Although English is the world’s most widely-spoken language, it’s often customized in each country, with its own expressions, accents and slang! Ireland is no exception to the rule, and also has its own special characteristics, shaping it as it pleases! If you’d like to familiarize yourself a little more with Irish English, here are a few expressions you’ll need to know!
Irish slang is based on the same principles as accents: it changes depending on the Irish town, village or even county you’re in! It also evolves over the generations: certain expressions are only used by the older generation, while new language elements emerge with the younger ones.
Nevertheless, some slang expressions remain universal in Ireland. It’s useful to know if you speak English well, but haven’t mastered all its slang subtleties!
| Irish slang expression | Meaning in classic English | Meaning in French |
|---|---|---|
| Story Horse | What’s the story? | What’s new? |
| What’s the Craic? | What’s happening? | What’s new? / What’s going on? |
| Acting the Maggot | Fooling around, misbehaving | Acting the fool, behaving badly |
| Sure Look It | Expression of resignation or acceptance | I understand. I resign myself. |
| Give It A Lash | Give it a try, attempt something | Try this, try something |
| Any Craic? | Any fun or news? | Anything new? |
| Mind Yourself | Take care of yourself | Take care of yourself |
| Fair Play to You | Well done, congratulations | Congratulations |
| Grand Soft Day | Overcast but mild weather | Overcast but mild |
| How’s the Form? | How are you feeling? | How are things? |
| Go On Ya Boyo! | Encouragement or disbelief | Come on, boy! |
| Soft Day, Thank God | Great weather | Mild weather, thank God |
| Away with the Fairies | Daydreaming or acting strangely | In the clouds, reverie |
| Holy Mary, Mother of God | Expression of shock or surprise | Holy Mary, Mother of God |
| Jaysus! | Expression of surprise or disbelief | My God! |
| That’s Gas! | That’s funny or amusing | How funny! |
| Deadly Buzz | Great feeling, excitement | Great feeling, excitement |
| Jaysus, Mary, and Joseph! | Expression of shock or disbelief | My God! |
| Is It Yourself? | Is that really you? | Is that you? |
| Scarleh for Ya! | Expression of embarrassment | Shame on you! |
| Feck It! | Mild expletive | Blimey! |
| Get Off with Ya! | Go away, stop bothering | Go away, stop bothering me |
| Well Holy God! | Oh my God! | My God! |
| Sure, Isn’t It Grand? | Expression of contentment or satisfaction | Of course, isn’t it great? |
| Be The Hokey! | Expression of surprise or disbelief | What the hell? |
| Quit Your Guff! | Stop talking nonsense | Stop your nonsense! |
| G’wan Outta That! | Disbelief or encouragement | Go on, stop it! |
