Irish Phrases
The bits of Irish chat you'll hear at every bus stop, bar and kitchen table. These are the most popular Irish phrases on slang.ie, with meanings and a Posh English version for anyone who needs it spelled out.
Acting the maggotLimerick +7
To behave in a foolish or irritating manner, to the annoyance of others.
Stop acting the maggot you gowl.
Yer wanLeitrim +11
A casual reference to an unnamed girl or woman, the feminine counterpart to 'yer man'.
And then yer one said...
How's she cuttin'?Monaghan +22
A common greeting in Monaghan and Cavan, equivalent to hello or how are you.
How's she cuttin'?" "Well how's see cutting today
Suckin diesel!Meath +12
An exclamation used to signify success or that things are going well.
Now ur Suckin diesel!
No botherLouth +6
That is fine, no problem at all.
Will you pick up a few cans?
Yeah, no botherI am in my ballsCork
Emphatic refusal. Absolutely not.
Are you meeting that fella tonight? I am in my balls.
Are you startin?Sligo +2
A challenge implying the other party is seeking a fight.
Are you startin with me yeh wee runt?
D'ya know what I mean like?Limerick
Do you understand what I am saying?
Limerick are gonna win the All-Ireland this year no bother to them, d'ya know what I mean like?
Stall the diggerLaois +5
Slow down, hold your horses, or an expression of astonishment.
Woooww, stall the digger.
Go away outta that!Dublin +3
An expression telling someone to go away and stop annoying one.
Go away outta that your only a feckin eejit!
Awh hereWexford +1
An exclamation of utter exasperation, disbelief, or fed up annoyance.
Awh here, will ye cop on with the racket before I lose me reason entirely!
Me aul flowerCork +4
My old friend or acquaintance.
How's it going me aul flower.
Ah go 'way out o' thatRoscommon
Expression meaning "ah shtop", "you're not serious", "shtop you're nonsense". In other words, and expression of deep shock at.
Teacher: "Now I want three pages done for homework-"
Jimeen: "Ah go 'way out o' that!"Stall the ballOffaly +6
An appeal to halt proceedings, wait a minute, or calm down.
Ah stall the ball will ya, I haven't even laced me runners yet!
Aboy the kidLimerick +2
Well done; congratulations on an achievement.
Aboy the Anto kid!" "Aboy the kid, you shifted a feek
Shwear down!Waterford
An emphatic oath used to swear that one is telling the absolute truth.
I shwear down I never touched your bicycle, it was like that when I found it!
Ah willya lie down willyaTipperary
An exasperated plea for someone to stop pestering and go away.
Ah willya lie down willya, or I'll turnya inside out wid a kik.
Up back of leapCork
In a remote or isolated location, in the back of beyond.
Were is that place?', 'Up back of leap.
What are u gawking at?Limerick
What are you staring at?
Hoy you with the hair, what are you gawkin at?
Oy, kid, what are u gawking at?Mere I wantchaLimerick
Come here as I wish to sppek to you.
Mere I wantcha bud, d'you hear what happened Jen-fer?
Mere-i-wancha a sec kiiiid