Have you always wanted to talk like an Irish person, but weren’t sure how to pull it off?
Use these handy tips for a night out to blend in with the local lingo. Whether you’re on vacation in Ireland, or just down your local Irish bar, these choice phrases taken from the Irish Conversation Guide will give you the gift of the gab.
1. Popular greetings for when you meet your friends
How’s the craic?
How’s the form?
How’re ya keepin’?
How’re ye lads?
Read More: Top ten old Irish phrases and their meanings - Éirinn Go Brách
2. Greetings for when you are about to eat
I’m starved with the hunger.
I’d eat the back door buttered.
It is going down well?
I'm so hungry I'd eat a nun's backside through a convent gate.
3. Compliments for the food
That meal was very tasty!
The lickings of the pan is all that's left Mam
Read More: Halloween healthy eating recipes - Irish celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio has some delicious, nutritious alternatives
4. Some conversation starters for the bar
You’re not a local, I take it?
Where ya from at all?
You’re new around these parts?
Read More: Ten best Irish pick-up lines
5. Some chat up lines for the bar
You’re looking well.
You’ve a lovely pair of eyes.
You’ve great teeth, are they your own?
Read More: A dummies guide to speaking with an Irish accent - VIDEO
6. Buying someone a drink
What are you having?
Will ya have a pint?
Will ya have a hot half one (a hot whiskey)?
7. When someone tries to go home early.
Take it easy, what’s your rush?
Sit yourself down, take the weight of your feet.
8. Inviting someone on a date
Would you fancy a quick one (a drink) some other time?
Are ya on for a pint?
A few pints wouldn’t go astray at all?
Will we go for a few scoops?
Read More: Ten best Irish pick-up lines
9. Bidding someone farewell for the night
Is that the time? I’ll be seeing you.
I’ll be heading off now, but sure I’ll bump into you again some time!
Twas nice talking to ya, good luck and God bless!
10. Explaining your hangover the next morning.
I’m in a heap!
I’m in an awful way.
I’m as sick as a small hospital.
I ‘m as stiff as a poker.
Read More: The top ten best Irish hangover cures
For a humorous insight into how to speak like the Irish, check out Tadhg Hayes' book Gift of the Gab.
5 Comments
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.The Commentator | Oct 25, 2012, 05:00 PM EDT
I think one should explore Newfoundland sayings if you enjoy off the wall expressions. eg's - "Goin out for a few swallies n scuffs" - going for a few drinks and dancing yur stund as me arse – you are not too bright just show it to the pan – you don’t need to fry the food much
Happyhippo | Oct 23, 2012, 05:26 PM EDT
I don't know if this one is a compliment or an insult.You have legs like a Mullingar Heifer
Maggie47 | Oct 23, 2012, 04:56 PM EDT
Born and raised in Galway never heard such stupid sayings
carrickcourt | Oct 23, 2012, 10:52 AM EDT
The key to understanding an Irish person is to slow down a bit and go 'with the flow'.
torbreezy | Oct 23, 2012, 09:31 AM EDT
A lot--maybe most of these--are lame and don't deserve the time or space allotted . . . .