Learning the local lingo is an important part of the adventure when visiting Ireland. While you may stumble over a few strange phrases now and then, getting them right helps you blend in.
For many tourists visiting Ireland, landing in a local pub can feel like watching a foreign film without subtitles. While the locals here are friendly, visitors may find some common phrases hard to understand.
Whether you’re heading for the Wild Atlantic Way or the cobbled streets of Temple Bar, you should know the difference between a compliment and a “manky” mistake. Here are 10 Irish slang words tourists always get wrong.
10. Your man/your one – the Irish way of pointing without pointing
In Ireland, locals use these casual expressions to refer to someone whose name they don’t know. Tourists often get confused when an Irish person refers to “your man” over there, thinking they must know the person being discussed.
In reality, “your man” is just a generic way to refer to any male, and “your one” is for any female. Think of it as saying “that girl” or “that guy” in an informal way.
9. A ride – the most common mistranslation for visitors
In some places, asking for “a ride” is requesting a lift in a vehicle. In Irish slang, “a ride” is a commonly used term for an attractive person or a sexual encounter.
If you hear someone say “he’s a ride” or “she’s a ride”, it’s an Irish way of saying “he’s a hunk” or “she’s a catch”. It’s an informal term used as a compliment, but can also be a crude remark depending on the context.
8. Manky – a term for something truly disgusting or unpleasant
‘Manky’ is an Irish slang word used to describe something horrible, disgusting, or very unpleasant. It’s also used to describe poor weather or a pint of Guinness that has been poured incorrectly.
This slang word is commonly used to describe food, clothes, or weather rather than people or places.
For example, you might hear someone say “It’s manky out there” in reference to horrible weather.
7. Giving out – a verbal scolding rather than a charitable donation
Tourists often think “giving out” means “donating” or “distributing” something, but in an Irish household, it means someone is in trouble.
If a mother is “giving out”, she is scolding someone or complaining loudly. It’s a common word used for everything from moaning about the weather to a full-blown dressdown.
6. Gas – used to describe people, not just cookers and cars
If a local calls you “gas”, they aren’t commenting on your digestive system or energy levels. In Ireland, “gas” is one of the weirdest Irish slang words that means hilarious.
If you are telling a story and the listener responds with “Stop, you’re gas”, it is a compliment that you’re hilarious.
This term dates back to a 19th-century reference to laughing gas (Nitrous Oxide), which eventually became a metaphor for fun or for someone who causes laughter.
5. The messages – an errand that has nothing to do with a smartphone
If an Irish host mentions they are “just popping out for the messages”, a guest should not expect them to return with a stack of telegrams.
“The messages” is a widespread term for grocery shopping. The person is likely just heading to the local shop for a loaf of bread, a carton of milk, and perhaps a packet of biscuits for the tea.
4. Deadly – another “negative” word that is actually positive
“Deadly” is a popular Dublin term meaning fantastic or “cool.” If you hear that “the gig last night was deadly,” it means the participants had a good time.
It’s a positive, enthusiastic compliment similar to the phrase “to die for” and the complete opposite of its literal meaning.
3. Savage – the highest form of praise a person can receive
The word “savage” is not a warning of danger but a glowing compliment, meaning something or someone is “great” or “fantastic”.
If someone says the landscape is “savage”, they mean it was absolutely breathtaking. It is one of those frequently used terms in Ireland to describe excellent food, beautiful locations, a great night out, or a brilliant person.
2. Grand – the most deceptive word in the Irish language
If you ask an Irish person how they are and they say “I’m grand”, it usually means “they are okay, not great, but they are not complaining.”
It’s also a polite way to say “no thank you,” so a visitor shouldn’t be offended if their polite gesture is met with a simple “I’m grand, thanks”.
A “grand day” can also refer to fine or pleasant weather. It’s a complex Irish word/phrase with a few different meanings.
1. The craic – an Irish essential that has nothing to do with controlled substances
“Craic” (pronounced ‘crack’) is arguably the most famous word in the Irish slang dictionary that most visitors frequently misunderstand.
It’s an expression of fun, entertainment, and a great time. It’s the Irish way of asking “What’s up” or “What’s the news”.
To fit in like a local, ensure to start a conversation with ‘What’s the craic?’ the next time you walk into a pub.
