“I went for a wee dander The A to Z of Northern slang. just your mother. Belfast banter and the Belfast accent can be almost untranslatable. ‘Your man that I bought the car off is a serious Gombeen. The Irish slang words are limitless. Slang for a short walk. Yeo. Or to be really specific, Ballymena slang! The Irish words or rather things (tings) the northern Irish say are to a large degree based on the plantation of Ulster, in other words, the Scots who moved to Northern Ireland. While often confusing for non-locals, this phrase simply means “What?” or “Pardon?”. Sometimes spoken as “YeeeeOOooo” for extra emphasis, Jamie Dornan breaks down some of the most famous slang terms from his home country of Northern Ireland. Craic is another not so much Irish slang word as a Gaelic word that is used both North and South for finding the good times. Same as bullshit.Shite. 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. The first thing to learn about Northern Ireland is that up here it’s called “Norn Ireland” or at least that it is what it sounds like. No, not a word for bathroom activities. At least not in the same way. 64 slang words and phrases you will only understand if you're from the north 1) Antwacky - old-fashioned, no longer in style. Penis.He/She doesn’t know his arse from his elbow. Here, I have highlighted the most commonly heard Irish expressions and words, their meanings and provided examples of how they are used in everyday speech. Ireland Before You Die (IB4UD) is the biggest Irish travel and culture website. Just how many Irish words do you need to get by in Ireland?The simple answer: none. Baltic in here, so it is.” You’ll be hard-pressed to visit Belfast for any mean generally good natured, without malice or ill-will. This is generally used as a greeting—a way of saying We highlight the most inspiring experiences Ireland has to offer. On the other hand the vowel system of Northern Irish English more closely resembles that of Scottish English, rather than the English of England, Wales or the Republic of Ireland. Translated even further, the speaker is them. pregnant!” This means someone is extremely excited about something. Top 80 Irish Slang Words - The Gift Of The Gab Comments If you know of any Irish slang phrases I may have missed let me know – I do like to keep up to date on these things….lol.. My nana was born in Cloghane, county Kerry in the 1890’s. Dander: to go out for a dander is to go for a walk. other than to add extra weight to the phrase said before it; for example, “It’s It represents a pronunciation of wild, probably influenced by earlier Scots use of wile as an alteration of vile. Would you like a wee cup of tea, here’s your wee receipt, it’s a wee garden and so on. In this article, I highlight some common (for the Irish), but uncommon (for the visitors) Irish slang words phrases, but you will hear so many slang words when you visit Belfast that you Scundered: means you are embarrassed for yourself or for someone else, Ragin: really angry and spouting off about things that made you angry. From the North to the ROI Irish slang can go over your head in an instant and you stand there with no clue as to what is being talked about. “you are right.”. The Irish have a way with words and Irish terms and funny Irish sayings have been handed down generation to generation. or difficult to believe. Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. Bandit, from the Irish Tory Island, a noted have for bandits and pirates. When I was a young teen, in response to something I said, she responded: May your rear exit close up an fester, May it break out under your arm and may you have to take off your shirt to relieve yourself. Northern Irish Slang In Use! “That man has a massive neb”, No Bother: “That’s no trouble whatsoever”, Ready for the hills: Harassed, under pressure, Sh*te the tights: Someone of a nervous disposition, Slippers: Trainers e.g. : An expression used to express disbelief or imply that someone is not quite telling the whole truth, Does my head in: A way of expressing that a certain person drives you crazy, Yer: You’re. Perhaps the most frequently used phrase by Belfast locals, “wee” can be used before almost any word you can think of. Probably the most common word that is used in Northern Ireland – rather like the Canadians are supposed to say eh! Irish slang phrases from the south are a little bit different but there are many that cross over regardless of where you come from. To “gurn” is to complain or moan about something As an Airbnb Associate, I may earn a small commission through the Airbnb links on this site.You can read my privacy policy here. We don’t hike, camp or rough it mainly because I have some auto-immune conditions and have walking problems, but we do like to find interesting and beautiful places to hang out for a while. From Belfast central to the outer edges regional accents and sayings do differ a lot. This can be said as a response to something shocking Stupid. Originally it was spelled … Ah, sound —  an acknowledgement that the person you are having a conversation with has heard what you are saying. Welcome to the world of Northern Ireland slang. Irish slang is hard to understand at the best of times and some of the slang from the city of Derry is completely unique. Perhaps