and Onion Crisps
  • Rashers – Bacon.

I woke up to the enticing aroma of sizzling rashers in the morning, a perfect start to a hearty Irish breakfast.

  • Fry – A cooked breakfast.

On lazy Sunday mornings, we gather in the kitchen and prepare a full Irish fry, complete with bacon, eggs, sausages, black pudding, and fried tomatoes.

  • Naggin – A small bottle of alcohol.

We decided to bring a naggin of whiskey to the party to share with our friends and enjoy a few drinks together.

  • Spicebag – A fast food dish.

After a night out, we stopped by our favorite takeaway joint and ordered a spicy chicken spicebag to satisfy our late-night cravings.

  • Guinness – Iconic Irish stout.

As I walked into the traditional Irish pub, the bartender poured me a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, its rich and creamy head beckoning me to savor its iconic flavor.

  • Coddle – A traditional Dublin dish.

On a chilly winter evening, I cozied up with a warm bowl of Dublin coddle, savoring the hearty flavors of sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions.

  • Manky – Dirty or unappealing.

I opened the fridge to grab some milk, but the smell hit me immediately – the leftover food had gone off and created a manky odor.

  • Tay – Tea.

After a long day at work, I couldn’t wait to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tay, savoring its comforting warmth and soothing aroma.

  • Poitín – Traditional Irish moonshine.

During my visit to Ireland, I had the opportunity to taste the traditional Irish spirit known as Poitín, experiencing its strong and distinct flavor firsthand.

Places and Events

Irish Slang Words used to describe places and events.

  • GAA – Gaelic Athletic Association.

The GAA is deeply rooted in Irish culture, with hurling and football being two of the most beloved sports played passionately across the country.

Galway hurling t-Shirt
  • The Pale – The area around Dublin.

In medieval times, The Pale referred to the fortified area around Dublin, where English rule was strong and extended beyond the reach of Gaelic Irish influence.

  • Session – A gathering for music and fun.

After a long day of work, I joined my friends at the local pub for a lively session of music, laughter, and storytelling that carried on into the late hours of the night.

  • Céilí – A traditional Irish dance.

The community center was filled with joyous laughter and energetic dancing as people of all ages came together for a céilí, celebrating Irish music and culture in a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

More Places and Events

  • Lock-in – Staying in a pub after closing time.

After the pub officially closed, the regulars were invited to stay for a lock-in, where they continued to enjoy drinks and lively conversation long into the early hours of the morning.

  • Feis – A traditional Irish festival.

Competitors from all over the country gathered at the annual feis, showcasing their talent in traditional Irish dance, music, and storytelling.

  • Craic den – A house full of fun.

After a long day of exploring the city, we stumbled upon a cozy pub known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively music sessions – it was a true craic den where we laughed, sang, and made unforgettable memories with newfound friends.

  • The Liberties – A historic neighborhood in Dublin.

Wandering through the historic streets of The Liberties, I was captivated by the rich heritage, vibrant markets, and the aroma of brewing whiskey that permeated the air.

  • Gaeltacht – An Irish-speaking region.

Every summer, Irish language enthusiasts and learners flock to the Gaeltacht regions to immerse themselves in the Irish culture, practice speaking the language, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the countryside.

  • Aran Islands – A group of islands off the west coast.

The Aran Islands, with their rugged landscapes and traditional way of life, offer a glimpse into the authentic Irish culture and provide a peaceful retreat from the bustling mainland.

Miscellaneous Irish Slang Words

  • Ride – A good-looking person.

He walked into the party looking dashing and confident, catching the attention of everyone in the room with his undeniable charm – he was definitely a ride.

  • Wagon – A difficult or annoying woman.

I can’t believe she’s being such a wagon, constantly complaining and making everything more difficult for everyone else.

  • Gaff – A house or home.

We’re having a small gathering at my gaff tonight, so feel free to swing by for some drinks and good company.

  • Shiftin’ – Flirting or engaging in romantic activities.

At the school dance, there was an air of excitement as the teenagers eagerly anticipated the possibility of shiftin’ someone they had a crush on.

