Since you have decided to take on your studies in Limerick, the next step is deciphering the language. Although the Irish are a chatty bunch, we use some tricky words that are confusing to new ears. With this simple guide to Irish slang words, you’ll be speaking like a native in no time!

• Ye:  You (plural) used to address a group of people i.e. (“how are ye all doing?”)
• Shattered: extremely tired (“I didn’t get any sleep I’m shattered”)
• To slag someone: to tease /make fun of someone (“don’t get upset I was only slagging you”)
• Deadly: brilliant, amazing, great (‘the party was deadly”)
• Langers: very drunk
• Grand: meaning okay, used a lot to respond to someone asking how are you
• Gas: used to describe something that is funny or entertaining    (“that’s so gas”)

• Craic: fun or gossip/news (“the party was great craic”) (“what the craic?”)
• Fiver: 5 euro
• Tenner: 10 euro
• Knackered: extremely tired (“I am completely knackered”)
• Locked: drunk (“he was locked Friday night”)
• Eejit: silly, idiot, fool  (Michael is an eejit)
• Savage: great, amazing

• Taking the piss: to mock or tease someone
• Arseways: to do something wrong
• The guards: Irish police
• The boot: trunk of a car
• Bold: naughty (That child is so bold)
• Jumper: sweater, pullover
• I will ya: confusing as it means I will not

• Donkeys years: a very long time
• Hold yer horses: hold on a minute, slow down
• Gaff: house
• Chancer – Someone who’d try anything
• It’s lashing: heavy rain
• Ages: a long time
• Bucketing: raining heavily
• Shift: kiss someone
• Banjaxed: Broken

Thank you to student ambassador Niamh O’Doherty for putting this list together.