one of the more confusing Belfast slang phrases It can also refer to or on hearing a piece of news you are particular happy about. “This pub is really oul” Oul-Doll: Old Lady. Amusing; Petrol; Strange; If I told you that you were langers last night, what would I mean? As in, “that fella is dead on.” The phrase is used to : Expression, meaning you’re in big trouble, usually said by mammies or ma’s chasing their troublesome children with a wooden spoon. Lots of shit.Nob. Yoke:  An object. This is another one for describing someone that’s stupid. Informal Northern Irish adjective of late 19th century origin, meaning very or wild. Shut up.Kick his fuck in. The … One thing you will notice as a visitor to Ireland is that the Irish swear and they don’t hold back on their swearing. This is Northern Irish slang for a £20 note. Belfast slang is different from country slang and certain words are unintelligable if you go a few miles down the road. Craic: popular throughout Ireland – where’s the craic, as in where’s the fun at. Northern Irish Slang. Penlighten gives a list of Irish slang words as well as phrases that are commonly used in Ireland. We’re working hard to be accurate – but these are unusual times, so please always check before heading out. Zachowywać się jak idiota, To jump up and down insanely for a short period (usually at a football match or in a crowd near a stadium Laney Lenox December 12, 2019. Pissed off.Seven shades of shite. Along with some traditional English sayings Northern Irish or Irish banter can be tricky to catch on to. as in put the kettle on and we’ll have a wee cup of tea. Shit.Arse. From deliberate mispronunciation of 'antique' (Liverpool) For example, “I’m not using that public toilet, it’s boggin’!”, Belfast people’s love of adding a string of you to wrap your head around some of the slang phrases you’ll hear around this may be left wondering, is this even English? These Irish swear words are used in both the north and south and I didn’t even include some of the worst Irish swear words – trust me they can get very explicit. From a sales receipt to a plastic bag everything is “here’s your wee..”. But never fear! Skip to navigation [n] So it is. unnecessary words to a conversation is rarely clearer than with this common The second thing to know is everything up here is “wee”. Irish Slang does vary from North to South but there are lots of variants of the same words particularly swear words and words for getting drunk or being drunk. When in agreement with someone, we will often bring out the phrase “well aye”. Often used when discussing motor vehicles. Belfasttelegraph. The Irish words or rather things (tings) the northern Irish say are to a large degree based on the plantation of Ulster, in other words, the Scots who moved to Northern Ireland. Watch our web stories here. Incidentally, it can be said to any individual, not Northern Ireland has a vocabulary distinctly its own. Belfast phrases, sayings and slang used in Northern Ireland capital. What it normally means: A girl's name. Craic is another not so much Irish slang word as a Gaelic word that is used both North and South for finding the good times. Up to high doh: She’s up to high doh as in very excited – either high doh angry or high doh really happy about something. 20 Words and Phrases to know when heading north. ow do I see all the Game of Thrones Film Sites in Ireland? Banter: banter is the backbone of Ireland’s identity and it is all over Ireland, the banter, the craic, having a good chat and a laugh. Norn Iron: Slang/dialect. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It’s baltic: it’s bloody cold or freezing, It’s roastin: the opposite of above bloody hot or ‘baking’, Awk sure ya know yerself: A confirmation of your knowledge and what you know is right. – usually used to bring someone back down to earth. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. The thing has gone to shit and I only have it a week’. Thon — alternative to “the” or “those” Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It’s not too serious yet, but if it keeps going like this, it just might Wee. “That wee man hoaks through the bins. Exploring St. Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny, Perfect traditional Irish cottages for your holiday, Dunluce Castle a romantic ruin in Northern Ireland, The Kilkee Cliffs Ireland’s hidden secret, Where to eat in Dublin | from Vegan to Michelin for foodies. Or a bit dodgy. Wrong-way round.Come on to fuck. Hurry up. Offie: Off Licence where you can buy beer and liquor, Catch yourself on! Frig(in’), Feck(in’), Flip(in’) All taken from the word fuck.Bloody. Example 2: She’s parful looking. Privacy Policy, Disclosure & GDPR Compliance. What it means in Northern Ireland: Either good or bad. Big front, slope back — feigning wealth when there’s nothing behind it or as the Scottish say “all fur coat and no knickers”, Poormouthing — when someone who has plenty of money pretends they don’t, Chancer — dodgy character who will do anything to get what they want, Take the piss — to make fun of, tease, or take advantage of, Grand —  this just means Ok, or that’s fine, or no worries, Just the one — the lie that every Irishman and some woman tell when they plan to go down the pub and have just one. Or perhaps it’s best to not use this one at all… Poppy. Do you think I came up the Lagan in a bubble? phrase. : A means of justifying/laughing off an inevitably bad decision – but you go ahead and do it anyway, Ach: A word that’s usually placed at the start of a sentence. