Share ThisLearning the Lingo: “Irish English”
Part of the Ireland For Dummies Cheat Sheet
English spoken in Ireland differs a bit from the English spoken in other parts of the world. Throw in some Gaelic words and you may encounter more of a language barrier than you were expecting. This helpful list covers some Gaelic words you’re likely to hear and see on your trip to Ireland, as well as some local turns of phrase you may not be familiar with.
| An Lar | city centre |
| Bonnet | car hood |
| Boot | car trunk |
| Bord Fa’ilte | Irish Tourist Board (Gaelic) |
| cheers | thanks |
| crack, craic | good times, fun |
| creche | day care |
| deadly, brilliant | great, excellent |
| fa’ilte | welcome (Gaelic) |
| fir | men (Gaelic) |
| footpath | sidewalk |
| garda | policeman |
| lift | elevator |
| mna | women (Gaelic) |
| off-license | liquor store |
| press | cabinet |
| petrol | gas |
| quay | waterfront (pronounced key) |
| quid, or bob | pounds, or money |
| sla’inte | cheers or goodbye (Gaelic — pronounced schlancha) |
| take-away | fast food, to go |
| tins | canned goods |