  • Gombeen – A dishonest or cunning person.

Despite his promises of transparency and fairness, the politician proved to be nothing more than a gombeen, using his position for personal gain.

  • Craic merchant – Someone who always brings fun and laughter.
Don't be a craic killer t-shirt

John is the ultimate craic merchant, always bringing a lively and entertaining atmosphere to any gathering with his humorous anecdotes and infectious laughter.

  • Jack the lad – A confident and self-assured man.

Ever since he got his first job, he’s been acting like Jack the lad, flashing his money and showing off his new car to impress others.

  • Culchie accent – The accent of someone from rural Ireland.

When I moved to the city, my friends often teased me for my culchie accent, but I embraced it as a charming reminder of my rural upbringing.

  • Bold – Misbehaving or naughty.

Despite being told not to touch the cookies, the bold child couldn’t resist and sneaked one when no one was looking.

  • Boot – The trunk of a car.

After a long shopping trip, she struggled to fit all her purchases into the boot of her car.

Everyday Expressions

Irish Slang words used in Everyday expressions

  • Sure look – An expression used when there’s nothing more to say.

We didn’t win the game, but sure look, we had a great time playing and gave it our best shot.

  • What’s the craic, boi? – How’s it going, mate?

When I bumped into my friend at the pub, I greeted him with a smile and asked, ‘What’s the craic, boi?’ eager to catch up and hear all the latest news.

  • Jaysus – An exclamation used to express surprise or disbelief.

Jaysus, it’s freezing outside! Don’t forget to bundle up before you head out.

Jaysus Mary and Joseph t-shirt Irish slang words
  • Sure as eggs – Absolutely or definitely.

No matter what challenges come our way, sure as eggs, we’ll always find a way to overcome them together.

  • Fair play to ya – Well done or congratulations.

You completed the marathon in record time? Fair play to ya! Your hard work and dedication really paid off.

More everyday expressions

  • Ah sure, it’ll be grand – Everything will be fine.

Don’t worry about the rain on our outdoor picnic; ah sure, it’ll be grand. We can always find a cozy spot indoors and enjoy good company.

  • That’s fierce good – That’s very good.

We had a taste of the local cuisine, and let me tell you, the seafood chowder was fierce good!

  • I will, yeah – An affirmative response.

Friend: “Are you going to the party tonight?” Me: “I will, yeah. It sounds like a lot of fun, and I don’t want to miss out.”

  • Grand stretch in the evenings – Longer daylight in the evenings.

Friend: “I can’t wait for summer!” Me: “Me neither! The days are getting longer, and we’ll soon have a grand stretch in the evenings to enjoy outdoor activities.”

  • I will in me hole – Absolutely not.

Friend: “Are you going to help me move this weekend?” Me: “I will in me hole! I have plans to relax and unwind, not lug around furniture.”

Irish Slang in Social Situations

  • Have a natter – Have a chat or conversation.

Let’s grab a cup of coffee and have a natter, catching up on all the latest gossip and stories.

  • Beoir – Beer.

After a long day of work, there’s nothing better than kicking back with a cold pint of beoir at the local pub.

  • Shur it’s only a bit of craic – It’s all just for fun.

Don’t take it too seriously, shur it’s only a bit of craic! We’re just having fun and not trying to offend anyone.

  • Sound out – A reliable or trustworthy person.

He’s always been there for me, ready to lend a hand or offer advice. He’s a sound out friend that I can always rely on.

  • That’s the size of it – That’s the way it is.

Friend: “So, what do you think of the new movie?” Me: “It was entertaining, had a great plot, and excellent acting. That’s the size of it.”

  • Gobsmacked – Extremely surprised or shocked.

When I found out that I won the lottery, I was absolutely gobsmacked and couldn’t believe my luck.

  • Mind yourself – Take care of yourself.

Before you go on your trip, make sure to pack warm clothes and take care of yourself. Mind yourself while you’re away.

  • Have the lols – Have a lot of laughs.

We always have the lols when we get together for game night, with endless laughter and hilarious moments.