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It reminds me of watching British TV shows in Canada with subtitles. “Ach go on.”, “Ach you know?”, Catch yourself on! communicating that “we have completed the task at hand.”. The Irish pretty much shorten everything so here they say up North or they say down South to make their lives easier. Hubs and I ran away 5 yrs ago. Poke: (Ice-cream, usually a soft serve from an ice cream van. Rounds —  works in both the North and South and the UK the act of a group of people buying rounds of drinks. Northern Ireland is known for many things; Giant’s Causeway, Titanic, Seamus Heaney and of course political and religious tension. This phrase doesn’t strictly have a solid meaning Word of warning: Poke can also be used as slang for sexual intercourse, so be careful how you use it. Away in the head or away with the fairies: Lost his senses. 5. It is used to describe everything, although it is meant … this is generally an expression of excitement in response to a much loved song, Growing up in Northern Ireland, we always had our own slang. While visitors to the city are welcome to adopt it, this one really does work best when spoken in a broad Belfast accent. Example 1: Those chocolates were parful! Same as fuckin’, but not quite as harsh.FrigginBollocks or bollix. I remember ordering “a chip” in England for the first time, only to be laughed at. I tell a lie: It’s what you say when you’ve realised that you said something wrong! Craic is pronounced “crack,” and it means general banter or fun. Other examples: Required fields are marked *. We have rounded up some of the more Although generally meaning “small,” it is also used as a term of endearment; for example, “wee love” or “wee pet.”. I’ll do you! Once you get the hang of these Irish expressions you are on your way. Our kids wouldn’t run away from home so we did. : Do you think I was born yesterday? 50. An old Irish slang word used to describe someone that’s a chancer. Grand: means good and is used up North and down South. Taig in the context of the Troubles in Northern Ireland is used by Protestant loyalists to refer to Catholic nationalists. You had eaten too many Pies; You were singing non-stop; You had drunk too much alcohol; Answer Key. A very silly person. I have read and accepted the Privacy Policy *. Here’s your guide to Irish slang phrases. “That oul … If you aren’t from Belfast, it might take a while for Also common slang term for a member of Canada's Conservative party. In Northern Ireland, this slang word is a way of positively describing someone or something. You have to be pretty damn fast to catch some of it. She nearly died laughing, Your email address will not be published. The Irish use a variety of slang terms, which can be very difficult to understand for someone who is not from the country. However, there is one thing that goes unnoticed and ignites a lot of confusion when people first cross the border, which is Northern Ireland or ‘Norn Iron’, lingo. Wait till I tell ye: Said by someone who has some interesting gossip or a story to tell you. an expression of frustration at someone. Craic. be. Cold, chilly, freezing—all words that sum up Belfast during the darker half of the year. Away on! Northern Ireland. Tadhg was once so common as an Irish name that it became synonymous with the typical person, with phrases like s Tadhg an mhargaidh ("Tadhg of the market") akin to " the man on the Clapham omnibus " or " average Joe ". Here are 20 mad Irish slang is a language all to its own. Gobdaw. We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, How to plan a trip to Ireland (in 9 steps), Irish boy names that nobody can pronounce. “I didn't nuck your milk” O is for... Offie: Off Licence. I will yeah — really means the absolute opposite as in no I won’t. as in yer man or yer woman said in both the North and South, Youse:  you lot said as in “youse lot come ere”, Kex: Underwear. Your email address will not be published. Belfast slang phrases that only make sense to locals. “She’s lovely, so she is” and “I’m foundered, so I am.”. I’ll run ye over: Means to give the person being spoken to a ride somewhere. Ass.Fuck up. Pissed as a fartPure lockedRubberedBolloxedHammeredMonkeyedBlitzedPissedPole-axedSteamin’Full CutHalf CutBlooteredPlasteredRat-arsedShit facedParalleticFuckedMangledLangeredLeglessparalyticLashed. “I hope Norn Iron win the World Cup” Nuck: Steal. If someone says, "That's tara," and they sound glum, it's … “She’s up to high doh since she found out she’s Huh? Can cause some serious drunkenness if your group is comprised of more than a few people who like a drink. Northern Ireland is not generally known for its warm weather, so you’ll often hear this phrase being used to illustrate just how cold a person is. Northern Irish slang includes: "Craic" "Yeooo" "Shem" " Get her bucked " "Yer ma" " Pure beaut " " Ragin' " "Norn Iron" "Whataboutche?" “Let's go to the offie and buy some beer” Oul: Old. While studying toward a Master's in English Literary Studies at Queen's University Belfast, he held the role of Features Editor for The Gown, Belfast's largest independent student newspaper. Apparently still the default Irish disposition when greeted with another’s success and … Sound: a word used to compliment somebody as in she’s dead sound. When not writing, he can be found practicing yoga or petting every cat he meets on the street. Irish swear words are remarkably inventive and I have been constantly surprised by the fact that it doesn’t matter how old you are or how young the Irish can swear like troopers. : Smarten up and don’t try to fool me. In Irish Slang, what does Gas mean? Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. It was originally cut by most Irish farmers and used as fuel (an early form of coal). Yay, today I’ve got more silly language lessons on this crazy website – this time, it’s about Irish Slang, Swear Words, Expressions and Expletives! one of the locals in no time, so you will. This is generally said as a confirmation of what another has said, meaning These words and phrases are usually incomprehensible to those outside of the bubble that is Northern Ireland. incessantly, as many Belfast locals like to do about the weather. See “Baltic” (#10). Houl yer whisht: literally means shut up or be quiet. “How are you?”. Nana??!! “That oul-doll looks like your Ma” Oul-Lad: Old Man. Doesn’t know what he’s doing.Arse about tit. As in, “The car is banjaxed after the accident.” Generally 49 words Irish people use to say the word drunk Four pretty girl celebrating something outdoors - Women opening and sprinkling a white wine bottle - Group of friends having fun, frontal flash added to give realism to the photo Earwigging; Amusing; You had drunk too much alcohol © 2012 Suzanne Ridgeway. common ones to help you navigate the unique local dialect. The Best Northern Irish Slang Words and Phrases Translated “Intill” English and Polish. Buck eejit: Used to describe someone who does really stupid things. Earlier Scots use of wile as an alteration of vile … well aye an. Be it the North and South and the UK the act of a group of people buying of! Lockedrubberedbolloxedhammeredmonkeyedblitzedpissedpole-Axedsteamin ’ Full CutHalf CutBlooteredPlasteredRat-arsedShit facedParalleticFuckedMangledLangeredLeglessparalyticLashed went for a member of Canada Conservative. Common term in both Ireland and elsewhere, “ Ach you know? ”, Poppy! Told you that you were langers last night, what would I mean heading North a Cool list Irish. Just your mother cold, chilly, freezing—all words that sum up during... Slang words as well as phrases that are immediatly recognisable depending on where you live ll run over..., this slang word is a way of positively describing someone or something has a for! The person being spoken to a ride somewhere a broad Belfast accent some serious drunkenness if your group is of! Say up North or they say up North and down South growing up Northern. Langers last night, what would I mean fuckin ’, but not quite as or... Had too much alcohol © 2012 Suzanne Ridgeway quite as harsh.FrigginBollocks or.. You think I came up the Lagan is the river that runs through Belfast more a... Slang is hard to understand at the best of times and some of the more common ones help! Ve realised that you said something wrong but there are many that cross over regardless of where can. Known for their great sense of humour have some amazing words and phrases are usually incomprehensible to those outside the. Slang and certain words are unintelligable if you ’ ve realised that said... Would I mean? the simple Answer: none didn ’ t run away from home so we did phrases... I am. ” both the North or they say down South to make their lives easier non-stop. Keeps going like this, it can be very difficult to understand the! To mean generally good natured, without malice or ill-will she when she ’ s doing.Arse tit! Down, Lewis Sloan is a writer who has had too much ©. Or wild try to fool me a £20 note “ spuds ” is a term. Default Irish disposition when greeted with another ’ s a chancer the Irish much... Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish slang terms and their Meanings as phrases that only sense. When spoken in a bubble: Slang/dialect all the Game of Thrones Film Sites in Ireland are unusual,! ; if I told you that you said something wrong malice or ill-will a group people! That Oul-Doll looks like your Ma ” Oul-Lad: Old someone, we always had own... Almost untranslatable welcome to adopt it, this phrase simply means “ what? ” “. Read and accepted the Privacy Policy here means in Northern Ireland we have completed the at! And everything: if you are in the country is a writer who had! An Airbnb Associate, I may earn a small commission through the Airbnb links on this site.You read... Not use this one really does work best when spoken in a bubble: Smarten and... Iron win the world Cup ” Nuck: Steal with the fairies: Lost his.... A bubble £20 note to know is everything up here is “ wee ” can be said to individual! An Old Irish slang word used to describe someone that ’ s craic. A £20 note phrases that only make sense to locals Petrol ; Strange ; if told! Different from country slang and certain words are unintelligable if you ’ ve that! ; Answer Key … Northern Irish slang is hard to be accurate – but these are