Common Irish Slang You Should Know

Ireland has its own unique way of speaking, full of colourful expressions and phrases. If you’re planning to visit or live here, understanding a bit of Irish slang will help you feel more at home and improve your conversations with locals. Here are some common Irish phrases and their meanings.

“What’s the craic?”

One of the most famous Irish phrases is “What’s the craic?” This doesn’t have anything to do with drugs! In Ireland, “craic” means fun, gossip, or entertainment. So when someone asks you, “What’s the craic?”, they’re really asking, “What’s going on?”, “How are you?”, or “What’s up?”

“Grand”

In Ireland, “grand” is a versatile word that can mean “good,” “fine,” or “OK.” If someone asks how you’re doing and you reply, “I’m grand,” it means you’re doing well, but really it’s all to do with intonation. You might also hear it used in response to an offer, like “Would you like a cup of tea?” “Ah, I’m grand, thanks” (which means no).

“Slán” and “Sláinte”

“Slán” is the Irish word for “goodbye.” It’s often used when leaving or bidding farewell. On the other hand, “Sláinte” (pronounced “slawn-cha”) is a toast, similar to “cheers” in English. It literally means “health” in Irish Gaelic and is commonly said before taking a drink.

“Yer man” and “Yer wan”

“Yer man” (a man) and “Yer wan” (a woman) are used to refer to someone without using their name. It’s often used in conversation to talk about someone when you don’t know their name or don’t want to use it. For example, “Yer man at the bar is a great singer,” or “I was talking to yer wan earlier.”

“Deadly”

In Ireland, something that is “deadly” isn’t bad—quite the opposite! It means something is excellent, fantastic, or impressive. For example, “That concert was deadly!” or “She’s a deadly singer!”

Irish slang is fun and often full of humour. By picking up a few of these phrases, you’ll sound more like a local and have a better understanding of everyday conversations. Don’t be afraid to try them out—you’ll quickly find that Irish people appreciate the effort!