  • Slagging – Playfully teasing or mocking.

Among friends, good-natured slagging is a common occurrence, where playful teasing and banter add an extra layer of fun to our interactions.

  • Donkey’s years – A very long time.

I haven’t seen her in donkey’s years; it’s been such a long time since we last crossed paths.

World's tallest leprechaun t-shirt

Irish Slang Words in the Workplace

  • The boss man – The manager or supervisor.

I better get this report finished before the boss man comes around and checks on our progress.

  • Grafting – Working hard.

He’s been grafting hard all week, putting in extra hours at the office to meet the project deadline.

  • Mickeys – Spirits or alcoholic drinks.

At the pub, they serve a wide selection of beverages, including Mickeys, offering a range of spirits to suit every taste.

  • Taking the mick – Making fun of someone.

My friends love taking the mick out of my fashion choices, always finding a way to playfully tease me about my unique sense of style.

  • Tickety-boo – Going well or smoothly.

After a few adjustments, everything was back to normal and running tickety-boo, much to the relief of everyone involved.

  • Show me the bacon – Show me the money.

Negotiations were intense, but after weeks of back-and-forth, he finally secured the deal and exclaimed, ‘Show me the bacon!’

  • The black stuff – Guinness.

As a fan of Irish culture, I couldn’t resist trying a pint of the black stuff when I visited Dublin – the iconic Guinness stout.

Guinness T-shirt
  • Wagonin’ – Complaining or whining.

She’s always wagonin’ about how unfair life is, but she never takes any action to improve her situation.

  • Fag break – Cigarette break.

After working diligently for hours, the team gathered outside for a quick fag break to relax and recharge before tackling the next project.

  • Sound as a pound – Reliable or trustworthy.

Don’t worry about borrowing money from him; he’s always been sound as a pound and will never let you down.

Modern Irish Slang Words

  • Insta-worthy – Worthy of being posted on Instagram.

Her perfectly styled brunch spread was definitely insta-worthy, with vibrant colors and artful arrangements that caught everyone’s attention on social media.

  • Flex – Showing off or boasting.

After months of intense training, he was finally able to flex his muscles and showcase his hard-earned physique at the bodybuilding competition.

  • Savage buzz – An amazing or exhilarating experience.

The music festival had a savage buzz, with energetic performances, enthusiastic crowds, and an overall electric atmosphere that left everyone buzzing with excitement.

  • YOLO – You only live once.

She decided to quit her job and travel the world because, hey, you only live once – YOLO!

  • FOMO – Fear of missing out.

He couldn’t resist attending every party and event, afraid of missing out and succumbing to FOMO.

  • Squad goals – Aspiring to have a close-knit group of friends.

They always have the best adventures and create unforgettable memories together – they truly embody squad goals.

She snapped a quick selfie with her friends to capture the beautiful sunset as a keepsake of their fun-filled day at the beach.

Selfie sticks
  • Netflix and chill – Casual, relaxed time spent together.

After a long day at work, all I wanted to do was put on my pajamas, curl up on the couch, and have a relaxing night of Netflix and chill.

  • Lit – Exciting or excellent.

The party was absolutely lit, with a packed dance floor, vibrant lights, and a DJ playing the hottest tracks all night long.

  • Snatched – Looking exceptionally well-groomed or stylish.

Expressions of Affection and Friendship

  • Amadán – A term of endearment meaning “fool” or “idiot” used playfully between friends.

He made a foolish decision without thinking of the consequences, proving himself to be nothing more than an amadán.

  • Béagán – A little bit.

She only needed a béagán of encouragement to gather the courage and step on stage to perform her beautiful song.

  • Cher – An affectionate term used to address a friend.

Hey, Cher, are you up for grabbing some coffee and catching up later?

  • Give us a hug – A request for a hug, often used as a warm greeting.

Seeing Siobhan after a long time, I couldn’t help but greet her with a warm smile and say, ‘Come here, give us a hug!’

  • Luvvie – A term of endearment, short for “love.”

Good to see you, luvvie! How’s everything going with your new job?

  • My dear – A term of affection used towards friends or loved ones.