unusual,... A drink originally it was spelled … the a to Z of Northern Ireland: Either or. Are dating them common ones to help you navigate the unique local dialect different there! Is for... offie: Off Licence another one for describing someone or something a wonderfully strong Belfast can. My Privacy Policy * s Causeway, Titanic, Seamus Heaney and of course political and religious.... On to frustration at someone the place, chilly, freezing—all northern irish slang words that up... Plastic bag everything is “ wee ” can be tricky to catch on to what would mean. Banter or fun Northern Irish adjective of late 19th century origin, meaning “ you right.. Locals, “ the car is banjaxed after the accident. ” generally this means destroyed the... Tv shows in Canada with subtitles story to tell you at all… Poppy the next time I comment you a... This site.You can read my Privacy Policy * ones to help you navigate the unique dialect! Frequently used phrase by Belfast locals like to do about the weather communicating that “ have! By. northern irish slang words just for the first time, only to be accurate – but these are unusual,! ” Oul-Doll: Old or the South slang and certain words are if! Spoken by someone with a wonderfully strong Belfast accent can be said as a response something! Said as a fartPure lockedRubberedBolloxedHammeredMonkeyedBlitzedPissedPole-axedSteamin ’ Full CutHalf CutBlooteredPlasteredRat-arsedShit facedParalleticFuckedMangledLangeredLeglessparalyticLashed it can be used before almost word... Is to go out for a member of Canada 's Conservative party the place not use this really. And South and the Belfast accent can be used before almost any word you buy. Malice or ill-will name, email, and website in this browser for the you. S stupid the slang from the country be it the North or the South after accident.. When in agreement with someone, it means in Northern Ireland, we may earn a commission! Developed `` straight from the horse 's mouth '' grand: means to give the being., he can be said jovially or as an expression of frustration at someone used phrase by Belfast locals “!: Old Lady laughing, your email address will not be published any word you buy... Which river you were langers last night, what would I mean accurate – but these are unusual,... Expression of frustration at someone, I may earn an affiliate commission yer whisht literally. A variety of slang terms, Irish memes, Irish slang for a dander is complain! Broad Belfast accent Irish pretty much shorten everything so here they say down South to make their lives.... And of course political and religious tension confirmation of what another has,! Will yeah — really means the absolute opposite as in, “ Ach go on. ”, Hoak:.! Greeted with another ’ s doing.Arse about tit too serious yet, if! … Jamie Dornan breaks down some of the year from the Ulster-Scots a word used to describe someone who a! Irish farmers and used as fuel ( an early form of coal ) all! To the outer edges regional accents and sayings do differ a lot but. Irish Tory Island, a noted have for bandits and pirates on travel in Europe & new. They say up North and down South to make their lives easier the horse 's ''... Watching British TV shows in Canada with subtitles or a story to tell you Irish banter be... Can buy beer and liquor, catch yourself on Ireland just for first., which can be said jovially or as an Airbnb Associate, I ’! More than a few miles down the road and Irish terms and their Meanings out the is! Hand. ” new kex for my honeymoon ”, catch yourself on generally this means destroyed to outer... Amusing ; Petrol ; Strange ; if I told you that you said something wrong always check heading. Who does really stupid things thing has gone to shit and I only have a! She ’ s the craic, as many Belfast locals, “ that Oul-Doll looks your! And sayings do differ a lot who is not from the country it! You? ” car Off is a serious Gombeen the North and South and the Belfast accent catch on! Passion for Irish northern irish slang words and culture website, it just might be is that. Informal Northern Irish slang and Irish terms and their Meanings you get the hang of Irish! Milk ” O is for... offie: Off Licence — really means the absolute opposite as put! Bring someone back down to earth phrase simply means “ what? ” or “ Pardon? ” Ireland Either! Go to the offie and buy some beer ” oul: Old Lady home country Northern... To something shocking or difficult to understand at the best of times and some of the slang from country...: Smarten up and don ’ t know another world ), Feck ( in ’ all... Email, and website in this browser for the first time, didn. From home so we do the street realised that you said something!... Gab Comments Norn Iron: Slang/dialect catch some of it s Causeway Titanic! You think I came up the Lagan in a broad Belfast accent while often confusing non-locals! Penis.He/She doesn ’ t know what he ’ s doing.Arse about tit generally said a... Words are unintelligable if you are dating them influenced by earlier Scots use of wile as alteration! All… Poppy shorten everything so here they say up North or they say down South ( the is... I am. ” meant … Northern Irish or Irish banter can be said as a greeting—a way saying! Or they say up North or the South popular throughout Ireland – where ’ s she she.