11 Irish Phrases You Won’t Understand (But Will Love Anyway)

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Chatting with an Irish local can sometimes feel like stepping into a world where the words are familiar, but their meaning… not so much. During my trips to Ireland, I did double takes more than once, trying to figure out if I was still speaking English!

To make sure I wasn’t completely off my rocker, I enlisted my brother—who’s lived in Ireland so long, he probably dreams in slang by now. Together, we’ve cooked up a list of Irish expressions that will leave you laughing, confused, or a little bit of both. Ready to have some fun with Irish phrases?

Let’s jump on in!

1. “Acting the Maggot”

If someone accuses you of “acting the maggot,” don’t worry—they’re not suggesting you’ve turned into a squirmy insect. It’s a playful Irish way of saying you’re being a bit of a troublemaker or clowning around. The phrase likely comes from the unpredictable movements of maggots, wriggling about without much sense—much like someone messing about!

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2. “Away with the Fairies”

When someone says you’re “away with the fairies,” they don’t mean you’ve packed up for a magical woodland retreat. It’s a cheeky way of saying you’re daydreaming or acting a bit spacey like your mind has wandered off to some far-off place. This expression has its roots in Irish folklore, where fairies (also known as the “Aos Sí”) were believed to whisk people away to their mystical realms. So, if you seem distracted or lost in thought, it’s as if the fairies have borrowed you for a while.

This phrase is often used with affection and mild exasperation, perfect for those moments when someone’s staring off into space or just not quite present in the moment. It’s a gentle reminder to come back down to earth, and it’s hard not to smile when you hear it—especially knowing its magical origins.

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3. “Grand”

If you spend any time in Ireland, you’ll quickly learn that everything is “grand.” But don’t be fooled—this doesn’t mean things are as magnificent as a palace or an epic event. In Irish slang, “grand” usually just means “fine” or “okay.” It’s one of the most versatile words in the Irish lexicon and can describe anything from the weather to someone’s mood. Ask someone how they are? “Ah, I’m grand.” How was the dinner? “Sure, it was grand.”

The beauty of “grand” lies in its subtlety. It’s never overly enthusiastic but always positive, like a verbal nod of contentment. It also comes in handy if you don’t want to give away too much. After all, if something’s grand, there’s no need to elaborate—everything is just ticking along smoothly. This phrase perfectly captures that laid-back, easygoing Irish vibe.

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4. “Sure, It’ll Be Grand”

You might think adding “sure” before “grand” doesn’t change much, but this phrase carries its own unique charm. “Sure, it’ll be grand” is the ultimate Irish way of reassuring someone that everything will work out just fine—no matter how chaotic or uncertain the situation seems. Car broke down? Running late? No problem—“sure, it’ll be grand” is the Irish version of a verbal deep breath, a laid-back reminder that stressing over things won’t help, so you might as well take it easy.

It’s a phrase that speaks to the Irish spirit of optimism and resilience. No matter what life throws at you, an air of calm always says, “things will sort themselves out.” Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a full-blown catastrophe, this expression is often accompanied by a shrug and a smile, letting you know everything will be fine. It’s not about blind optimism, though—it’s more of a philosophical acceptance that life happens, and worrying won’t change much.

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5. “The Craic”

“The craic” is an essential part of Irish culture, but if you’ve never heard it before, it might leave you puzzled. No, it’s not a reference to anything suspicious—it’s Irish slang for fun, banter, or good times. Pronounced exactly like “crack,” this word describes the atmosphere, the chat, and the general enjoyment when people are together. Whether you’re out with friends, sharing stories, or having a laugh, if the craic is good, you’re in for a memorable time.

The word “craic” wasn’t always spelled this way. It actually comes from the English and Scots word “crack,” which meant gossip or conversation. The Irish adopted the term, but over time, the spelling was changed to “craic” to give it a distinctly Irish twist. So, if you ever see it written as “craic,” you’ll know it’s got that special Irish flair.

Ask any Irish person about their night, and if they say, “the craic was mighty,” you know it was a great one. The craic is more than just fun—it’s about connection, laughter, and living in the moment.

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6. “Going Ninety”

“Going ninety” is one of those expressions that perfectly captures the whirlwind of modern life. It describes someone moving at full speed or doing something with great intensity—whether rushing through tasks, scrambling to meet a deadline, or simply racing around with too many things to juggle. It conveys a sense of frantic, non-stop action, where everything seems to be happening at once, and you’re barely keeping up.