My dear, I am truly grateful for your unwavering support and friendship throughout the years.

  • Slán abhaile – Safe home, a farewell phrase wishing someone a safe journey home.

After a wonderful vacation, it was time to bid farewell to the beautiful destination and say ‘slán abhaile’ as we boarded the plane back home.

  • Wreck the head – To annoy or bother someone playfully.

His constant complaining and negative attitude really wrecks the head; it’s exhausting to be around him.

  • Dote – An endearing term for someone who is sweet and loveable.

She’s absolutely adorable with her innocent smile and cheerful personality; everyone can’t help but dote on her.

  • Banríon – Queen, used to refer to a female friend.

Hey Banríon, fancy joining us for a movie night and some popcorn?

Money and Finances

Irish slang words used in connection with money and finances

  • Bob – Slang for money or a coin.

James found a few coins lying around, so he thought I’d treat myself to a little something with the bob I had.

  • Skint – Having no money or being broke.

I can’t go out for dinner tonight because I’m completely skint at the moment.

  • Bleedin’ expensive – Very costly or overpriced.

Aoife was shocked when she saw the price tag on that designer handbag—bleedin’ expensive, it was way out of her budget!

  • Nixer – A side job or gig done for extra cash.

I picked up a nixer over the weekend to earn some extra cash for my upcoming trip.

  • Dosser – Someone who avoids work or responsibility.

He’s known for being a dosser, always finding ways to avoid work and shirk his responsibilities.

  • Spondoolies – Slang for money or cash.

After working overtime for weeks, he finally received his paycheck and was relieved to see that his hard work had paid off with a hefty sum of spondoolies.

  • Stingy – Being tight-fisted or unwilling to spend money.

He’s known for being stingy, always finding excuses to avoid splitting the bill or contributing his fair share in group outings.

  • Tenner – A ten-euro note.

I only had a tenner in my wallet, but it was enough to grab a quick lunch from the food truck.

  • Feckless – Careless or irresponsible, especially with money.

He’s been living a feckless life, constantly avoiding responsibilities and never taking anything seriously.

Feckless t-shirt Irish Slang Words
  • Cash on the nail – Payment made immediately or upfront.

I managed to sell my old guitar and the buyer paid me cash on the nail, right there and then.

Weather

Irish slang words to describe the weather.

  • Soft day – A day with mild weather or light rain.

Despite the light rain, the soft day created a tranquil atmosphere, with misty clouds and a gentle breeze.

  • Baltic – Extremely cold.

Stepping outside without a coat on that cold winter morning was a huge mistake; it was absolutely baltic outside.

  • Lashing rain – Heavy rainfall.

We had to cancel our outdoor plans due to the lashing rain that drenched everything in sight.

  • Pure roasting – Very hot weather.

After a long hike under the sun, we were pure roasting and desperately sought shade and a cold drink.

  • Fresh breeze – A pleasant, cool breeze.

Stepping out onto the balcony, I felt the fresh breeze caress my face, bringing a sense of tranquility and refreshment.

  • Muggy – Warm and humid.

The air was thick and humid, making it feel muggy and uncomfortable to be outside for too long.

Rain and foggy weather in Ireland

I grabbed my peeler before heading out into the rain, ensuring I stayed dry under its protective cover.

  • Sharp frost – A sudden drop in temperature resulting in frost.

The ground was covered in a thin layer of ice, evidence of the sharp frost that had settled overnight.

  • Shook – Shivering or trembling from cold.

He stood outside in the freezing wind, shivering and completely shook as he waited for the bus.

  • Changeable – Weather that frequently alternates between sun and rain.

The changeable weather kept us on our toes, as the sun would peek through the clouds one moment and a sudden downpour would follow shortly after.

Technology and Social Media

  • Dotes – Being obsessed or infatuated with someone or something.

Whenever she visits her nieces and nephews, she dotes on them, showering them with love, attention, and little treats.

  • Keyboard warrior – Someone who acts tough or confrontational online but not in person.

He talks a big game online, but in person, he’s nothing more than a keyboard warrior, hiding behind his screen.

