St. Patrick’s Day is right here once more! Going down annually on 17 March, for many the day conjures photos of four-leaf clovers, prancing leprechauns and, after all, parades showered in inexperienced.
Understanding a number of 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?
Folks rejoice at the present time to commemorate the loss of life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Eire, who ministered to Christianity in Eire throughout the fifth century.
What began as a non secular feast day within the seventeenth century has since advanced into festivals internationally celebrating Irish tradition (learn our different article to be taught extra about St.Patrick’s Day).
It’s now all about parades, particular Irish meals, music, ingesting, dancing and an immense quantity of inexperienced!
Take a look at these 10 Irish slang phrases for St. Patrick’s Day 2023
This 12 months, to get you into the spirit of issues, we thought it will be a good suggestion to show you some important Irish slang.
1. Grand
What it means to the Irish: Nice or mediocre
Let’s begin with a widely known Irish phrase. Whereas in England, ‘grand’ is used to precise extra, in Eire it means one thing fairly totally different. Typically it’s used to offer the okay.
“That’s grand.”
Different occasions it’s used to offer reassurance.
“Don’t fear, you’re grand.”
Some folks even use it to say how they really feel.
“I used to be sick yesterday, however I really feel grand at this time.”
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: Wonderful, group of scholars, class, group of individuals of a sure societal/financial calibre
In English – each in England and Eire – the phrase class has a wide range 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 which means to the phrase, although. When one thing is described as “class”, it’s normally wonderful or very, excellent.
“That’s class!”
4. Yoke
What it means to the Irish: Factor/thingamabob
Yoke is definitely used to seek advice from a ‘factor’ that has no title or that individuals 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 numerous issues. When you say ‘give it a lash’ you’re telling somebody to offer one thing a attempt. If it’s raining closely, folks are likely to say ‘it’s lashing out of the heavens’. And final however not least, ‘to go on the lash’ means ‘to exit ingesting’ – a superb one to know for St. Patrick’s Day then!
Lash on Friday night time?
6. Craic (pronounced ‘crack’)
What it means to the Irish: Enjoyable or information
This phrase means two issues: enjoyable and information.
It’s so extensively utilized in Eire, however few know that it truly 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 illustration, means “How’s it going?”.
What’s the craic?
Folks additionally say ‘good craic’ to say one thing is enjoyable or a superb time.
That social gathering was wild craic.
7. Honest play
What it means to the Irish: Nice job
Folks use this expression to inform another person they’ve carried out a superb job.
Honest 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 social gathering!
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 possibly can’t even arise! Please take observe, youngsters: excessive ingesting is unhealthy for you – don’t do it!
He’s utterly langered.
