"), Titim gan eiri ort! Dlmhach or dlmhach literally means two-handed in Irish, but it can be used idiomatically to mean working all-out, or giving your best.. In use: "Tell ye what, you get in another round, while I head to the jacks.". Trying to learn Irish from books is like trying to scale Mount Everest via virtual reality not impossible but far from the real thing. A droch-chil is a bad reputation. But for more information on how to pronounce these words, check out the University of Dublins online Irish speech synthesizer here. As an adjective, bacach means lame or limpingGaelige bhacach is broken, faltering Irish speech. The gap between your fingers or your toes is your ladhar. A cil, as we all know, is globally thought of as a session of trad music and dancing, but it also can simply mean calling round to someone's house for a chat and a cup of tea. In use: "Make sure and bring a jumper with you. An airnenach is someone who takes part in just such an evening, but the word can also be used more loosely to refer to someone who likes working or staying up late into the night. Strocla literally means scratcher or scraper in Irish, but can be used figuratively to describe someone who works hard but is not particularly well-skilled. I'm wrecked now though.". - May you be eaten by a cat that will be eaten by the devil! While you might not be able to actually hold a conversation in Irish, you should not feel too bad about that - almost no one can! Here are 28 weird and wonderful Irish words we could really do with importing into English. Sure we had a whale of a time!". Fierce everything, basically. Coliste Dhlaigh College of Further Education), Comhairle (Council e.g. When you fill something up to the brim but then keep on adding more, the part that lies heaped above the top of the container is the maolg. In use: "Here love, fancy a bag'a chips?". A shoulder will get you a good way to being happy out, but a naggin is perfect for smuggling (or "gooching") into a pub. In use: "Hold on now till I get the biscuits from the press.". Used as a reference to time. The Irish vocabulary is the backbone for learning. - Fall down and never rise again! In use: "The bar didn't close till half three, and Micky got up and sang with the band. We don't call them that at all in everyday conversation, we just call them guards. So if someone asks you will you head somewhere, you'll now know what they're actually asking. Irish, grouse In slang sense of grumble, perhaps from, madder, mether A traditional square-sided wooden drinking vessel, Irish. If you arrive in Ireland and ask someone for the restroom, it is social suicide. We're big into our sarcasm here, and if you get flustered by it, don't worry. God only knows! The Irish verb adharcil means to gore or, in relation to animals like bulls or goats, to attack with horns. The derivative adharcil is used to refer to an animal in heator, figuratively, to a lustful young man. Before you come to Ireland, you're going to need to get yourself acquainted with some of the typical Irish phrases, Irish words, and Irish slang that might confuse you. Theyre a bunbhrstenamely, a pair of worn but still usable trousers. In use: "Ah sure we used to have lots of eligible bachelors rounds these parts, but they're like hen's teeth now.". To give someone a fright. Literally meaning clattering, clagarnach is the sound of heavy rain on a rooftop. (the Irish version of "Bugger off! Bernd is a travel writer from Germany who has lived in Ireland since the late 1990s and written several German-language tourism guides to the country. Beyont is an all encompassing word for any place that isn't the place you're in at the moment. It's an odd pronunciation of "queer," but it's used as a replacement for "very. Go n-ithe an cat th is go n-ithe an diabhal an cat! Irish also has a fantastically rich vocabulary that extends far beyond the handful of Irish wordslike slinte, craic and filtethat have found their way into English. There's a lot of phraseology around tea. Very drunk. We start with commonly used numbers. - Have a good journey! Literally everyone in Ireland speaks English, and the Irish languageis seldom heard in everyday common usage except in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking areas mainly on the Western