Irish Slang Words | Famous, Funny, Everyday Irish Slang

Last updated on June 24, 2025.

Irish slang pulses with character. It feeds lively conversations from Cork to Dublin. It packs humour, warmth, and a touch of mischief. It shapes everyday chat and famous quips alike.

This guide dives into craic, grand expressions, and cheeky epithets. It covers everyday slang, iconic phrases, and playful banter. You learn words that paint vivid scenes and spark a smile. You embrace the spirit of Ireland’s unique lingo.

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What Makes Irish Slang Words Unique?

Irish slang words are unique because they reflect Ireland’s distinct culture, humor, and history. These expressions are more than just playful language—they’re a window into the Irish way of life.

They blend centuries-old Gaelic roots with modern wit, developing within the context of the English language. Irish people have adapted English to create unique Irish versions of common phrases, giving them new cultural significance. Often packed with charm and cheek, these words reveal a lot about the Irish spirit. Here’s what sets them apart:

Gaelic Influence: Many slang words borrow from the Irish language, adding layers of heritage and identity.
Humor & Irony: Irish slang thrives on self-deprecation and sharp wit.
Local Color: Phrases vary by region, showing the rich diversity within Ireland.
Expressive Sound: The slang often rolls off the tongue with rhythm and music-like flow.
Cultural References: Terms are steeped in Irish folklore, pub culture, and everyday banter, and often refer to local traditions, folklore, or everyday experiences.
Inventive Wordplay: Slang often twists familiar words into fresh, clever forms, frequently referring to people or things in creative ways.
Community Connection: Using these words builds camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

These qualities make Irish slang instantly recognizable and deeply meaningful. The words and phrases have specific meanings that are deeply rooted in Irish culture. They carry the heart and humor of Ireland wherever they’re spoken.

The Irish Language and Its Influence on Slang

The Irish language, or Gaeilge, is at the very heart of Irish culture—and its influence on Irish slang is impossible to miss. Even though Ireland is now a predominantly English-speaking country, the echoes of the Irish language ring out in everyday chat, giving Irish English its unmistakable flavor.

Many of the most common Irish slang words and phrases have their roots in the Irish language. Take “craic,” for example. This little Irish word, meaning fun or good times, is now a staple of Irish slang. You’ll hear people ask, “What’s the craic?” or declare, “That was good craic last night!”—all thanks to the Irish language’s knack for capturing the spirit of a gathering.

Irish sayings and expressions often carry a warmth and wit that’s unique to the Emerald Isle. The phrase “céad míle fáilte” (a hundred thousand welcomes) is more than just a greeting—it’s an Irish expression of hospitality that’s been woven into the fabric of Irish English. And when someone raises a glass and says “sláinte” (good health), they’re using an Irish word that’s become a beloved toast in pubs from Dublin to Derry.

The Irish language has also inspired some of the most playful and inventive slang terms. “Acting the maggot,” for instance, is a classic Irish phrase for someone fooling around or being a bit of a silly person. It’s a perfect example of how Irish people use language to inject humor and mischief into everyday conversation. And let’s not forget “fair play”—a phrase that started as a nod to fairness and generosity, but now serves as a go-to way to say “well done” or “good job” in Irish English.

What makes Irish slang so special is the way it blends these Gaelic roots with the rhythms and quirks of English. Irish people are masters at creating new words and phrases, often twisting familiar terms into something uniquely Irish. Words like “gas” (meaning funny or entertaining) and “wait till I tell you” (a classic way to start a story) show just how much fun you can have with Irish slang.

Beyond the words themselves, the Irish language is a living link to Ireland’s history and identity. Efforts to keep Gaeilge alive—through schools, community groups, and national initiatives—mean that Irish expressions and unique words continue to shape the way people speak, joke, and connect. Whether you’re hearing a hearty “stop acting the maggot” or a gentle “grand,” you’re experiencing a bit of Irish heritage in action.

So, if you want to truly understand Irish slang, look to the Irish language. It’s the source of so many of the words, phrases, and expressions that make Irish English so lively, funny, and full of character. Give it a try—throw in a “sláinte” or a “good craic” the next time you’re out for a few pints, and you’ll be speaking the language of Ireland in no time!

