20+ Most Popular Irish Slang Words You'll Hear In Movies

Not to state the obvious, but there's something wildly satisfying about finally getting what Colin Farrell means when he calls something "deadly" in an interview. Thanks to shows like "The Outlander" and movies like "The Banshees of Inisherin," Irish slang has sneaked its way into our watch parties – and honestly, understanding it makes everything ten times better.

So before you start your next Irish movie night (or rewatch "Derry Girls" for the third time, no judgment here), let's get you sorted with the slang that'll turn those "wait, what did they just say?" moments into "oh yeah, I totally get that" ones.

12 Most Popular Irish Slang Words And Phrases

Craic

Craic is the ultimate Irish word for fun, news, and entertainment rolled into one. When someone asks "What's the craic?" they're simply saying "What's up?" or "What's happening?"

Black Stuff

When Irish characters talk about "the black stuff," they're talking about Guinness – simple as that. It's the loving nickname for Ireland's most famous stout, and you'll catch this phrase in pretty much any pub scene in Irish cinema.

Dryshite

Nobody wants to be called a dryshite – it's what Irish folks call someone who's totally boring or no fun at all. You know that one friend who never wants to go out and complains about everything? Classic dryshite behavior.

Arseways

When something goes completely wrong or turns into a total mess, the Irish will tell you it's gone "arseways." It's that perfect word for when everything's fallen apart – like your perfectly planned night out turning into chaos, or a simple task becoming weirdly complicated.

Langer

Most commonly, it's used to call someone a fool or an idiot, but it can also mean someone who's drunk (and probably acting like a fool anyway).

Gaff

Skip the fancy talk – a gaff is just someone's house or apartment. Next time you're watching "Normal People," you'll catch Connell and Marianne talking about heading back to someone's gaff when they really just mean going home. It's that simple replacement for "my place" that somehow sounds way cooler in an Irish accent.

Gas

When Irish folks call something "gas," they're not talking about fuel. It means something's absolutely hilarious or brilliant. You'll hear characters in "Derry Girls" describing wild situations as "gas craic," which basically means it's prime entertainment. Think of it as their version of "that's so funny" but with more punch.

Grand

"Grand" in Ireland has nothing to do with being fancy or expensive. Instead, it's the most versatile way of saying something's fine or okay. In "The Banshees of Inisherin," you'll hear it constantly – "Ah sure, it's grand" – meaning everything's alright. Not amazing, not terrible, just... grand.

C’mere to me

This isn't actually asking someone to come closer – it's more like saying "listen up" or "wait till you hear this." Picture every gossipy scene in an Irish movie starting with someone saying "C'mere to me" before spilling the latest news. It's basically the Irish equivalent of "you won't believe this."

G’wan

Short for "go on," this little phrase packs a punch. It can mean anything from "are you serious?" to "please continue" or even "get out of here!" Context is everything – in "Father Ted," you'll hear it used in about five different ways in the same scene, each time meaning something slightly different.

Give It A Lash

When someone tells you to "give it a lash," they're saying go for it, try it out, or just do your best. It's that encouraging phrase you'll hear in Irish sports movies right before someone attempts something they're not quite sure about. Think of it as Ireland's version of "give it a shot."

Suckin' Diesel

When someone says you're suckin' diesel, they're telling you you're doing great or things are going really well. It's like saying "now you're making progress" but make it Irish.

Other Irish Slang Words And Phrases

Just when you think you've got it figured out, someone throws another phrase at you that leaves your head spinning. Here's a collection of other Irish slang words and phrases that might catch you off guard during your Irish movie marathon (and trust me, they will):

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Slang is what makes any language come alive, and Irish English has some of the most colorful expressions you'll ever hear. But hey, why stop at Irish?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Irish people say "like" at the end of sentences?

Adding "like" to the end of sentences isn't just a random habit – it's actually a way Irish English speakers soften their statements or check if others agree with them. Think of it as the Irish version of the Canadian "eh" or the British "innit." It comes from the Irish language's sentence structure, where important bits often come at the end, and it's stuck around in Irish English as a way to make conversations flow more naturally.

What's the difference between Irish slang and Scottish slang?

While Irish and Scottish slang might sound similar to outsiders (thanks to their shared Gaelic roots), they're actually quite different. Irish slang tends to draw more from the Irish (Gaeilge) language and culture, giving us words like "craic" and "cailín." Scottish slang, on the other hand, comes from Scots and Scottish Gaelic, with its own unique words like "ken" (know) and "wee" (small). Each has its own distinct flavor and cultural background.

Is Irish slang the same throughout the country?

Not at all! Irish slang varies significantly depending on whether you're in Dublin, Cork, Belfast, or anywhere else on the island. Dublin has its own urban vocabulary, Cork folks have their "langer," and northern Irish speakers might throw in completely different phrases. It's like how American slang changes from New York to California – each region adds its own special touch to the language.

Why do some Irish people say "yous" instead of "you"?

"Yous" (or "yiz" in some areas) fills a gap in English that Irish people noticed needed filling – a proper plural form of "you." Standard English doesn't have a specific word for addressing multiple people (unless you count Southern American "y'all"), so Irish English created one. It's actually pretty practical when you think about it: "yous" makes it clear whether someone's talking to one person or a group.

Are Irish movies subtitled in English-speaking countries?

Many Irish movies and TV shows, especially those with strong regional accents or heavy use of slang, often come with subtitles even in English-speaking countries. It's not just about understanding the words – Irish English has its own rhythm, speed, and expressions that can catch even native English speakers off guard. Take "Derry Girls" or "The Young Offenders" – both have subtitles available because sometimes the slang and accents can be a bit tricky to follow.