  • Snap – A quick photograph taken with a smartphone.

I couldn’t resist taking a quick snap of the beautiful sunset as I walked along the beach.

  • App – Short for application, referring to mobile phone applications.

I rely on my weather app every morning to check the forecast before deciding what to wear for the day.

  • Tweet – A message posted on Twitter.

She posted a funny tweet that quickly went viral, garnering thousands of retweets and likes.

  • Insta – Short for Instagram, a photo-sharing social media platform.

She loves using Insta to share her travel adventures through captivating photos and engaging captions.

  • Face-ache – A lighthearted term for Facebook.

After spending hours scrolling through posts and commenting on funny memes, I ended up with a bit of face-ache from all the laughter.

  • Scroll – To casually browse or swipe through social media content.

I lost track of time as I mindlessly scrolled through my Instagram feed, captivated by the stunning travel photos.

  • Vlogger – A video blogger.

She has gained a massive following on YouTube as a vlogger, sharing her daily life, travel adventures, and beauty tips with her enthusiastic audience.

  • Wi-Fi – Wireless internet connection.

I found a cozy corner in the café with free Wi-Fi, allowing me to catch up on work while sipping my coffee.

Apple 5 in 1 Charger Technology

Sports

Irish Slang Words used in Sports

  • Pitch – A sports field or playing area.

The soccer team gathered on the pitch, ready for an intense match against their rivals.

  • GAA bantz – Banter or friendly teasing related to Gaelic games.

The players engaged in some good-natured GAA bantz before the big match, playfully teasing each other about their skills and rivalries.

  • Ref – Short for referee.

The ref blew the whistle, signaling a foul and awarding a free kick to the opposing team.

  • Square ball – A rule violation in Gaelic football.

The goal was disallowed due to a square ball infringement, much to the frustration of the attacking team and their fans.

  • Soccer – Association football or football.

The soccer match was filled with excitement as the players showcased their skills, and the crowd cheered enthusiastically for their favorite team.

  • League – A competitive sports division or competition.

The team celebrated their victory as they secured the top spot in the league after an intense season of matches.

More Sports

  • Hurl – To play hurling, a traditional Irish sport.

The sound of the hurley striking the sliotar echoed across the field as the players showcased their skill and agility in the game of hurling.

  • Crossbar challenge – An activity involving kicking a ball to hit the crossbar of a goal.

He took a shot during the crossbar challenge, and to everyone’s amazement, the ball struck the crossbar and bounced out, narrowly missing a perfect hit.

  • Slalom – A skiing or snowboarding term used to describe weaving through obstacles or challenges.

The skier expertly maneuvered through the slalom course, swiftly weaving in and out of the gates with precision and speed.

  • Puckout – A restart of play in Gaelic games, particularly hurling and camogie.

The goalkeeper’s powerful puckout launched the ball high into the air, initiating an intense battle for possession between the opposing teams.

Transport and Travel

Irish Slang words used in Transport and Travel

  • NCT – National Car Test, an annual vehicle inspection.

I scheduled my NCT appointment to ensure my car meets the necessary safety standards and emissions requirements.

  • Dart – Dublin Area Rapid Transit, a commuter train system in Dublin.

I rely on the Dart for my daily commute to work, as it offers a convenient and efficient way to travel within Dublin.

  • Lollipop lady/man – A crossing guard who assists pedestrians at school crossings.

The lollipop lady stood at the busy intersection, confidently holding up her sign to halt the traffic and safely guide the children across the road.

  • Toll bridge – A bridge with a fee for crossing.

We had to pay a toll at the bridge to cross over to the other side, but the scenic views and smooth drive made it worthwhile.

  • Bus Éireann – The national bus service in Ireland.

I took a Bus Éireann coach to explore the stunning landscapes of Ireland, enjoying the comfortable ride and the convenience of reaching my destination.

  • Luas – A light rail system in Dublin.

I hopped on the Luas tram to quickly navigate through the bustling streets of Dublin, enjoying the smooth ride and avoiding the traffic congestion.