seaboard). Common Irish words: We might look at you arseways if you don't know what chips are. Derived from iombhigh, the Irish word for to swamp or submerge, an iombh is either a sinking boat half submerged in the water, or any place where there is a danger of drowning. In phrases such as "to explode into smithereens". A bogn is an egg without a shell, although the word can also be used of soft, unsteady ground, as well as mushy, overcooked foodand, by extension, a spineless person. Just how many Irish words do you need to get by in Ireland? Around 1 million people in Irelandas well as 20,000 people in the United Statescan speak Irish. You won't actually get an Irish language course, but you will certainly notice that the local lingo can be quite different from plain English. If they're not cleaned out regularly, grass, briars, and nettles can grow up and you mightn't even see the shuck. In use: "Would you have much rain beyont?". This might have to do with the reluctance of the Irish to firmly commit to anything in life or just be a linguistic quirk; both theories have some merit. (the Irish version of "All the best! In Ireland, chips are crisps and French fries are chips. Thus Dun Laoghaire is best pronounced "dunleary". Also called "the beer blues," "drinker's remorse," and "the chronics" it sums up how you feel when you can't remember large chunks of the night before. As well as being the Irish word for the gusset of a pair of trousers, an ascln is the amount of something that can be carried under one arm. Not that it only refers to things like plants and timber, howeveryou can also use it to describe soaking wet clothes, or the health of someone caught out in the rain. So if you're heading on a day out and your great aunt tells you to "throw everything into the boot," you know exactly what she means! Learn These Useful Norwegian Words and Phrases, Learn How to Get by With These Common Tahitian Phrases, Impress Your Dutch Friends With These Essential Phrases, Here Are Some Basic Greetings to Learn Before Your Trip to Malaysia, The 9 Best Electronic Translators of 2022, Learn These Useful Thai Phrases for a Better Experience in Thailand, These Simple Phrases in Mandarin Will Come in Very Handy in China, How to Say Hello and Greet People in Bahasa Indonesia, How to Say Hello in 10 Different Asian Languages. Coshering (from Irish, crock As in 'A crock of gold', from Irish, cross The ultimate source of this word is Latin, erenagh A hereditary holder of church lands. However, the "hotpress" Well, that's a different matter altogether! This is what we call soft drinks. What you'll end up like after too many pints of Gat. Aimli is the spoiling or ruining of something by exposure to bad weather. I didn't see you there at all!". Derived from the original phrase "as rare as hen's teeth," but has been shortened over the years. It has a relatively complex grammar that sees words inflected in an array of different contexts that are typically ignored in English. Do you speak Irish? The word aduantas doesnt really have an English equivalent, but describes that feeling of unease or anxiety caused by being somewhere new, or by being surrounded by people you dont know. In use: "We may turn down music down, and tell John to get off the roof! And a ragaire is someone who enjoys precisely that. Therefore memorizing them will give you a 70% boost in the language. It's a common saying everywhere, and if you're heading to any events you can consider it a guarantee that an Irish person will ask you this question afterward. So you have the "fir jacks" and the "ban jacks." Those jeans youve got that are nearly worn through but are still wearable? Grab your tickets: Music and cultural highlights at Milwaukee Irish Fest this August, Irish passport remains among most powerful in the world ahead of US, 500k Irish names recorded in New York almshouse ledgers dating back to 1700s, Donegal Square releases new Irish Fantasy Football League clothing range, New York City horse and carriage ban proposed, Dingle abides: stunning scenery and rich cultural heritage, add it to your must-visit list, WATCH: 1989 RTE report highlights blight of emigration on Mayo town, Three Irish sites nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status, Sinn Fin leader in Washington to