🇮🇪 Irish Slang Every Student Should Know (and Actually Use!)

Whether you're fresh off the plane or have been soaking up Irish life for a while, there’s one thing that’ll fast-track your local street cred: Irish slang.

Sure, you might speak English, but Ireland has its own unique way of saying things – and if you want to blend in (or at least know what’s going on when your Irish friends start talking a mile a minute), it helps to know the lingo.

So grab a cuppa, and let’s dive into the must-know Irish slang every student in Ireland should know — and actually use!

1. Craic (pronounced crack)

Meaning: Fun, good times, or gossip

Used in a sentence: “What’s the craic?” (Translation: What’s up?)

Pro tip: It’s never about drugs. Ever.

This is the most iconic word in Irish slang. Use it when you're asking how someone is, describing a fun night out, or just checking in on the latest gossip.

2. Grand

Meaning: Fine, okay, good

Used in a sentence: “How was your exam?” – “Ah sure, it was grand.”

"Grand" is Ireland’s universal answer to almost everything. Sick? “I’m grand.” Failed your test? “Ah, it’ll be grand.” It’s practically a national attitude.

3. Eejit

Meaning: Idiot (but in an affectionate way)

Used in a sentence: “He tried to microwave tea. What an eejit!”

If someone calls you an eejit, don’t be offended – it’s probably said with love. Probably.

4. Deadly

Meaning: Amazing, brilliant, awesome

Used in a sentence: “That gig last night was deadly!”

It sounds negative, but it’s actually a high compliment. Use it when you're seriously impressed.

5. Gaff

Meaning: House/home

Used in a sentence: “We’re having a few drinks at my gaff tonight.”

If someone invites you to a gaff party, say yes – but maybe bring some snacks.

6. Shift

Meaning: To kiss (like, a proper make-out)

Used in a sentence: “Did you shift him at the club?”

Yep, things get personal real quick in Irish slang. You’ve been warned.

7. Gas

Meaning: Funny, hilarious

Used in a sentence: “She’s gas, always has me in bits!”

If someone calls you “gas,” congratulations – you’re officially the class clown.

8. Scarleh

Meaning: Embarrassed or mortified

Used in a sentence: “I fell up the stairs in front of everyone. Scarleh for me!”

It's the dramatic energy we all need when life gives us cringe.

9. Yer man / Yer wan

Meaning: That guy / that girl (not always flattering)Used in a sentence: “Yer man from the shop gave me the wrong change!”

Perfect for storytelling when you don’t know someone’s name (or can’t be bothered to remember).

10. Leg it

Meaning: Run

Used in a sentence: “The bus is here – leg it!”

Essential vocab when you're running late to class (again).

Honourable Mentions

• Messages = groceries (“Off to get the messages”)

• Donkey’s years = a really long time

• Manky = disgusting (“This weather is manky!”)

• Lashing = raining heavily (“It’s lashing out there!”)

Final Words of Wisdom ☘️

Slang is like a secret code — and once you learn it, Ireland feels a whole lot more like home. You don’t need to use every word (please don’t go around calling your professors “eejits”), but tossing a few into your everyday convo will earn you major local points.

And hey – if someone laughs and calls you “gas” for trying? That’s the best compliment you’ll get.