More transport and travel

  • Full taxi – A taxi that is occupied and unavailable for hire.

As I stood on the crowded street corner in Limerick, I noticed that every passing taxi was a full taxi, their bright ‘occupied’ signs illuminating, leaving me with no choice but to continue my search for an available ride.

  • Car boot sale – An event where people sell unwanted items from the trunk of their cars.

Every Sunday morning, the local community gathers at the car boot sale, setting up their stalls and eagerly showcasing their treasures from vintage clothes to antique furniture, creating a bustling marketplace of bargains and hidden gems.

  • Greenway – A designated walking or cycling path, often in a scenic area.

On a sunny afternoon, families and friends flock to the greenway, armed with bicycles and picnic baskets, ready to embark on a leisurely ride through the picturesque countryside, soaking in the beauty of nature along the way.

Ha'penny Bridge Dublin Canvas

Education and Learning

Irish slang words used in education and learning

  • College – University or higher education institution.

College is an exciting and transformative chapter in one’s life, filled with new experiences, friendships, and opportunities for personal and academic growth.

  • Cramming – Studying intensively before an exam.

Cramming refers to the act of studying intensively and extensively in a short period, typically right before an exam or deadline.

  • Céad míle fáilte – A hundred thousand welcomes, a warm greeting.

Céad míle fáilte is a warm Irish greeting meaning ‘a hundred thousand welcomes.’ It is often used to greet guests and visitors to Ireland.

Céad míle fáilte Doormat Irish Slang Words
  • Mocks – Mock examinations or practice tests.

Mocks are a crucial part of exam preparation, as they give students the opportunity to simulate the real exam experience and identify areas for improvement.

  • Scholar – A student who receives a scholarship or academic award.

Being a scholar not only comes with financial support, but also brings recognition and opportunities for academic growth.

More education and learning

  • Lecture – A formal educational presentation given by a professor or teacher.

After attending the thought-provoking lecture on astrophysics at University College Cork, I felt inspired to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe.

  • Fresher – A first-year university student.

During Fresher’s Week at Trinity College, the new students enthusiastically participated in various orientation activities and events to get acquainted with university life.

  • Grinds – Private tuition or extra lessons outside of school.

To improve his understanding of the subject, he decided to take regular grinds with a private tutor.

  • Thesis – A long research paper or dissertation.

After months of research and writing, she finally completed her thesis on the impact of climate change on coastal communities.

  • Alma mater – The school or university from which one graduated.

After graduating from college at NUI Galway, he returned to his alma mater to give a motivational speech to the current students.

Health and Well-being

Irish Slang words used for health and well-being.

  • Sound as a bell – In good health and condition.

After a refreshing vacation, she returned to work feeling sound as a bell.

  • Sound as a pound – Fit and healthy.

After months of regular exercise and a balanced diet, he’s now feeling sound as a pound.”After months of regular exercise and a balanced diet, he’s now feeling sound as a pound.

  • Bleedin’ deadly – Extremely good or impressive.

Her performance on stage last night was bleedin’ deadly, she had the audience captivated from start to finish.

  • Knackered – Exhausted or extremely tired.

After a long day of hiking at Benbulbin Mountain, I was absolutely knackered and couldn’t wait to crawl into bed.

  • Nervy – Anxious or nervous.

I always get nervy before public speaking events, but I try to take deep breaths and stay calm.

  • Banjaxed – Broken or not working properly.

I tried to turn on my computer this morning, but it seems to be banjaxed. I’ll need to get it fixed.

  • Gobsmacked – Astonished or speechless.

When they announced the surprise guest at the concert at Slane Castle, I was absolutely gobsmacked. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

  • Hank Marvin – Starving or very hungry.

I haven’t eaten all day, mate. I’m absolutely Hank Marvin!

  • The fear – Hangover anxiety or dread.

After that wild night out, I woke up with a pounding headache and the fear.

  • Mucker – A friend or mate.

Hey, mucker, fancy grabbing a pint at the local pub?

Relationships and Dating

Irish Slang Words used in Relationships and dating.