lobby US politicians over restoring power in Northern Ireland. In use: "I'm afraid to show my face in there again. Learn How to Say Hello in Mandarin and Cantonese, Helpful Russian Phrases and Words for Travelers, Common Fijian Phrases for Your South Pacific Vacation, Useful Finnish Words and Phrases for Traveling, Learn These Words and Phrases in Danish Before You Visit Denmark, Going to Norway? Alas, middle-aged Irish women are not part of some secret government organization; they're just referring to the shopping. You have to find out whether the car is "diesel" or "petrol" and fill it with that. The same word is also used for someone who sticks out from a crowd, or for a small knoll or hill in an otherwise flat expanse of land. Hello - Dia duit. In use: "Come quick, the tractor go out of control on Patsy and now he's below, stuck in the shuck.". So if you're planning any Sound of Music-esque frolics through the fields, beware you don't fall in. (the Irish version of "Drop dead! And How Do You Pronounce These Irish Mouthfuls? Below we picked 70% of the most commonly used words. Foiseach is grass that cant easily be reached to be cut, so is often used to describe the longer grass around the edge of a field or lawn, or to the overgrown grass on a hillside or verge. Someone who works outside no matter how bad the weather is a sabhsa. In pubs, the sexes are often written in Irish on toilet doors. "Aw, sure look it.". You'll learn soon enough. Short Introduction to the Irish Language. "Oh is there? Bachram is boisterous, rambunctious behavior, but it can also be used figuratively for a sudden or violent downpour of rain. In fact, there are no such words in Irish, just approximations like "it is". This has a few meanings. I'm not sure why that's meant to make you feel any better though. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Looking for advice or want to share some great memories? In Irish, though, droch is often used to describe something bad or unfavorable, or is used to imply dangerousness, maliciousness, or poor quality. A press is what we call a cupboard in Ireland. "I will yea" means "I definitely won't," it's just an easier way of saying it. * Originally published in 2014, last updated in April 2021. There also is a tendency to pull together several vowels and consonants into one soundeither through convention or laziness. Go n-iri an bthr leat! "Was it any use?". Did you know? You might, for instance, want to learn some Irish phrases and words in order to avoid coming across too touristy by wishing someone a "top o' the morning," which no Irish person would ever really say. Alphabetical-All Subject & Themed Puzzles, Adage, Alcohol, Ale, Ancestor, Ancient, Apparel, Authentic, Awe, Bagpipe, Balbriggan, Ballads, Balmy, BANSHEE, Battlements, Belleck, Biscuits, Blackthorn, BLARNEY, Bogs, Bonnyclabber, BOONDOGGLE, BOYCOTT, Brambles, Brawl, BROGUE, Burr, Cabbage, Cally potatoes, Camagie=field hockey, Cap, Capriciousness, Captivate, Castles, Catholic, Celtic, Celtic cross, Charming, China, Civil war, Claddagh, Clan, Cliffs, Clover, Coffee, Colcannon, Colleen, Communal, Companionship, Corned beef, Cottage, Countryside, Cricket, Crosses, Crubeens, Crystal, Culinary, Culture, Curragh, Dancing, Dartboard, Dazzling, Dimension, Distillery, Diversity, DONNEYBROOK, Dramatic, Draught, Dreamer, Drumlin, Dulse, Ecumenical, Elf, Emerald Isle, Emigrant, Epitome, Evergreen, Expectation, Faerie (prince), Famine, Fanciful, Farming, Fascination, Feast, Fenians, Fibbar MaGee, Fiddle, Fiddler, Fieldstone, Fishing, Folk music, Foolishness, Friendships, Gabled, Gaelic, Gardens, Ghost, Ghra=my love, Glimmer, Grandeur, Guinness, Hallucination, Hand-knit, Hardship, Harp, Harpist, Headlands, Heather, Hedgerow, Herds, Heritage, Historic, Horses, Hospitality, Humble, Hurling, Illusions, Imagery, Imagination, Impressive, Indulgence, Inn, Innkeeper, Insight, Interaction, Ireland, Irish coffee, Irish stew, Irish sweepstakes, Lace, Language, Laughter, Legends, LEPRECHAUN, Lilt, LIMERICK, Linnet, Literary, Literature, Local, Loiter, Lorry, Lotteries, Lough, Luck, Machree, Magic, Mainland, Majesty, Matriarch, Memories, Mesmerizing, Mist, Moonflowers, Muddy, Mulligan stew, Music, Music and dancing, Musical, Mutton, Mysterious, Myths, Paganism, Parable, Parochial, Passionate, Peat