“Top o the mornin to ya!” Would a piece about Irish phrases be complete if we didn't mention this classic? But did you know, although the phrase originated in Ireland, it is rarely, if ever, used there today, and is usually only bandied about as a cliched Irish-ism rather than as a sincere greeting.
Grand (an iconic bit of Irish slang)
Grand means OK. You'll hear it most commonly used as a response to, 'How's it going'/'How are you feeling?
Yoke. In Irish slang, the word 'yoke' doesn't have anything to do with eggs. Instead, it's another way of saying 'thing'. So if someone in Ireland sees an object that they've never seen before, they will commonly be heard to ask, 'What's that yoke there?
The most common greeting is the handshake. The Irish usually shake hands when being introduced or when greeting a friend or work colleague. In formal situations or with people of higher status, titles and last names are used. Among close friends and family, the Irish may hug and kiss each other on the cheek.
What is the most famous Irish blessing? “May the road rise up to meet you” is one of the most famous Irish blessings.
Fanny pack: The term fanny in Irish is applied exclusively to female genitalia, so whatever you are wearing, it isn't a fanny pack; it's a waist-belt or a waist-pouch.
9. Cute hoor – cheeky. Meaning: This mad Irish phrase that makes no sense to English speakers translates to someone who is a bit cheeky or a scoundrel. They work things to their advantage and put their wants first.
The Republic of Ireland has no national motto, but Erin go Bragh (Ireland Forever) is a popular unofficial motto. Northern Ireland has used the motto Quis separabit?, Latin from Romans 8:35: Quis nos separabit a caritate Christi..., "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"
Tiocfaidh ár lá (Irish pronunciation: [ˈtʲʊkiː aːɾˠ ˈl̪ˠaː]) is an Irish language sentence which translates as "our day will come". It is a slogan of Irish Republicanism.
A slang phrase rumored to have originated in the Northeast, an "Irish goodbye" refers to a person ducking out of a party, social gathering or very bad date without bidding farewell.
The most popular and widespread modern use of the term is as a slang expletive in Irish English, employed as a less serious alternative to the expletive "fuck" to express disbelief, surprise, pain, anger, or contempt. It notably lacks the sexual connotations that "fuck" has,.
Mucker. Mate, pal, friend. Example: I'm so excited to see my mucker.
noun, plural I·rish·wom·en. a woman born in Ireland or of Irish ancestry.
To say Goodbye in Irish you would say “Slán leat” – literally meaning “goodbye (health) to you”. You can be less formal and just say “Slán”, bye.
35. Eejit. Meaning “idiot,” this can be a mild insult. For the meaning to reach its full insult potential, however, you need to add in the word “feckin'” beforehand and elongate that "eeeee" sound — “You feckin' eeeeejit.”
6. Mot or moth. From the Irish “maith”, meaning “good” (but also “well” and “like”), the term for someone's girlfriend.
Jammy. When you win the lottery in Ireland you will be known as a 'jammy' person, or in other words, very lucky.
Sláinte means "health" in both Irish and Scottish Gaelic. It is commonly used as a drinking toast in Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Gargle is a slang term for beer or alcohol. You can "have a gargle" if you're having a drink or be "on the gargle" if you're drinking.
But some seemingly “Irish” words are full of shenanigans. Although “shenanigan,” for instance, meaning trickery or mischief, is often attributed to the Irish Gaelic “sionnachuighim,” meaning “I play the fox,” others claim it derives from an American Indian word.