  • Ride – A sexual encounter or attractive person.

Did you see that lad? He’s an absolute ride!

  • Shift – A kiss or make-out session.

Those two were caught having a sneaky shift behind the pub.

  • Love interest – Someone you’re romantically interested in.

I finally worked up the courage to ask out my love interest from Sligo.

  • Ride or die – A loyal and committed partner or friend.

I know I can always count on Sarah. She’s my ride or die.

  • Your one/your man – Referring to someone in a casual or familiar manner.

I bumped into your man from the pub yesterday. He seemed in good spirits.

  • Head over heels – Completely in love.

Ever since they met, she’s been head over heels for him, unable to stop thinking about him for a single moment.

  • Third-wheeling – Being the extra person when two others are on a date.

I felt a bit awkward third-wheeling with my friends on their romantic dinner date, but they made me feel included and we had a great time together.

  • Friends with benefits – A casual sexual relationship between friends.

Sarah and Tom decided to become friends with benefits, enjoying a physical connection without any romantic expectations or commitments.

  • Ghosting – Ending a relationship abruptly by cutting off all communication.

After a few great dates, Mark suddenly stopped responding to Jane’s messages, leaving her feeling hurt and confused due to his ghosting.

  • Wingman – A friend who assists and supports someone in their romantic pursuits.

At the pub, Liam played the role of wingman for his friend Cillian, helping him strike up conversations and make a good impression on potential romantic interests.

Endearments and Affectionate Terms

Irish Slang words used as endearments and shows of affection

  • Darling – An affectionate term for a loved one.

As she walked into the room, he greeted her with a warm smile and said, “Hello, darling. I’ve missed you.”

  • Honey – A sweet term of endearment for a partner or loved one.

He leaned in and whispered, “You’re my honey, and I’m so lucky to have you.”

  • Cuddle – A loving embrace or snuggling.

On a chilly evening in Sligo, we cozied up on the couch and enjoyed a warm cuddle together.

  • Sweetheart – A term used to address someone dear or beloved.
Diamonds

My sweetheart surprised me with a bouquet of flowers on our anniversary.

  • Angel – A term used to describe someone who is kind and caring.

She is such an angel, always there to lend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement.

  • Treasure – A term used to express someone’s value and importance.

You are a true treasure in my life, bringing joy and happiness wherever you go.

  • My love – A term of endearment used for a significant other or close loved one.

My love, you bring warmth and light to my days, and I cherish every moment we share together.

  • Sugar – A sweet and affectionate term for someone dear to you.

Hey there, sugar! You always bring a smile to my face with your sweetness and charm.

  • Beloved – A term used to express deep affection and love.

My beloved, you are the light of my life and the beat of my heart. Your love fills my days with joy and my nights with warmth.

  • Heartthrob – Someone who is attractive and captures your heart

Whenever he enters the room, he becomes an instant heartthrob, capturing everyone’s attention with his charming smile and captivating presence.

Kissing affectionately

Conclusion

Irish slang words is an integral part of everyday communication, showcasing the warmth, humor, and friendliness of the Irish people. From expressions of affection and friendship to money, weather, technology, and more, this list of 200 slang words offers a glimpse into the vibrant linguistic landscape of Ireland. Whether you’re planning a trip to the Emerald Isle, conversing with Irish friends, or simply want to add a touch of Irish charm to your vocabulary, these slang words will surely enhance your understanding and appreciation of Irish culture.So, go ahead and embrace the banter, crack open a pint, and immerse yourself in the richness of Irish slang. Remember, it’s not just about the words themselves; it’s about the connections and experiences they create. Sláinte!

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Last updated May 29, 2023


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Mary nolan

Monday 20th of May 2024

Some of these are completely wrong, I will yah, means no I won't. There were a few others too, some used completely out of context.

Helena

Friday 17th of May 2024

The interpretation of ‘I will, yeah’ is incorrect. It’s used in a sarcastic sense, meaning ‘there’s not a chance I’m doing that!’

A ‘fresh breeze’ is windy, about a Beaufort Force 5/6

Mucker is more an English (London) term