Famous Irish Slang Words

Here are some of the most famous Irish slang terms and their meanings. Many of these slang terms are heard across different regions of Ireland, each with their own unique twist.

Craic
Grand
Eejit
Feck
Gaff
Gas
Langered
Manky
Mot
Yoke
Savage
Buck eejit
Deadly
Legend
Gobsmacked
Sound
Round the bend
Act the maggot
Soft day
Messages
Yer man
Yer wan
Gowl
Head the ball
Buckled
Poxed
Slag
Ride
Pure
Off-license
Jacks
Scundered
Shirty
On the lash
Fierce
Scanger
Langer
Chancer
Cracker
Dead on
Banjaxed
Brick
Codding
Scarify
Gombeen
Wagging
Yiz
Banter
Dose
Scuttlebutt

Everyday Irish Slang Words You’ll Hear

Grand – perfectly fine or OK.
Craic – fun, entertainment, banter.
Savage – outstanding or impressive.
Fierce – very or extreme.
Eejit – idiot.
Slag – tease or mock.
Deadly – brilliant or excellent.
Bucketing – raining heavily.
Gas – hilarious or great fun.
Messages – running errands.
Scunnered – fed up or disgusted.
Knackered – exhausted.
Langer – fool or drunk person.
Gaff – home or party venue.
Jar – sudden anger or rage.
Wrecked – utterly worn out or ruined.
Feck – mild expletive (softer than “f—”).
Bout ye – greeting: “How are you?”
Yoke – thingamajig or gadget.
Away with the fairies – daydreaming, not paying attention, or confused/disoriented.
Chancer – opportunist; someone taking risky chances.
Real chancer – a person who takes risks or is opportunistic, often trying their luck in any situation.
Chuffed – pleased or proud.
Melt – annoying, clueless, or confused person.
Girl’s blouse – weak or ineffectual person.
Act the maggot – fool around or misbehave.
Stoater – fantastic or top-class.
Gobsmacked – utterly astonished.
Cutting shapes – dancing skillfully.
Gobshite – stupid or obnoxious person.
Manky – disgusting or filthy.
Gombeen – small-time, unscrupulous person.
Scoff – food, a meal.
Rattle – to annoy or provoke.
Munted – very drunk or broken.
Gutties – sneakers or trainers.
Mammy – mother.
Banjaxed – completely broken or worn out.
Scrote – unpleasant or low-life person.
Bant – banter or playful teasing.
Sound – good, reliable, or decent.
Yer man – that guy.
Yer wan – that girl or woman.
Dead on – exactly right or fine.
Tight – stingy.
Soft day – light, drizzly rain.
Give out – complain or scold.
Leg it – run away quickly.
Lash – great party or night out.
On the lash – going out drinking heavily.
Scéal – story or gossip.
Confused – used to describe someone who is disoriented, unclear, or mixed up, often in a humorous or exasperated way.
Making progress – advancing or improving in a situation; often used in the phrase “suckin diesel” to indicate positive momentum.
Suckin diesel – making good progress or moving forward; a sign things are going well.
Minus craic – a situation or person that is no fun, dull, or lacking in entertainment.
Bad dose – a severe or unpleasant illness, such as a bad stomach bug.
Bad way – someone or something in poor condition, broken, or not functioning properly; “in a bad way.”
Rag order – something in very poor condition or badly maintained.
Drank – refers to someone who consumed a lot of alcohol, often to excess.
Oul fella – father or an older man; affectionate slang for a dad or senior male figure.
Older man – refers to a father or senior male figure, often used in the phrase “oul fella.”
Jack power – slang related to toilets, referencing the historical figure Jack Power who invented the first multi-toilet cubicles.
Fierce mild – unexpectedly warm and mild weather.
Black stuff – Guinness beer; a popular nickname for the iconic Irish stout.
Derry Girls – reference to the popular Irish TV show known for its use of Irish slang and humor.
Normal People – reference to the TV show, often used to describe relatable, everyday individuals and Irish slang in popular culture.
Father Ted – iconic Irish comedy series, famous for its influence on Irish slang and humor.

