Glossary of Irish Terms - Tech/Life Ireland (2024)

FAQs

What is the Irish slang for pretty girls? ›

Feek. Definition: A term of endearment for someone attractive. Example: “Look at her; she's a right feek!”

geebag (plural geebags) (Ireland, slang) An irritating or obnoxious person. (Ireland, slang) A person who enjoys sex, usually female. (Ireland, slang) A prostitute. (Ireland, slang, derogatory) An objectionable person, usually female.

Irish·​wom·​an ˈī-rish-ˌwu̇-mən. : a woman born in Ireland or of Irish descent.

“Wee buns” – Easy/no problem. “Your one” – Referring to another person. “Bout ye” – How are you?

In the earlier parts of the 19th century, "Black Irish" was sometimes used in the United States to describe biracial people of African and Irish descent. By the 20th century, "Black Irish" had become a performative identity played out by Irish-Americans authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Robert E. Howard.

The Irish saying "away with the fairies" is used when someone isn't facing reality or is living in la-la land. This phrase got its origin thanks to the folk tales about fairies picking people up and taking them away, according to The Phrase Finder.

The Jacks. The jacks is Irish slang for toilet, derived from the older English word for toilet jakes. Jakes itself comes from 'The John' (see above).

For example, “I was absolutely langers last night.” You might also hear “Langered” used which has the same meaning. This is a term for drinking in Ireland. For example, “I was on the lash last night.” You can't be on the lash without a few naggins and shoulders.

What do the Irish call diapers? ›

The term diaper is used in North America and Canada whereas the word nappy is used in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Ireland and other Commonwealth countries.

Aoife. Pronounced EE-fa, this name comes with a lovely meaning for your little lady: “beauty.” The moniker originates from the old Irish girls' name Aífe and the word oíph. You'll find Aoife in several Irish legends, including the Children of Lir.

Irish Translation. cailín álainn.