A day for the high stool (funny Irish sayings)
What is the meaning behind some of those Irish sayings? The Irish Tipple decrypts it all for you here in an easy to understand Irish Cheat Sheet of sorts.
A day for the high stool – if it’s overcast and rainy with no sunshine, then it’s time to saddle up to the local bar stool and have yourself a tipple. “tis a day for the high shtool” (note the unique spelling/pronunciation)
Craic – The word ‘Craic’ can be used in a couple of different ways. The first is its use to describe something as ‘Fun’, for example, ‘Last night was some craic!’. You can also ask “hey what’s the craic? or “any craic”.
Feck – Made famous by the Father Ted series on TV, ‘Feck’ is arguably one of the most famous Irish slang words, however, its meaning varies depending on the user. It’s not the same thing as using foul language it’s really a word which convey’s the fact you’re rattled about something or someone. It’s use in common vernacular dates back to the 17th-century.
example: “oh for feck sake, It’s raining and I’ve left me feckin‘ jacket at home”.
Gwan Ya Good thing – fight on team! Frequently used at a horse race or GAA match.
Acting the maggot – He’s an idiot, “he’s acting the maggot”. Showing off in a bad way. Bad form.
Yoke – We use the word ‘Yoke’ as a substitute for the word ‘Thing’ or to describe someone that we don’t like. For example, ‘Don’t forget the yoke’ or ‘Karen’s brother is some yoke!’.
Interestingly enough, ‘Yoke’ is one of the older Irish terms with it first popping up in the 1894 book ‘Kerrigan’s Quality’, by Dubliner Jane Barlow.
Grand – I’m grand! A response to how are you doing. The Irish way of saying “I’m doing good, thanks”.
eejit – Another word for idiot. This is a low key term frequently mentioned under your breath.
Messages – I’m going to run out for a few messages. This means I’m running out to pick up a few items at the store.
Sorry – Can be used to say “excuse me”. Frequently used for “what is it you said?” Adding a question mark will change the meaning.
Banjaxed – ‘Banjaxed’ is one of several Irish phrases used to describe something/someone as ‘Broke/in a bad way’. For example, ‘That Toyota is banjaxed’ or ‘I was banjexed this morning after those pints last night’.
Gobshite – Few Irish words have achieved widespread popularity as much as ‘Gobsh*te’, a bit of slang generally used to describe someone foolish. This is considered a vulgar slang word so be careful where you decide to use it.
No Flies on Him – he’s smart cookie and quick thinker. Taken a bit further, you could say “No flies on him unless they’re paying rent”.
Cailín – this is the Irish word for girl. “I’m meeting up with Cailíní this evening.”
Boyo/Lads – This is the Irish word for boy. You could say I’m out with the boyos (or lads) tonight for a few pints.
Sorted – I’m sorted. All my needs are taken care of.
Pints/Gargle – This is the slang word for beer. “I’m out with the boyos for a gargle”.
Sláinte – the most important Irish world is Sláinte! So when you raise a toast at the table with friends you could say “cheers” but go ahead and say it the way the Irish do “Sláinte!” It’s pronounced ‘Slaan-cha’.
Up there for thinkin’, Down there for dancin’ – You’ve got your act together. You have a great idea there!
So there you have it. While these are nowhere near the litany of Irish sayings, these are key must-have sayings for anyone navigating their way through Ireland or at home wanting to impress friends and family while settled in with your favorite tipple.