Funny Irish Slang Words for Insults and Affection

Slang Words for Insults

Eejit
Gobshite
Gobdaw
Gowl
Dobber
Gombeen
Muppet
Numpty
Clot
Thick as two short planks
Droóner
Scut
Dosser
Chancer
Yoke
Saucebox
Halfwit
Clatterbrain
Pillock
Langer
Skanger
Plank
Ratbag
Screw-loose
Gobán (used ironically: “smart as a gobán”)

Slang Words for Affection & Praise

26. Darling
27. Hen
28. Duck
29. Love
30. Luvva
31. Lassie
32. Laddy
33. Wee one
34. Auld wan
35. Auld yoke
36. Cailín
37. Buachaillín
38. Sound lad
39. Sound girl
40. Class act
41. Beaut
42. Boss
43. Savage
44. Legend
45. Champion
46. Grand eejit
47. Nugget
48. Jammy
49. Gas (as in “ye’re gas”)
50. Star

Irish Slang Words for Greetings and Goodbyes

Howya
Hiya
What’s the story?
What’s the craic?
Alright?
Top of the morning
How’s she cutting?
Jaysus, how are ya?
How’s yourself?
How’s the form?
How’s yer man?
How’s yer wan?
How are we?
How are ya keeping?
Grand morning
Well, look who it is
Dia dhuit
Dia is Muire dhuit
Céad míle fáilte
How’s the back?
Hey boyo
Hey girls
How are you finding it?
Good day
Day eh

St. Patrick's Day Greeting:
St. Patrick's Day is a time when Irish greetings and slang are especially common, with people saying things like "Happy St. Patrick's Day!" or "Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!" as they join in the celebrations, parades, and festivities.

Slán
Slán go fóill
Slán abhaile
Slán leat
Slán tamall
Slán go raibh tú slán
Catch you later
Catch you on the flip side
See you in a while
See you one
See you in the morning
Bye-bye now
Take care now
Safe home
Safe home to ya
Mind yourself
Be good now
Sure, take it easy
Sure, I’ll see you
Fare thee well
Cheerio
Toodle-oo
Peace out
Take a leap
See you in a bit

Irish Slang Words for Weather, Drinking, and Nights Out

Slang Words for Weather

Soft day
Lashing
Bucketing down
Mizzle
Dreich
Spitting
Dry spell
Mighty wind
Blow-in
Scattered showers
Bright out
Thick mist
Fine day
Chill factor
Toasty out
Baltic
Roasting
Drookit
Sawing snow
Scorching
Gale-force
Blinding sun
Fogging over
Grand out
White stuff
Fierce mild – Irish slang for weather that is unexpectedly warm and mild, often used when it feels unusually comfortable outside.

Slang Words for Drinking

Pint
Half
Jar
Session
Crack
Hair of the dog
Plain
Black and Tan
Half and Half
Skulling
Sneaky pint
One for the road
Tipple
Nightcap
Deadly nightcap
Whiskey neat
Harpie
EB
Half-pint
Session stout
On the hop
Jar up
Sláinte
Tankard
Screech
Eye-opener
Warm one
Liquid lunch
Black stuff – Irish slang for Guinness beer, often used to refer to the iconic stout in pubs and films.

Slang Words for Nights Out

Booze-up
The lash
Night on the tiles
Hop on the lash
Piss-up
Rave-up
Gaff
Big session
Pre-drinks
The sesh
Sound-check
Head loss
Last orders run
Bar crawl
Clubbing
After-party
Happy hour
Kick-out time
Gas night
Gas craic
Big do
Slammer
Mad ting
Post-session
Big melt
Last call
Early bird

Regional Irish Slang Words You Might Not Know

Here are 50 regional Irish slang words, many of which are often heard in specific parts of Ireland:

