31 Essential Irish Slang Phrases to Learn

While English is spoken in Ireland, it’s far from the traditional 'Queen’s English.' Influenced by the Gaelic language—known as Irish—the people of the Emerald Isle have crafted a unique set of quirky and charming words and expressions. Here’s a selection of Irish slang to help you connect with folks from Derry, Dublin, or Donegal.

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Craic

Craic, pronounced like 'crack,' refers to 'general banter or fun.' Originally spelled as 'crack' by Ulster Scots, the Gaelic version gained popularity in Ireland during the 1970s, thanks to its frequent use on the Irish-language TV show SBB ina Shuí.

The Craic Was 90

Irish slang offers more than one type of craic. As Irish Central explains, the craic was 90 describes 'the ultimate level of fun,' though it can also be used sarcastically when an event falls flat. Its origins are unclear, with some attributing it to Christy Moore’s song 'The Craic Is Ninety in the Isle of Man,' while others suggest the number 90 refers to speed.

Minus Craic

This phrase describes a situation where a good time turns sour. Other craic-related terms include good craic, mighty craic, deadly craic, and what’s the craic, which translates to 'how are you?'

Wee

This word is commonly used to refer to something that is extremely small.

Wean

Pronounced as 'wayne,' this term refers to a 'child.'

Lethal or Leefs

Primarily used in northwestern Ireland, lethal translates to 'great.' It can also be shortened to leefs.

Quare

Pronounced 'kware,' this versatile word can mean 'great,' 'very,' or 'terrific.'

Feck Off

Arguably one of Ireland’s finest linguistic creations, this phrase allows you to express frustration without technically swearing. Swap the e for a u, and you’ll understand its true meaning.

Dooter

A brief, or wee (as mentioned earlier), stroll.

Act the Maggot

Act the maggot is a verb that translates to 'messing around,' such as behaving silly or dodging responsibilities.

Aye and Naw

Use aye to mean yes and naw to mean no.

Yes

Though it may seem odd, yes is often used to say hello.

Lashing

This word describes heavy rainfall. If it’s lashing, staying indoors might be your best bet.

Slag

This term functions as a verb and refers to teasing or mocking someone.

Wired to the Moon

Ever had a wild Tuesday night out, only to drag yourself to work the next day after gulping six espressos? That’s what being wired to the moon feels like. (Cassell’s Dictionary of Slang defines it as 'crazy.')

Cat

This word is used to describe something as bad or terrible. According to Ireland Calling, it likely stems from the phrase cat on a melodeon. Since a melodeon is a small organ, a cat walking on it would hardly produce pleasant sounds.

Brock

This term can also be used to describe something of poor quality.

Langered

After indulging in a few too many pints of Guinness (often called the black stuff), you might be labeled as langered, meaning drunk.

Melter

This term describes someone who is either a bit foolish or particularly irritating.

Gas

In Irish slang, gas translates to 'funny.'

Haven’t a Baldy Notion

If you need a fresh way to express 'I have no clue,' this phrase is a great option.

Wind Your Neck In

To humble someone who’s acting too cocky, tell them to wind their neck in. It essentially means 'quiet down!'

Donkey’s Years and Yonks

Donkey’s years is an Irish expression meaning 'a very long time' (e.g., 'I’ve known him for donkey’s years,' as shown in the video above), similar to yonks.

Bake

This term refers to someone’s face.

Juke

A brief, or wee, glance.

All Lured

A phrase used to express being overjoyed or thrilled.

Culchie

Dubliners use culchie to describe someone from the countryside outside the city.

Banjaxed

The term banjaxed, first appearing in 1939 in the Irish novel At Swim-Two-Birds, has uncertain origins—the Oxford English Dictionary suggests it might have been Dublin slang—but it means 'damaged,' 'ruined,' or 'broken.'

The Jacks

Another way to describe a toilet.