St Patrick’s Day is a global celebration of Irish culture. Every year on 17 March, people all around the world enjoy parades, music, and bright green decorations. While you may know a little bit about Ireland, you might be less familiar with Irish expressions that locals use every day.
Here are some fun phrases to help you enjoy the craic (fun and good times) this St Patrick’s Day!
Why learn Irish expressions?
Ireland has a long history of storytelling, humour, and hospitality. Picking up a few local phrases will make your English more colourful, and it can also help you understand Irish culture on a deeper level.
Even if you aren’t planning to visit Ireland, learning these words and phrases is a great way to keep your English fresh – plus, they’re really fun to say!
Common Irish phrases and slang
What’s the craic? – /kræk/
This is one of the most famous Irish expressions. Craic means fun, news, or a good time. People often say what’s the craic to ask, ‘How are you?’ or ‘Any news?’
Hey, Sarah! What’s the craic? Did you enjoy the parade?
grand – /ɡrænd/
In Ireland, grand usually means something is good, fine, or acceptable. With lots of similar looking words across multiple languages, this is often hard for most learners to understand when you first hear it!
A: ‘How was your day?’
B: ‘It was grand, thanks!’
I will yeah!
This sounds easy to understand, but actually it has a completely different meaning to what you expect. It’s often meant sarcastically (not seriously), meaning no, I definitely won’t! It’s a great way to show a bit of dry humour but can be quite confusing.
A: ‘Will you do my homework for me?’
B: ‘I will yeah!’ (meaning no)
banjaxed – /ˈbændʒækst/
If something is banjaxed, it’s broken or not working properly.
My phone is banjaxed; it won’t switch on at all.
eejit – /ˈiːdʒɪt/
Eejit is an informal way of calling someone a fool or describing a silly mistake. Be careful who you say it to!
You almost locked the keys in the car, you eejit!
sláinte! /ˈslɔːntʃə/
This is the Irish word for cheers. People say it when raising a glass or making a toast. Practise saying this one, because it definitely looks different to how its pronounced!
Sláinte! Here’s to a brilliant St Patrick’s Day!
yer man / yer one
This is an informal way to talk about a man – yer man – or a woman – yer one – when you do not know them well, or when you are not a big fan of them.
Yer man at the shop gave me the wrong change!
sure look
Use this to finish a conversation. It often means It is what it is or ah well (you can’t change it – it’s done/over).
Sure look, we’ll try again tomorrow if it rains.
Get up outta that!
This is a light way of telling someone to stop doing something or to move away. It can also express disbelief. Outta is out + of.
You think you can eat ten doughnuts? Get up outta that!
The sun is spitting the stones
This Irish expression is a funny way of saying it is very sunny or hot.
Make sure you bring suncream; the sun is spitting the stones today!
the messages
This means groceries or shopping. This could be quite confusing in the wrong context!
I’m off to get the messages – do you need anything from the shop?
up to 90
This means someone is very busy, rushed or they have a lot to do.
I’m up to 90 today; I don’t even have time for a cup of tea!
donkey’s years
This phrase refers to a long time. You might also hear it in British English, too.
I haven’t seen you in donkey’s years. How are things?
Try and use these Irish expressions this St Patrick’s Day 2025!
Can you use these words and phrases in sentences? Write your ideas below!
If you enjoyed reading this blog, why not explore more? Check out our UK vs US English blog to learn about more interesting differences between these two styles of English.
Fill-in-the-Blanks Challenge: Irish Slang Edition!
Instructions: Select the correct answer for each question from the dropdown menus and click “Check Answers” to see your results!
Billie Jago is an ELT writer and teacher trainer specialising in digital learning materials and assessment resources. She has written for various well-known coursebooks, and writes items for high stakes exams such as the PTE, OTE, IELTS and Cambridge. Alongside materials writing, she delivers international teacher training sessions and is the founder of the ELTcpd professional development platform and YouTube channel. She is also the co-founder of the educational consultancy, OtterEducation.