Culchie (rural Ireland)
Gowl (Cork)
Langer (Limerick)
Skanger (north Dublin)
Girna (Kilkenny)
Bogger (Galway)
Mot (south Dublin)
Skite (all Ireland)
Yoke (all Ireland)
Eejit (all Ireland)
Muppet (all Ireland)
Gobshite (all Ireland)
Soft day (Munster)
Deadly (Munster)
Savage (Leinster)
Grand (all Ireland)
Sound (all Ireland)
Banjaxed (all Ireland)
Buckin’ (Ulster)
Scundered (Cork)
Yarpin’ (Dublin)
Gaff (Dublin)
The jacks (all Ireland)
Jaysus (all Ireland)
Gas man (Dublin)
Cuidiú (help, Cork)
Click out (leave, Limerick)
Stocious (Dublin)
Jesh (anxious, West)
Feckin’ (all Ireland)
Bout ye (greeting, Cork)
Goggin’ (annoying, all Ireland)
Buckets (lots of rain, Galway)
Cauntin’ (cursing, Cork)
Gaija (good craic, all Ireland)
Turps (nonsense, Munster)
Shells (buttocks, Dublin)
Yeps (yeah, Cork)
Scump (great person, Waterford)
Shoika (idiot, all Ireland)
Codding (teasing, Munster)
Manky (dirty, Ulster)
Spannered (drunk, all Ireland)
Slick out (dress up, Cork)
Maxin’ (relaxing, Cork)
Gaffown (kiss, Dublin)
Ballix (fool, Munster)
Meself (emphasis, all Ireland)
Irish goodbye (leave without telling, all Ireland)
Whopperjawed (crooked, all Ireland)

How to Use Irish Slang Words Like a Local?

Start by embracing the rhythm, humor, and warmth behind every phrase. Irish slang is more than just vocabulary—it’s about attitude, timing, and connection. Using these slang words can help you sound like a true Irish person and blend in with the locals. Whether you’re chatting at the pub or walking through a market in Galway, knowing how to drop a casual craic or grand can make all the difference.

Here’s how to master the lingo like a true Irish local:

Listen first. Pay attention to how locals use words like eejit, banjaxed, or slagging in real conversations.
Start with the basics. Use common phrases like what’s the craic?, deadly, or grand in casual chats.
Match the tone. Irish slang is playful and light. Keep your tone friendly and never too serious.
Use it naturally. Don’t force it. Slip slang into conversation only when it fits.
Know the context. Some words are cheeky, others affectionate. Understand when to say feck or when to call someone a legend.
Practice with locals. The best way to learn is by speaking. Locals love when you make the effort.
Avoid overdoing it. A sprinkle of slang goes a long way. Too much can sound unnatural.

Once you get the hang of it, Irish slang becomes second nature. It brings color to conversation and helps you bond instantly with locals. So go ahead—throw in a cheeky yer man or the jacks and enjoy the banter!

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Slang Words

1. What are some popular Irish slang words?

Some popular Irish slang words include craic (fun), grand (fine or okay), eejit (idiot), gobshite (fool), and slag (to tease). These are used in everyday conversation across Ireland.

2. Is Irish slang the same as British slang?

Irish slang is not the same as British slang. While some words may overlap, Irish slang has distinct phrases rooted in Irish culture, humor, and Hiberno-English. It’s uniquely Irish in tone and meaning.

3. What does 'craic' mean in Irish slang?

In Irish slang, craic means fun, good times, or enjoyable conversation. It’s often used to ask, “What’s the craic?” meaning “What’s going on?” or “Any news?”

4. Do Irish people still use slang today?

Yes, Irish people use slang words daily. From pubs to workplaces, terms like deadly (awesome) and banjaxed (broken or tired) are common across generations.

5. Is Irish slang different in Northern Ireland and the Republic?

Yes, there are differences. While many slang words are shared, Northern Ireland has unique terms influenced by Ulster Scots, like wee (small) and aye (yes). The Republic leans more on Hiberno-English expressions.

6. Can Irish slang be offensive?

Some Irish slang can be cheeky or rude, like feck or gobshite, but it’s often used in a playful, casual way. Context and tone matter greatly in Irish banter.

7. Why is slang so important in Irish culture?

Slang reflects Ireland’s wit, warmth, and storytelling tradition. It brings personality to conversations and helps people connect through humor and shared phrases.