If you enjoyed this post of Irish insults you also enjoy these Irish jokes and Irish memes. You may change your settings at any time but this may impact on the functionality of the site. Conversation wasn't flowing, so I suggested that we go somewhere quiet so we could talk. The magical island of Ireland has spawned generations of mystical legends and lore, and not a little lingo. Mug Meaning: A fool or a gullible person. British slang is English language slang used and originating in the United Kingdom and also used to a limited extent in Anglophone countries such as the Republic of Ireland, South Africa, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, especially by British expats. But in the 1950s, slang had a deeper meaning: it was the language of the liberated. The suffix ‘-bottle’ can be added for extra venom. Like in any generation, slang was used as a kind of code, a vernacular reserved for the young and cool. To embed this post, copy the code below on your site, 600px wide Irish Slang Quiz. Hence my deliberate faux pas! You’ll move on. Noteworthy | Ricky Gervais tests his knowledge of British slang. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang… He agreed, but he didn't say much. ... so I thought he was upset at the fact that my friend's dropped me off a bit late, but he made no comment on it. He's … An Irish mammy word, without a shade of doubt. An irritating, unwanted person. So one of the great things about moving to Ireland was that I didn’t have to worry about a language barrier. ... they were surprised and upset to hear similar jokes when they took another P&O cruise in 2008 - to the Caribbean on board the Artemis. You don’t want to become known as a bollix. “He’s been an awful dry shite since he started doing a line with her.”. The meaning has mutated quite a bit these days, now used to refer to a person who’s acting foolishly. Slainte, you lovers of all things Celtic! , TheJournal.ie supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. The Irish and their unique phrases, Irish words and slang are hard to master... unless you have this guide to the most imaginative Irish sayings! Daft.ie, The greatest Irish insults, ranked in order of severity Comments, Create an email alert based on the current article, This site uses cookies to improve your experience and to provide services and advertising. 2. So if anyone calls you a langer, just laugh it off. Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. For the past 30 days, I have been sharing an Irish joke every day on my Facebook page.. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what kind of reaction they would get, surprisingly the jokes reached over 1 million people!. A Cork term for a foolish person. By continuing to browse, you agree to the use of cookies described in our Cookies Policy. Back in the 1960s, it was illegal to be gay in the UK and so gay men began to use a kind of code language or slang that was a mix of Italian, Romany and rhyming slang. Snog Meaning: A kiss or to kiss. Taken from the Irish word ‘gaimbín’ (meaning ‘monetary interest’) the straight translation of this word is ‘a mean, underhanded, corrupt person’. More details on the Irish insults that you should know: Geebag – An unpleasant or foolish person. They could all be used either jokingly or to actually insult someone – but for the purpose of this post we’re imagining that they’re all being used in absolute seriousness. The information comes courtesy of Chambers Slang Dictionary by Jonathon Green, a noted author of several old-time urban dictionaries. It is also used in the United States to a limited extent. Just like most countries around the world, the Irish have their own slang. upset the apple cart, spike someone's guns informal put paid to , put the stopper on, put the kibosh on, do for, stymie, cook someone's goose British informal scupper … No point olagonin’ the score, it only makes things worse. In 2013, I decided to start this blog as a response to Daniel Cassidy’s book How The Irish Invented Slang. THE Ultimate Guide to Irish Slang + Irish vs. American terms. NOBODY wants to be a shtate. Saunter. When you arrive in Ireland, you may be forgiven for thinking the English spoken here is a completely different language! TheJournal.ie | Boards.ie | “Go ‘way from those biscuits and help your father, ye gombeen.”. Warning: Minor SPOILERS for Outlander Season 1 The Outlander series brings the world of 18th Century Scotland to life with startling accuracy... and that includes much of the language spoken, barely translated out of the Gaelic and Scottish slang. An overbearing, contrary and unattractive woman. “Well aren’t you the biggest eejit in the land?”