To outsiders they sound harmless, but every Irish person knows exactly how sharp these insults can be.
Ireland has a long and proud tradition of slagging. Most of the time it’s not meant to be cruel, it’s just how conversation works. If an Irish person likes you, there’s a very good chance they’ll insult you. Consider it an honour.
Here are 20 Irish insults that every Irish person recognises instantly, but that can leave visitors standing there with a confused smile, nodding along and hoping for the best.
20. Gobshite – used when someone talks absolute rubbish
A timeless classic. “Gobshite” is someone who talks rubbish or acts like an idiot.
“Gob” means mouth, so a gobshite is, quite literally, someone whose mouth produces rubbish. Ireland has never been short of them. This is one of the most common Irish slang phrases people use everyday.
19. Dose – like a dose of the flu, they’re draining
Someone being called a “dose” refers to being a nuisance and tiring to be around. When someone is a constant whiner or drama queen, sooner or later you will hear someone nearby say, “He’s an awful dose.” And they won’t be wrong.
18. Eejit – Ireland’s version of an idiot
“Eejit” is a softer, more loveable version of idiot, and it gets used constantly across Ireland. It can be affectionate or insulting depending entirely on the tone.
If someone says “you big eejit” while laughing, you’re fine. If they say it very quietly and slowly, perhaps start apologising.
17. Langer – AKA a lager lout
In Cork, “langer” refers to someone who is drunk, although it also doubles up as an insult for someone being annoying. People in Cork utilise it with considerable regularity and a distinct regional pride.
16. Wagon – usually a nasty piece of work
“Wagon” is typically aimed at someone who is being nasty and likes to stir the pot.
If someone has caused three arguments before noon and seems delighted about it, wagon is the word you’re looking for. This is one of the more savage Irish insults.
15. Melter – a friendlier way of describing the most annoying person you’ve ever met
A “melter” is someone so intensely annoying that they gradually wear down the patience of everyone in the room.
The kind of person who just keeps talking, keeps complaining, keeps circling back to the same topic, until you’re staring at the wall wondering where it all went wrong.
14. Thick – not the brightest crayon in the box
In Ireland, calling someone “thick” refers to their mental capabilities, not their weight. It simply means they’re not very bright.
It’s direct and gets to the point without adding unnecessary fluff. The Irish respect efficiency, even in insults.
13. Cute hoor – as sly as a fox, the Irish way
This one is really difficult because it’s almost a compliment. An individual who has cunning ways.
You may disagree with them entirely but are also mildly impressed. Irish politics has brought forth many fine examples.
12. Chancer – someone with no shame, likes to see what they can get away with
A “chancer” is someone who constantly pushes their luck and tries to get away with things they really shouldn’t. Every workplace has one. Every family has one. They know exactly who they are.
11. Gobdaw – Ireland’s version of a fool
A “gobdaw” is someone who behaves stupidly without anyawareness that they’re doing so. A firm favourite in Northern Ireland.
10. Sap – a big softie
When you call someone a “sap” you mean that they’re much too sentimental or taking something too seriously. Usually said amongst friends and followed by some laughter.
9. Gowl – an even bigger fool than a Gobdaw
Commonly used in the west of Ireland, “gowl” refers to someone acting as a complete and utter fool. It is a wonderful sound – short and sharp with a deeply unimpressed vibe.
8. Tool – the show off
“Tool” is directed at someone who is arrogant and showing off in a performative way. Always delivered with significant eye-rolling.
7. Head-the-ball – a friendly term for someone who can be a bit odd
The term “a head-the-ball” is used to describe someone who is a little quirky around the edges or a bit mad.
It isn’t always negative, it can be said with genuine affection. Ireland has always had a soft spot for the slightly unhinged.
6. Dope – another word for fool
“Dope” simply means fool. It’s one of the more casual entries on this list. There’s no real venom to it, just mild exasperation. The sort of thing you mutter when someone walks into a clearly marked door.
5. Gombeen – this one is not to be trusted
Originally used to describe dodgy moneylenders who’d fleece their own neighbours without losing a wink of sleep. These days “gombeen” is used to refer to any sneaky or dishonest person.
4. Cute as a fox – when someone acts innocent but they know exactly what they’ve done
This expression refers to someone who pretends to be innocent and does behind-the-scenes manipulation.
They will have it in them to look you dead in the eyes and claim they have no idea what you are talking about. Dangerous company.
3. Dry shite – basically a bore
A “dry shite” is someone with absolutely no sense of humour. The kind of person who takes everything literally, laughs at nothing, and somehow makes a simple trip to the pub feel like a root canal.
2. Slagging – an excuse to say whatever you want and the other person can’t be offended
To “slag” someone is to make fun of, tease or mock someone, which is almost like a love language in Ireland.
When a person tells you that they are only slagging then they are joking, even if the joke may have gone too far. The word ‘only’ does a lot of heavy lifting here.
1. You’re some man/woman – the compliment that might be an insult
This one sounds like praise. It is not always praise. Depending entirely on the tone, “you’re some man” can mean anything from a real compliment to barely veiled shock at what someone has said or done. The situation matters. Good luck!
These can seem pretty overwhelming for people who are hearing them for the first time. However, when you get your ear in and understand the humour in it, it’s more about connection than cruelty.
If an Irish person calls you an eejit with a smile on their face, congratulations – you’ve been accepted.
