Study Ireland – Stories & Guides from International Students

While moving from the US to Ireland is one of the less dramatic international culture shocks, there are still quite a few terms that can trip up American students. Listed below are some of my observed translations of common Irish words and sayings.  

Gardens =Yards 

Washing up liquid = dish soap 

Streaky rashers = bacon 

Ground floor = 1st floor 

Lenses = contacts 

Coach = bus 

Chips = fries 

Crisps = chips 

Craic = good conversation 

What’s the craic? = What’s up? 

Yer man = some guy/that guy 

Takeaway = takeout 

Ts and Cs apply = Terms and Conditions 

Gilet = vest 

Kit = jersey 

Zed = zee (the letter) 

Reading week = dead week 

Goujons = chicken strips 

Half 11 to half 1 = 11:30 to 1:30 

Quarter to 11 to quarter past 11 = 10:45 to 11:15 

Mind yourself = take care 

Toastie = panini  

Voucher = coupon 

Pancake Tuesday = Carnival/Fat Tuesday  

Coriander = cilantro 

Comfort stop = pit stop 

Lie in = sleep in 

Sláinte = cheers 

Mince = ground meat (usually beef) 

Quid = Slang for euro. Like saying a buck instead of a dollar. 

Wraps = tortillas 

Kitchen towels = paper towels