The use of the number 90 here adds to the effect. In Irish slang, numbers like ninety are often chosen for their near-maximum connotation. Ninety, being close to 100, symbolizes something just shy of full capacity or peak performance. It’s not quite “flat out” or “going full throttle,” but it’s pretty close—think of it as working at 90% effort, almost at the breaking point, but with just enough room left to keep going. It’s a bit playful, not meant to be an exact measure but more of a fun exaggeration to highlight the intensity or speed of the situation.

So, when someone’s “going ninety,” it’s a colorful way to say they’re in a hurry, running around like mad, or just pushing themselves close to the limit—but maybe not quite over it. It’s that feeling of being on the go, barely stopping to catch your breath.

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7. “Throwing Shapes”

If you hear someone in Ireland say, “He was throwing shapes,” they’re not talking about geometry. This phrase describes someone dancing—usually in a bold, exaggerated, or attention-grabbing way. Whether someone is confidently busting a move on the dance floor or strutting around like they own the place, “throwing shapes” paints a picture of dramatic, often over-the-top body movements. It’s not just about dancing; it’s about how they’re putting themselves out there—big, noticeable, and maybe a little bit comical.

Interestingly, “throwing shapes” can also have a slightly different meaning depending on the context. Sometimes, it’s used to describe someone acting tough or trying to look intimidating, usually without much success. Think of someone puffing out their chest, trying to show off, or strutting around as the most important person in the room. Whether on the dance floor or in a more general social setting, it’s all about putting on a bit of a performance.

The phrase highlights how we can all “perform” in social situations, whether through dance or a bit of posturing, and it does so with the typical Irish sense of humor.

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8. “Deadly”

In most parts of the world, calling something “deadly” would sound like a serious warning—but not in Ireland! When an Irish person says something is “deadly,” they’re not talking about danger or harm. Quite the opposite—this phrase describes something as amazing, fantastic, or just plain cool. Whether it’s a great night out, a fantastic performance, or even just a nice compliment, “deadly” is a go-to word for expressing enthusiasm and admiration.

The phrase reflects that Irish sense of humor—taking a word that normally has negative connotations and flipping it into something positive. It’s like calling something so cool, so amazing, that it’s “dangerously” good. You’ll often hear it in casual conversations, especially among younger people, when they’re excited about something.

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9. “Donkey’s Years”

If someone in Ireland says they haven’t seen you in “donkey’s years,” don’t be alarmed—they’re just saying it’s been a very long time! This playful phrase is used to describe an extended period, often so long that it’s hard to recall exactly how long it’s been. It’s an exaggeration, of course, but it adds a bit of fun to the idea of time passing.

The origin of the phrase is thought to come from the association of donkeys with old age and longevity, possibly because donkeys are known for living a long time. It’s a lighthearted way of saying, “It’s been ages!” without getting bogged down in specifics. You’ll hear it often in casual conversations, especially when catching up with someone after a long absence.

Examples:

• “I haven’t been to that pub in donkey’s years!”
• “It’s been donkey’s years since I last saw you—how’ve you been?”
• “That shop’s been closed for donkey’s years now.”

 

10. “Sure, Look It”

“Sure, look it” is a wonderfully flexible Irish phrase that can be used in almost any situation. It’s often said when there’s nothing more to be done or when someone resigns themselves to a situation with a sense of calm acceptance. It’s a way of saying, “That’s just how it is,” or “What can you do?” without getting too worked up about it. There’s a laid-back, philosophical tone to it, as if to say, “Sure, what can you expect?”

This phrase is used when you’re shrugging off life’s minor inconveniences or embracing a “go-with-the-flow” attitude. You’ll hear it often in conversations where someone is commenting on a situation that’s a bit out of their control or when they don’t want to overthink things. It captures that classic Irish attitude of not sweating the small stuff and just accepting life as it comes.

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11. “Yer Man” / “Yer Wan”

In Irish slang, “yer man” (for males) and “yer wan” (for females) are informal ways of referring to someone whose name either isn’t important or has slipped your mind. It’s a phrase you’ll hear often in casual conversation, used to point out someone you’re talking about without needing to get specific. It can refer to a stranger, a mutual acquaintance, or even a well-known public figure.

For example, if someone’s recounting a story but doesn’t remember or care to mention the person’s name, they might say, “Yer man did this” or “Yer wan said that.” It adds a bit of humor and familiarity to the conversation, as though everyone should know exactly who you’re talking about.

The phrase is often delivered with a tone of familiarity and sometimes even affection, making it a staple of everyday Irish banter.

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