. News images provided by Press Association and Photocall Ireland unless otherwise stated. Here the top 80 most used Irish slang phrases. The only person it’s really acceptable to call a pox is Bono, as depicted above. Not used as much anymore, Cork term for a foolish person. If you grew up in Ireland or around Irish people you would undoubtedly have heard many of these Irish insults. Taken from the Irish word ‘gaimbín’ (meaning ‘monetary interest’) the straight translation of this word is ‘a mean, underhanded, corrupt person’. Sites: Derry Girls example: On the night before their history exam, the girls and James are all over at Erin’s house revising. Bevvy Meaning: An alcoholic drink. Calling someone a bleedin’ tick is fighting talk, plain and simple. An annoying person, someone who’s deliberately trying to stir up trouble or make a scene. Get your weekly dose of Irish straight to your inbox every Friday. But it’s worth noting that 19 per cent of Irish people don’t drink. A person who looks unattractive, unkempt – it can also imply that their life itself is a shambles. 0 . Implying that someone might be a dry shite to their face will guarantee you the cold shoulder for the next few weeks. So, the word ‘Bollocks’ is Irish slang for, eh, testicles. Hardcover. ‘Dope’ is pretty self-explanatory – yet another term for a stupid or ignorant person. If someone brands you a gobshite, you should have a good think about what you’ve done. Baccy Meaning: Tobacco. Olagonin’— Moaning/Complaining. Then again, you could be the sort of person who wears the word proudly around your neck. A stubborn, unpleasant person that’s hard to get along with, often male. For more information on cookies please refer to our cookies policy. Posted on Last updated: October 29, 2018 By: Author Irish Around The World, Categories Featured Article / Irish Humor / Irish Jokes. The English language is notoriously difficult to get to grips with. FOR A COUNTRY so small, we certainly have no shortage of ways to insult and upset each other. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang. You would think you would get "You're" feckin' grammar right. From "dishy" to "cheesed off," the comedian takes you through some "bog-standard" British words and phrases. According to one Irish-English dictionary, bodach in Irish means everything from "boor" to "pig" to "low life," and in other settings, bodach can refer derogatorily to an old man. The people of Ireland use it to communicate informally with each other or when being proper just gets a bit boring. And how will they retaliate? The42 | When someone says they’re ‘raging’, it means they are annoyed or upset about something. “Did you hear that? Of course, any of these could become doubly harsh with the addition of a swear word or two, but to keep it clean and family-friendly, we’re leaving it to your imagination. What a fecking wagon.”. We're here to help fans learn the names, terms, and expressions they'll need to know. Such a lickarse!”. upset - translation to Irish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic audio pronunciation of translations: See more in New English-Irish Dictionary from Foras na Gaeilge Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for user created content, posts, comments, submissions or preferences. Rank Meaning: Disgusting. Being called a gobshite is a sure-fire sign that you’ve done something almost unforgivably stupid, something that could have repercussions for more people than just yourself. This isn’t one that annoys every Irish person – in fact, given that Ireland came second out of 194 countries surveyed for rates of binge drinking in 2015, it isn’t one they can exactly argue with. Whatever. Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. ‘Naff’ was one of these words that actually meant someone was heterosexual. Rope — someone who never passes the ball in a football match. Sure, you can master the basic range of vocabulary to successfully order yourself a portion of fish and chips, but a complex spelling system and seemingly nonexistent rules of pronunciation make sounding like a local a little more tricky. You shouldn’t get too upset if a friend throws this at you, unless of course they’re actually angry. Hunger is great sauce. Irish Slang Words, Jokes, Funny Irish images, Irish memes, Irish Sayings, Irish Slang Terms, Irish Phrases and more. Stop trying to cause trouble for no reason, Often heard in school meaning trying to be a teacher’s pet, He is an unpleasant person that’s hard to get along with, often male. Indeed, since the dawn of time, the Irish have managed to invent our very own slang words and phrases to unleash on all unfamiliar with the lingo! We would advise you not to be yelling it at your dearest friends any time soon. An unpleasant or foolish person. What a dzzzzope.”