15 Irish Slang Words and Phrases You Need to Know

Just like in Southern California, Ireland has its own unique slang terms and expressions (and which I find to be much more amusing). Here are the top 15 most common Irish colloquialisms I have come across so far in my time abroad in Cork!

1. What’s the craic?

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Craic (pronounced like crack) does not refer to drugs but to ‘fun.’ “What’s the craic” meaning “is there anything fun happening?” It’s also often used as a greeting as in “what’s up?” or “what’s going on?” If the criac was 90! that just means it was a very good time.

2. Acting the maggot.

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Messing around; acting like a fool.

3. Jax/ Jacks.

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The toilette/ bathroom.

4. Eejit/ Gobshite.

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An idiot; a loud-mouth who talks a lot but has nothing of value to say.

5. How’s the form?

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Another way of asking “how’s it going?” or “how are you doing?”

6. Chips vs crisps.

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Chips (Ireland) = french fries while crisps= chips (US)

It’s confusing, I know, but you get used to it eventually.

7. Shift.

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If a guy in a club drunkenly asks if you want to shift, just say no because it never ends well. It means he wants to kiss or make out.  

8. Mouldy.

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Refers to someone who is really drunk (you could also use “ossified”) or something disgusting.

9. Cheers!/ Thanks a million!

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Thank you. Usually said after giving or receiving something.

10. Wrecked.

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Tired; exhausted. Normally used after going out the night before.

11. The black stuff.

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Also known as Guinness. So grab a pint and channel your inner Beyonce! 

12. Savage.

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Excellent.  Something that’s cool, hardcore or badass.

13. Quarter til, quarter past, half past…

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How the Irish tell time. Quarter til means 15 minutes before the hour, quarter past is 15 minutes after the hour, and half past is half an hour after the hour.

14. I will yea!

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Sarcastic way of saying “I definitely won’t.”

15. Coddin’ ye.

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I’m only kidding!

Happy travels and may the luck of the Irish be with you!