25 English phrases to sound like a local in Ireland

Moving to Ireland – whether for a short stay, studies, or a new life altogether – is a magical adventure. The landscapes are breathtaking, the people are warm, and the tea is taken seriously. But one thing that often surprises newcomers is that even though Ireland is an English-speaking country, the way English is spoken here is wonderfully unique.

Irish English is sprinkled with phrases, idioms, and turns of speech that can leave outsiders scratching their heads at first. Over time, though, you’ll find that these little linguistic quirks add color and charm to everyday conversations.

If you’re planning to live in Ireland, here are 25 common Irish English phrases that you’ll hear on the streets, in pubs, or even at the office – along with what they mean and how to use them.

1. What’s the craic?

Meaning: What’s happening? How are you? What’s the news?

“Craic” (pronounced “crack”) is one of the most famous Irish words. It refers to fun, gossip, entertainment, or just good times.

Example: “What’s the craic? Haven’t seen you in ages!”

2. Grand

Meaning: Fine, okay, good.

This little word is the all-purpose Irish answer. If you ask someone how they are, they might say, “I’m grand.”

Example: “The weather’s not bad today.” – “Ah sure, it’s grand.”

3. Deadly

Meaning: Fantastic, amazing.

Despite its grim sound, in Ireland “deadly” is a compliment.

Example: “That gig last night was deadly!”

4. Fair play

Meaning: Well done, good for you.

It’s an expression of approval or respect.

Example: “I finally finished my thesis.” – “Fair play to you!”

5. Yer man / yer one

Meaning: That guy / that woman.

It’s a casual way of pointing someone out, often when you don’t know their name.

Example: “Yer man at the bar gave me the wrong change."

6. Gas

Meaning: Funny, hilarious.

Something or someone who makes you laugh is “gas.”

Example: “She’s gas altogether – always cracking jokes.”

7. Sure look

Meaning: Ah well, what can you do?

A filler phrase when there’s not much else to say.

Example: “The bus is late again.” – “Ah, sure look.”

8. I will, yeah

Meaning: I definitely won’t.

This sarcastic response confuses many newcomers.

Example: “You’ll buy the next round, won’t you?” – “I will, yeah.” (Translation: Absolutely not.)

9. Eejit

Meaning: Idiot, fool.

It’s a lighthearted insult, often affectionate rather than harsh.

Example: “You forgot your keys again, ya eejit!”

10. The messages

Meaning: Groceries or shopping.

If someone says they’re “off to get the messages,” they’re just heading to the supermarket.

Example: “Where’s Mam?” – “She’s gone for the messages.”

11. Go way outta that

Meaning: You’re joking / I don’t believe you.

A very Irish way of expressing disbelief.

Example: “I met Colin Farrell in town today.” – “Go way outta that!”

12. Scarlet

Meaning: Embarrassed.

If you’re blushing, you’re “scarlet.”

Example: “I called the teacher ‘Mum’ by accident – I was scarlet.”

13. Acting the maggot

Meaning: Messing around, being mischievous.

Example: “Stop acting the maggot and do your homework.”

14. Aul fella / aul wan

Meaning: Dad / Mam.

Colloquial terms for parents.

Example: “The aul fella’s fixing the car.”

15. That’s gas craic

Meaning: That’s really funny.

Combining two favorites: “gas” and “craic.”

Example: “We ended up dancing in the rain – it was gas craic altogether.”

16. Giving out

Meaning: Scolding, complaining.

Different from the American sense of “giving out” (handing something over). In Ireland, it means telling someone off.

Example: “The teacher was giving out to us for being late.”

17. I’m only after…

Meaning: I just did something.

This structure comes directly from Irish Gaelic.

Example: “I’m only after eating, but thanks anyway."

18. Bold

Meaning: Naughty or cheeky.

Usually used for kids misbehaving.

Example: “Don’t be bold now – share your toys.”

19. Yoke

Meaning: Thing, object (when you don’t know its name).

Example: “Pass me that yoke over there."

20. Press

Meaning: Cupboard.

In Irish homes, you’ll often hear “press” instead of cupboard.

Example: “The mugs are in the press.”

21. Feck off

Meaning: Go away (less harsh than the other F-word).

A milder, more acceptable version – often used playfully.

Example: “Feck off, you’re only winding me up.”

22. Jaysus

Meaning: Exclamation of surprise or emphasis (from ‘Jesus’).

It can express shock, annoyance, or admiration depending on tone.

Example: “Jaysus, that was a long day.”

23. Slagging

Meaning: Teasing, making fun (in a friendly way).

If Irish friends are making fun of you, don’t worry – it’s probably affectionate slagging.

Example: “They were slagging me about my accent.”

24. Culchie / Jackeen

Meaning: Country person (culchie) / Dublin person (Jackeen).

Playful labels in Ireland’s rural vs. city banter"

25. Sure it’ll be grand

Meaning: It will be fine, don’t worry about it.

Perhaps the most Irish phrase of all – a philosophy of optimism and not sweating the small stuff.

Example: “We don’t have a plan, but sure it’ll be grand.”

Why These Phrases Matter

Learning Irish English phrases isn’t just about words – it’s about connecting with people. Using a bit of local slang shows you’re making an effort, and you’ll find doors opening more easily. Irish people love when newcomers join in the fun, and picking up expressions like “deadly” or “grand” is part of the cultural immersion.

So the next time you’re at the pub and someone asks “What’s the craic?”, you’ll know exactly what to say – and maybe even reply, “Ah, sure look, it’s grand.”