bog, Personification, Pint, Pints, Pious, Pipes, Pixie, Plaice, Poetic, Pot pie, Pot-of-gold, Potatoes, Poteen, Prince, Pub (public house), Publican, Raconteur, Rainbow, Rambling, Rebel, Rebellion, Reels, Relatives, Religion, Resilience, Rituals, Rogue, Romance, Rosy-cheeked, Roundabout, Rugby, Rustic, SAINT PATRICK, Sanachie, Sayings, SCONES, Sea songs, Seafood, Setting, SHAMROCK, Shanties, Sheep dogs, Shelties, Shepherd, SHILLELAGH, SHIMMER, Shrine, Silkies, Sinn Fin, SMITHEREENS, Soda bread, Sorrow, Spell, Spirit, Spongeware, Steep, STEW, Storyteller, Storytelling, STOUT stroll, Stunning, Sweaters, SWEEPSTAKES, Symbolism, TANISTRY, Tankard, Tea, Tea pot, Thatch, Thoroughbreds, Tides, Tory, Tradition, Tragedy, Troubles, Tunes, Turf, Tweeds, Valiant knight, Vitriol, Vivacious, Vivid, Wail, Wake, Wee, Wellies, Whiskey, Whiskey, Wizard, Wonder, Woolens, Woven. This is what you'll do when you're staying with an Irish friend or relative and you accidentally walk in on them in the shower. The phrase is beginning to die out, but that doesn't mean we can't bring it back! Ragaireacht is an Irish word for late-night wandering, or for sitting up talking long into the early hours. In use: "Lord God, you were fairly ossified last night, weren't you?". To do something the wrong way, or for something to go wrong on you. But don't worry, someone will reassure you that "that dose is goin' round," meaning everyone else has the same illness. In use: "Give me 20 worth of petrol, please.". Very few people still learn Irish as their first language so speaking Irish like the natives might fall beyond your linguistic abilities, however, it can be fun and helpful to learn a smattering of common words and Irish greetings. All weather is "fierce." This is all weather related too, and if you're staying with an Irish mammy she'll constantly talk about doing the washing. However, we're not endorsing such scurrilous actions. It can be an exclamation of disbelief, or a standard response when someone pays a compliment to you (we don't really know how to take compliments in Ireland). Why do we do it to ourselves?! Usually asked over the phone when the person is wondering how many people are in a certain place. In use: "Brendan's in bed with the flu, he won't make the festival." This can get very confusing. Oh, and a very good party trick is to have an Irishman read out "33 1/3" which may end up as "dirty tree and a turd". ", A "pint of Gat" is another name for Guinness. In use: "We headed into town for a few last night." smithereens small fragments, atoms. But it can also be used as a noun to describe a misery or beggarly person, or, idiomatically, someone who outstays their welcome or who drags their heels. If you rent a car when you're visiting Ireland and you need to refuel, you needn't go looking for "gas," which is something else altogether and entirely unrelated to driving or flatulence! "), Imeacht gan teacht ort! 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. But if ever you find yourself in a situation where you're not sure what to say, just go "sure look it" and you'll fit in just fine. To English speakers though, its a tough language to master. In use: "Isn't it lovely weather we're having?" Irish words for drunk: We have plenty of ways to describe the person who has had one too many. Join our Irish travel Facebook group. Even with the help of tapes and CDs you simply will not come up the conversation standard. If you didn't wear your jumper, you probably caught a cold. Irish uses a lot of the same alphabet as English but this is only because a specially developed style of Irish writing failed to become standard. Not to worry though, we're here to help with 35 phrases you can learn before your visit. Beware if you're visiting old people: they'll automatically assume you love a mineral called 7Up and will force feed you with it. When you see more than one consonant together then there may be very interesting tongue-teasers hidden in them, such as: While the above are good guidelines for speaking Irish, even people from neighboring villages in the gaeltacht (the Irish-speaking areas) don't always agree on the proper pronunciation. This is what we call the trunk of in a car. Learn only what you need. Just dont expect them to buy you pints of Guinness to honor your effort. It isnt - N hea (used more often than "nl"). "That's a fret" is an expression of disbelief. Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish! In use: "Are you calling round? On that note, when drinking Guinness, look towards the horizon so you don't drink the head. - Abair aris , le do thoil. Don't say they didn't warn you! (the Irish version of "Go to hell! In use: "Anyone want anything I'm heading into town to do the messages.". Other symptoms include unexplained depression, cuts and bruises, and not being able to find your shoes. We have absolutely no idea what the length of time a donkey's year is, but it's widely accepted that it's a very, very, long time. You may notice that the Irish tend to roll their r more than other people, even when speaking English. In use: "You can't drink because you driving? What do Erin go Bragh and other Irish phrases mean? The messages are what some Irish people call the groceries. If you're very tired. There's "head on," which means you're going to leave, and "head," which simply means "go.". Irish uses the same five vowels as English, but the pronunciation is different at times; if there is an accent over the vowel it is a "long" vowel: Vowels are also divided into "slender" (e, , i and ) and "broad" (the rest), influencing the pronunciation of the consonants before them. Naggins and shoulders refer to the sizes of bottles of spirits. Some useful phrases in Irish (that go beyond the essential words you should know in Irish), grouped by category: Please note that while we have included "yes" and "no" here, this is not entirely correct. "), Slinte! The rest of the words are either unused or not used often. Funny phrases Irish use that Americans dont, Phrases Irish women say and what they really mean. That's a fret!". This is the smarter way of online learning. In use: "Are you getting up for mass in the morning?" Not to be confused with "banjaxed," which means something is broken. In use: "We were out last night until half six this mornin'. Sweaters, or pullovers, are called jumpers in Ireland. In use: "Thirty-five phrases I need to learn before coming to Ireland? - Your health! In orderto help you navigate Irish conversations, here is a helpful start. I don't understand (you) - N thuigim (th). All Rights Reserved. Say again, please. The neighbors will have the guards on us any minute.". But even here, English is generally the language used to communicate with any visitors. This is the Irish word, Coliste (College e.g. And it uses an alphabet traditionally comprising just 18 letters, so words are often pronounced completely differently from what an English speaker might expect. The perfect word for the springan aiteall is a fine spell of weather between two showers of rain. The Irish prefix droch is basically an equivalent of the English prefix un, in that it effectively reverses the meaning of the word to which it is attached. You will hear about people going out to do the messages, or going into town for the messages. In use: "Get me a shoulder of Captain Morgan, and Aisling wants a naggin of vodka.". - May you just leave and never come back! ", In use: "Give me two pints of Gat and a bottle of Bulmers.". ", There are two phrases for the price of one here. "Oh God help him, but sure that dose is goin' round. - May you be healthy and wealthy! Drochairgead, for instance, is counterfeit money. They might sound funny but these are the Irish words, Irish slang, and Irish phrases you should learn. The fear is what you will have the morning after you were ossified, and ate said curry cheese chips. - An bhfuil Gaeilge agat? Note: True Irish pronunciation is hard to replicate in English, not least because Irish has so many local variations and uses several sounds not normally found in English. A shuck is big ditch that runs along the bottom of fields. (the Irish version of "Cheers! WATCH: Niall Horan explains Irish slang and his new single Nice to Meet Ya, Romantic Irish castle vacations in the West of Ireland, The Irish hotel that was named the best in the world, The most incredible places to visit in Ireland as chosen by experts. From Irish words for love and Irish words for drunk, to just general Irish phrases, learn this Irish slang off and you can't go wrong!