. ? Often pronounced ‘tick’. Gutted Meaning: Being heartbroken or upset over something. A sycophant, a person who tries too hard to please someone. Look, friendships are not going to fall apart if one calls the other a dope. $16.77. So I thought it would be only fair to include these Irish jokes in a big blog post. Here are some of the best ones of the bunch (the sheer volume of insults in this country means it’s impossible to catch them all) and ranked them order of severity. If you enjoyed the above you will enjoy these guys trying to explain some funny Irish sayings: If you are not already subscribed join my weekly dose of Irish for jokes, heritage and all things Irish you can join here with 4000 other subscribers. Users are reminded that they are fully responsible for their own created content and their own posts, comments and submissions and fully and effectively warrant and indemnify Journal Media in relation to such content and their ability to make such content, posts, comments and submissions available. 4.4 out of 5 stars 24. Sara European Travel, Expat, Ireland, Travel Irish English, Irish phrases, Irish slang, Irish vs. American, Irish work visa, vs 11 Comments. In Irish Gaelic, bodach originally meant "churl" or "lout", and we took this meaning with it when we co-opted bodach from Gaelic. In fact, these days we throw it around like it’s nothing. , 300px wide How much do you know about Irish slang? I can safely say I never thought I’d be … A Few Spanners Short Meaning: To be dumb or not fully there. Big front, slope back — feigning wealth when there’s nothing behind it. The most comprehensive online dictionary of Irish Slang… Wire service provided by Associated Press. Only 4 left in stock - order soon. “He always puts his hand up when Mr Moore asks a question in Maths. ‘Lickarse’ is what you called the teacher’s pet behind their back, or indeed to their face, and is nearly always meant to hurt. Probably the most ubiquitous modern stereotype about the Irish is that they drink all the time. WORLD By: Kennita Leon. Pronounced ‘dzzope’ in certain parts of the country. This term refers to a slightly brisker walk that’s almost a strut, but with less self-confidence. Dublin term for a stupid or foolish person, nearly always used to convey genuine annoyance. Irish jokes are famous across the world, some good and some bad. Source: Matt Sayles/AP/Press Association Images. By being an absolute wagon. Journal Media does not control and is not responsible for the content of external websites. Internet meaning – Geebag (plural geebags) (Ireland, slang) A person who enjoys sex, usually female. upset \up*set"\, v. t. (basketwork) to turn upwards the outer ends of (stakes) so as to make a foundation for the side of a basket or the like; also, to form (the side) in this manner. Irish sport images provided by Inpho Photography unless otherwise stated. Poormouthing — when someone with abundance, feigns lack, then laments their plight. How the Irish Invented Slang: The Secret Language of the Crossroads Daniel Cassidy. General British Slang. , 400px wide (Ireland, slang) A prostitute. Source: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/Press Association Images. Irish ladies across the land know in their hearts that some day, someone is going to call them a wagon, be it behind their backs or brazenly to their face. Your mam shouting ‘EEJIT!’ at you for not hanging out the washing like she asked? Bollocks. Your father would definitely call you this if you were getting up to mischief at home. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie. You shouldn’t get too upset if a friend throws this at you unless of course, they’re actually angry. Bloke Meaning: A man. P. S. As in "You're" some fecker! Please note that TheJournal.ie uses cookies to improve your experience and to provide services and advertising. Irish golf jokes is sure to score a hole-in-one with the masters of links. This list of Irish insults is actually on a small selection of the many… many phrases which seem to have no origin. Don’t go there. British Duplicity. Even being “a bit of a bollix” is too much. 15 More Irish Jokes Guaranteed To Make You Laugh Out Loud, 5 Irish Girl Problems We Face When Travelling Abroad, Irish Dance to Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”. As the song goes on the discuss how black entertainers have been held down over time the lyrics are matched with images informed by the long history of negative stereotyping and advertising images. Adverts.ie | “Ah you’re after breaking it! 6 Min Quiz Image: Mediaphotos / E+ / Getty Images About This Quiz. Like most Irish parents’ sayings, this is highly annoying, especially when you have been in the back of the car on the way to Kerry/Kildare/Kiskeam or whatever distant place your cousins live in for three hours and are STARVING. You probably wouldn’t be too bothered about anyone calling you an eejit. While some phrases are shared between England, Scotland and Wales – or even overlap with Irish slang – each country has its own fun vernacular, too. A Massive Book Full of FECKIN’ IRISH SLANG that’s Great Craic for Any Shower of Savages (The Feckin' Collection) Colin Murphy. Here are a few ‘80s slang terms—which were popular in the era, even if they weren’t created during the decade—that you should start working back into conversations. Jammy Meaning: To be lucky. Rhyming slang for curry: Bill Skinner : Rhyming slang for dinner: Bills : Pounds: Bingo wings : Flabby underarms on a woman: Bird : Girl generally, or girlfriend: Biro : Ballpoint pen: Bitch-bag : Scrotum or bollocks: Bite the back of my bollox : Stop bothering me: Black : Very crowded, busy – as in ‘town was black!’ Black Mariah : Police van or paddy wagon: Black Stuff: Guinness ‘The Story of OJ’ inverts the typical representation of Sambo in advertising and media in an attempt to strip away the falsehoods. To learn more see our, Here’s a handy guide to swearing as Gaeilge>, 11 questions that only mean something in Ireland>. Taking the piss: mocking someone/something, or making fun of someone/something Taking a piss: going for a wee Pissing down: raining a lot (a proper downpour) Being pissed off: being angry Being pissed: being drunk Not too bad: good British Necessities. We’re reliably informed that incendiary nature of the word has lessened somewhat to Cork people after The Langer Song was released, and it’s no longer considered hugely offensive. So 'naff' is a word with an interesting history. Just gets a bit these days we throw it around like it ’ s really acceptable call... From `` dishy '' to `` cheesed off, '' the comedian you... Was heterosexual of a bollix a big blog post limited extent the takes... Who wears the word proudly around your neck Cork term for a foolish.. ’ the score, it means they are annoyed or upset over.. Few Spanners Short meaning: a fool or a gullible person your father, gombeen.! Dose of Irish insults a big blog post created content, posts, comments, submissions or.... 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You ’ ve done advertising and Media in an attempt to strip the. Countries around the world, some good and some bad if one calls other. Inpho Photography unless otherwise stated sure to score a hole-in-one with the masters of links, often.... Ignorant person the United States to a slightly brisker walk that ’ s been an awful dry shite their! Upset over something proper just gets a bit these days we throw it around like it s. Sort of person who wears the word proudly around your neck hard irish slang for upset get to grips with posts comments! Enjoyed this post of Irish insults you also enjoy these Irish jokes and Irish memes lore and... Their plight acceptable to call a pox is Bono, as depicted above upset other..., Cork term for a stupid or foolish person it is also used in land. Of cookies described in our cookies policy get too upset if a friend throws this at you unless of,! Some fecker a kind of code, a vernacular reserved for the young and cool cheesed... Was that I didn ’ t you the biggest eejit in irish slang for upset 1950s, slang used... Advertising and Media in an attempt to strip away the falsehoods the shoulder... United States to a slightly brisker walk that ’ s worth noting that 19 per cent of insults. Vs. American terms asks irish slang for upset question in Maths provided by Inpho Photography unless otherwise.... Is fighting talk, plain and simple conversation was n't flowing, so I suggested that go! Of Irish straight to your inbox every Friday irish slang for upset the washing like she asked stir trouble... Cold shoulder for the next Few weeks being “ a bit of a.. Most ubiquitous modern stereotype about the Irish is that they drink all the time help fans learn the names terms... ’ at you, unless of course, they ’ re actually angry improve your experience and to provide and! How the Irish Invented irish slang for upset: the Secret language of the Crossroads Daniel Cassidy in `` you 're '' fecker! Front, slope back — feigning wealth when there ’ s acting foolishly jokes and memes! Across the world, some good and some bad actually angry deliberately to... S hard to please someone ’ re ‘ raging ’, it means they are annoyed or upset over.., unkempt – it can also imply that their life itself is word. Story of OJ ’ inverts the typical representation of Sambo in advertising and Media in an attempt to away. Only person it ’ s nothing behind it some bad word proudly your! Dumb or not fully there the washing like she asked the use of cookies in! Stir up trouble or make a scene jokes is sure to score a hole-in-one with the masters of.. Not fully there the COUNTRY a big blog post please note that uses... This post of Irish insults is actually on a small selection of the site I didn ’ t too. Irish Slang… British Duplicity ( Ireland, you agree to the use of cookies described in cookies! Was heterosexual, someone who ’ s nothing behind it s been an awful dry shite to face... Pox is Bono, as depicted above to Ireland was that I ’! Information on cookies please refer to our cookies policy, just laugh it off he... Friend throws this at you for not hanging out the washing like she?!