Irish Sayings to Know Before You Visit Ireland

Heading to Ireland? Learn these before you land. They are the words you will hear in the pub, at the shop counter and from the taxi driver, with what they mean and how they are used.

  • Acting the maggotLimerick +7

    To behave in a foolish or irritating manner, to the annoyance of others.

    Stop acting the maggot you gowl.

  • BanjaxedFermanagh +15

    In a bad state of repair. Also broken or exhausted.

    I was banjaxed last night hi led
    That yoke's banjaxed

  • BucketingDublin +2

    Raining heavily and persistently.

    It was bucketing down out there while we were waiting for the bus like!

  • DeadlyWexford +9

    Very nice, satisfying, enjoyable.

    I went to the opera last night. Was it any good? Yes, it was deadly.
    That game was quer deadly yesterday

  • EejitAll Ireland +13

    A foolish or silly person.

    Jaysus he's an awful eejit

  • Fair playKerry +1

    An expression of praise, approval, or congratulations for a job well done.

    Fair play lads, ye pulled off that hurling match against the odds!

  • FierceOffaly +12

    Very or extremely.

    I had a skinful last night and now I have a fierce bad hangover.

  • Gas!All Ireland +8

    Very funny or amusing.

    Jaysus isn't dat gas! And di he ever manage to get his head out from between the bars?!

  • Giving outTipperary

    Complaining, scolding or voicing disapproval, often at length.

    For the love and honour of jaysus, would you ever stop giving out

  • GrandCarlow +10

    Used in place of "good" to mean fine or satisfactory.

    It's a grand old day int it?

  • 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 she cutting today

  • KnackeredAll Ireland +7

    Completely exhausted, fatigued, or worn out.

    Ah sure leave me be, I'm entirely knackered after shifting turf all day.

  • No botherLouth +6

    That is fine, no problem at all.

    Will you pick up a few cans?
    Yeah, no bother

  • SoundAll Ireland +11

    An approving term meaning reliable, agreeable, fun and without hassle; the same as dead on.

    Kevin: "Do you know Niall?"
    Sean: "Aw yeah, he's a sound lad."

  • 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!

  • StoryWaterford +5

    A greeting used by Waterford people when asking what someone is doing or how they are.

    Well boi .. was the story wit ya boi?

  • The JacksCork

    The toilet.

    I'll be back there in a minute. I have to go to the Jacks.

  • WellAll Ireland +10

    A form of greeting used in place of hello.

    (On passing each other in the street) Well Jimmy.
    Well.

  • Whats the craicWexford +4

    A universal greeting asking for the latest news or gossip.

    Well now, what's the craic, lad? Did you hear about yer man's bull?

  • YokeAll Ireland +18

    A quick way of calling attention to something you can't think of the name of.

    Hand me that yoke, would ya? Or, ya have ta attach this yoke to it before it works.

Throw the dice!