Many people around the world love the Irish accent, but that doesn’t mean they understand every word we say.
We are famous for our slang, so much so that there are some words that will completely confuse you. So, let’s take a look at the top ten common Irish slang words that no one understands.
Irish people are known to have the gift of the gab and for talking a mile a minute, but that’s not the only thing that will leave you baffled in conversation.
What about adding Irish slang into the equation? Don’t fret because we are here to give you the lowdown on the Irish slang words that no one understands.
10. Codding ya − we’re just joking with you
This can be used in the sense that someone is just joking with you. So they might say, “Ah, I’m just codding ya”. However, this is certainly something that tricks many people and leaves a lot of blank expressions.
9. The black stuff − a pint of Guinness
If someone says this to you, they are talking about a pint of Guinness, one of our most famous and beloved Irish drinks.
As you might have guessed, we Irish have slang words and phrases for many things, including Guinness. So, next time you are in the pub and you hear this Irish slang word, you’ll understand!
8. Sure look − it is what it is
Just like ‘grand’, this may seem like an unfinished sentence and may leave you guessing what exactly the person wants you to look at. However, the words ‘sure look’ can be used in a sentence to say ‘It is what it is’ or ‘What can you do’. It’s quite a handy one to know!
7. Grand – all is well
Grand is definitely one of the main Irish slang words that no one understands because even though it means ‘sure’, ‘ok’ or ‘great’, it can seem like an unfinished sentence to some. So, next time you hear it, know that it is a proper Irish answer.
6. Deadly − absolutely brilliant
Unlike Australia, where everything is literally deadly, In Ireland, we say it in the sense that something is really cool.
You might say, “We had a deadly night out at the weekend”, and it means you had a great night out, as opposed to the literal meaning, which can be very confusing.
5. Take the piss − just having a laugh
This phrase is a way of mocking someone and is short for ‘taking the piss out of’. This is something you might hear a lot between friends, but it is not something you would say to someone you’ve just met or don’t know well.
4. The jacks − off to the loo
If someone says they are going to “ the jacks”, they are just going to the toilet, but we can see how this would be one of the Irish slang words that no one understands because it doesn’t make much sense. In some pubs, however, you may see this written on the toilet doors.
3. Eejit − an Irish idiot
This is one of our nation’s favourite slang words, and it basically means ‘idiot’ or ‘fool’. However, you can expect to get a few weird looks when you say this to non-Irish people because we guarantee nowhere else in the world uses this strange word.
2. Craic − we’re all about the fun
This is the Irish word for fun and can be a bit misunderstood by many who think we are saying ‘crack’.
A common thing to say in Ireland is “He/She is a bit of craic” or “Are you up for the craic?”, so next time you hear it, know that it is not what you might think.
1. I will, yeah – quite the opposite
You can be forgiven for thinking that this phrase is a simple yes answer to a question, but you’d be wrong. In fact, ‘I will yeah’ actually means no. Even more so, it is more like a ‘never in a million years’ type of no.
If that totally and utterly confused you, be worried because there’s so much more! However, next time you hear one of these ten common Irish slang words that no one understands, at least you will have some vague idea of what is going on in the conversation.
