St. Patrick’s Day is right here once more! Happening annually on 17 March, for many the day conjures photos of four-leaf clovers, prancing leprechauns and, after all, parades showered in inexperienced.
Understanding just a few Irish slang phrases can solely add to the enjoyable, proper?
However earlier than we get to that, first we wished to fill you in on the historical past of this special occasion.
Who was St. Patrick, and why will we rejoice the day?
Individuals rejoice this present day to commemorate the dying of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Eire, who ministered to Christianity in Eire through the fifth century.
What began as a spiritual feast day within the seventeenth century has since developed into festivals internationally celebrating Irish tradition (learn our different article to study extra about St.Patrick’s Day).
It’s now all about parades, particular Irish meals, music, consuming, dancing and an immense quantity of inexperienced!
Take a look at these 10 Irish slang phrases for St. Patrick’s Day 2023
This yr, to get you into the spirit of issues, we thought it could be a good suggestion to show you some important Irish slang.
1. Grand
What it means to the Irish: Effective or mediocre
Let’s begin with a well known Irish phrase. Whereas in England, ‘grand’ is used to specific extra, in Eire it means one thing fairly completely different. Generally it’s used to present the okay.
“That’s grand.”
Different instances it’s used to present reassurance.
“Don’t fear, you’re grand.”
Some individuals even use it to say how they really feel.
“I used to be sick yesterday, however I really feel grand immediately.”
2. Eejit (pronounced e-jit)
What it means to the Irish: Fool
This one means idiot – it’s an Irish slang phrase so beloved that the English have adopted it, too. It’s extra of an affectionate or mocking time period although, so don’t take any offence!
“You’re such an eejit.”
3. Class
What it means to the Irish: Glorious, group of scholars, class, group of individuals of a sure societal/financial calibre
In English – each in England and Eire – the phrase class has quite a lot of meanings, from a category of scholars studying at college to a category indicating an individual’s societal and financial standing.
There’s one other that means to the phrase, although. When one thing is described as “class”, it’s normally wonderful or very, superb.
“That’s class!”
4. Yoke
What it means to the Irish: Factor/thingamabob
Yoke is definitely used to consult with a ‘factor’ that has no title or that folks can’t keep in mind the title of.
“What’s that yoke there?”
5. Lash
What it means to the Irish: Various things in several contexts…
The phrase ‘lash’ can imply varied issues. In the event you say ‘give it a lash’ you’re telling somebody to present one thing a strive. If it’s raining closely, individuals are likely to say ‘it’s lashing out of the heavens’. And final however not least, ‘to go on the lash’ means ‘to exit consuming’ – an excellent one to know for St. Patrick’s Day then!
Lash on Friday evening?
6. Craic (pronounced ‘crack’)
What it means to the Irish: Enjoyable or information
This phrase means two issues: enjoyable and information.
It’s so broadly utilized in Eire, however few know that it really comes from the Center English phrase “crak”, which meant ‘loud dialog’.
At the moment, Irish expressions like with craic when greeting one another. This instance, as an example, means “How’s it going?”.
What’s the craic?
Individuals additionally say ‘good craic’ to say one thing is enjoyable or an excellent time.
That occasion was wild craic.
7. Truthful play
What it means to the Irish: Nice job
Individuals use this expression to inform another person they’ve executed an excellent job.
Truthful play, mate!
8. Gaff
What it means to the Irish: Home
It’s common for teenagers to say they’ve a ‘free gaff’ when their mother and father are away. Psst: that’s code for: let’s occasion!
I’lll pop over to your gaff later.
9. Knackered
What it means to the Irish: Exhausted or damaged
The Irish don’t simply use this phrase to say that they’re exhausted. In addition they use it to say that one thing is damaged.
That tractor is totally knackered.
10. Langered
What it means to the Irish: Extraordinarily drunk
So drunk, you’ll be able to’t even rise up! Please take word, children: excessive consuming is dangerous for you – don’t do it!
He’s utterly langered.
