Welcome to our countdown of the Top 10 Irish Slang Words Every English Learner Should Know! Embrace the Hiberno-English charm as we rank these words from 10 to 1, giving you the lowdown on their usefulness in everyday Irish life.
Number 10: Shift
Taking tenth spot is a word that is mostly used among the youth of Ireland. “Shift” signifies a kiss or romantic encounter. It’s the secret code for sharing tales of love and romance among friends after a night out. “So, did you get the shift?” is the starting point for gossip among friends after a night out.
Number 9: Gobsmacked
At number nine, we have “gobsmacked.” Picture your face showing sheer amazement or shock. That’s gobsmacked for you. For instance, “I was gobsmacked when I heard the news!” Get ready to express your surprise and astonishment in true Irish style.
Number 8: Deadly
Claiming the eighth spot is “deadly.” In Ireland, when something is exceptionally good, it’s deadly. “That concert was deadly!” – meaning the concert was absolutely amazing. Embrace this word to level up your appreciation game.
Number 7: Gaff
Sliding into seventh position is “gaff.” Your gaff is your humble abode, your home. When inviting someone over or discussing plans, casually say, “We’re having a party at my gaff tonight!” and watch your Irish hospitality shine.
Number 6: Yoke
Taking the sixth spot is the versatile “yoke.” When in doubt about the name of something, just call it a yoke. “Hand me that yoke over there, will ya?” – a convenient term for anything and everything whose name eludes you.
Number 5: Gas
Securing the fifth spot is “gas.” In Ireland, when someone or something is described as gas, it means funny. “That’s gas” for a humorous situation or story, and “She’s gas” for a funny friend. Combine it with “craic” for an extra dose of laughter as in “last night was so much fun! It was gas craic!”
Number 4: Eejit
At number four, we have “eejit.” If an Irish friend playfully teases you by calling you an eejit, it means they find your actions a tad foolish or silly. Embrace the banter and wear the title with pride.
Number 3: Feck
Claiming the bronze position is “feck” which was popularised by Father Jack Hackett in the hilarious Irish comedy series ‘Father Ted’. When things go awry or a minor mishap occurs, express your surprise or disappointment with a hearty “Ah, feck it!” A versatile exclamation that adds an Irish touch to your reactions and which can be used as a replacement for a more explicit word.
Number 2: Grand
Securing the silver medal is “grand.” When asked about the craic or how you’re feeling, respond with “I’m grand.” It’s the Irish way of saying you’re doing okay or feeling good. Master this exchange to blend in seamlessly.
Number 1: Craic
Topping our countdown at number one is the quintessential “craic.” If you want to dive into Irish social dynamics, understanding the craic is a must. When someone asks, “What’s the craic?” they’re not talking about broken objects; they’re asking about the vibe, the happenings, and whether everyone is having a good time.
So the next time someone asks you “What’s the craic?”, simpy reply “I’m grand” and they may just think you’re a genuine Dubliner.
There you have it – the Top 10 Irish Slang Words Countdown! Master these, and you’ll navigate the lively world of Hiberno-English with ease. Stay tuned for more insights into the captivating linguistic tapestry of Ireland in our upcoming posts!