When an Irishman calls you an “awful eejit” or threatens to “bury you,” there is no need to panic; it’s most likely just warm-hearted banter.
If you’re visiting Ireland for the first time, you’ll realise that the English spoken here is totally different from what you are used to. Some local slang phrases may sound rude, but they are usually harmless.
From aggressive-sounding warnings to phrases that sound like a threat to your life, here are ten Irish sayings that sound rude but are not.
10. “You’re an awful eejit” – a term of endearment for a silly mistake
The word “awful” usually means someone or something terrible, while “eejit” is a phonetic spelling of the word “idiot.” The literal meaning may sound like someone called you a horrible fool, which is a direct insult.
In Ireland, this is one of the weirdest slang words used every day. It’s almost always delivered gently and affectionately to tease a family member or friend for a minor mistake.
Unless someone is using a visibly angry tone, it’s a simple way to tell you that you are being a bit silly.
When an Irish person is overly polite to you, it means there is no closeness. However, when they call you an awful eejit, you are definitely part of the social group.
9. “I’ll let you go now” – the polite way to end a long conversation
To an outsider, this Irish slang phrase sounds like a captor who finally wants to release you after taking you hostage. However, locals use it to politely say they’re bored with the “small talk,” especially during phone calls.
It is a polite way to end a conversation and make it seem like it’s your idea when the other person wants to quit the chat.
This phrase saves you and the other person from awkward goodbyes when the conversation is no longer interesting.
8. “I’ll give you a proper sorting out” – a promise to help you out, not an incoming beating
If someone walks up to you and promises a “proper sorting out,” the next thing that comes to mind is looking for the nearest exit.
However, while it may sound like a threat of physical violence, the phrase actually means someone is ready to assist you or sort out a messy situation.
Whether you need help organising something or fixing a flat tyre, it’s a helpful gesture that should not make you panic.
Your parent or boss can also use it to mean they are going to discipline you or organise your chaotic work, but through a strict lecture rather than physical force.
7. “I’ll eat the face off you” – a warning that you’re about to get yelled at
This phrase might sound like a scene from a low-budget horror movie, but it’s a very common way for someone to express extreme anger towards you.
To a visitor, it sounds rude and aggressive, but it has nothing to do with physical violence. It simply means you have committed a serious social blunder and you are about to get a verbal dressing-down.
If you forget to shut the front door or leave the immersion on, expect a severe scolding that feels like a facial reconstruction.
6. “I’ll bury you” – a promise of a verbal scolding, not a crime cover-up
This is one of the most serious verbal warnings you can get when you have committed a very serious social crime.
To the uninitiated, it sounds like a murder cover-up or someone reaching for a shovel to bury you alive. However, it means you’re about to receive a verbal lashing so severe that you’ll wish the ground would open up and swallow you.
This saying is usually reserved for serious offences, such as deleting important files on the family computer or losing the house keys.
It’s a fair warning that you should probably stay away until the tempers cool down.
5. “I’m going to murder a pint” – the only victim is a cold glass of beer
Murdering a pint sounds incredibly violent, aggressive, and confusing to an outsider. It creates a mental picture of someone who intends to attack a glass of beer with malice.
On the contrary, this slang phrase is common on Irish streets, especially on Friday evenings. It simply means that the person is craving a cold glass of stout.
While it sounds like a vow to commit a serious act of destruction, no actual pint is harmed in any way.
This phrase doesn’t only refer to alcohol, as you can also murder a cup of tea, a fry-up, or a takeaway.
4. “You’re a cute hoor” – a compliment on your sharp wits, not a vulgar slur
This phrase contains a word that outsiders, especially Americans and the British, can find rude and deeply offensive. It sounds like someone calling you an attractive prostitute.
However, in Ireland, this is one of the slang words and phrases used in daily life. The saying has no sexual meaning and almost exclusively describes men. It refers to a cunning, slippery, or business-savvy person.
If someone calls you a “cute hoor” after you negotiate a good deal, they are simply admiring your clever wits.
While the word “hoor” phonetically comes from the word “whore,” the spelling and meaning are completely different.
3. “I’ll put you through that wall” – an exaggerated expression of pure frustration
This famous Irish saying sounds like it’s straight from a wrestling promo. To a visitor, it can mean someone is about to put you through a plasterboard or a solid block wall.
The phrase is common in heated arguments or when someone is extremely angry with you. It’s a non-violent expression of frustration and a warning telling someone to behave or face serious consequences.
It may sound rude to outsiders, but it’s common among Irish parents. Unless you’ve truly tested someone’s patience to their absolute limit, the saying is just an empty threat.
2. “I’ll bleedin’ burst you” – a classic piece of Dublin slang to tell you to behave
This aggressive-sounding phrase is especially common in Dublin slang. It suggests that someone is losing their patience or is annoyed with you.
The word “bleedin'” is a standard intensifier that adds some dramatic emphasis and has nothing to do with actual violence.
While adults use it in street arguments to show dominance, it’s famously common among parents expressing annoyance towards mischievous kids.
1. “I’ll fecking kill you” – a dramatic shout that usually comes from a place of love
This popular Irish saying sounds like an aggressive threat of homicide, especially to an outsider. However, it’s a completely harmless phrase used to express mild frustration or anger.
It’s common among adults and parents to warn children of severe consequences for wrongdoing.
The word “feck,” unlike its vulgar four-letter cousin, is not considered inappropriate in Ireland. It’s a socially acceptable word used by everyone from grandmothers to children.
