Irish English for ESL Learners: Common Phrases & Expressions

English is the most common language in the world. It has around 1.5 billion speakers. That's 20% of the world population. Most of these speakers have learned English as their second language. 

People often think of American or British English as the "standard," but people speak it differently in different places. Seventy-five countries identify English as their official language. There is not one "correct" way to speak it. 

In a series of blog posts on Ellii, I have been exploring common differences in English use in different countries. This post focuses on English from Ireland.

Many thanks to Irish ELT professionals Stephen Farren and Erin O'Byrne for their help with this. I loved sharing the differences and similarities with Scottish English with them!

You can also check out these posts on: 

• Australian English 
• Scottish English

Do I need to learn every different type of English? 

The short answer is "no." Even people who grew up speaking English find it difficult to understand speakers from other places.

Think about your own first language. Are there any countries, cities or regions that speak it very differently? How do you communicate with them? 

Communicating with someone who uses a different style of English can be hard. However, when you don't understand, you can: 

• ask them to repeat or rephrase what they said
• ask them questions to check that you have understood
• ask them to slow down or write down what they said

Often people understand that their English is different but forget to slow down. They want to be understood too, so they will probably be happy to help. 

Similarities with Scottish English

Ireland and Scotland are close to each other and have shared history. We also share some words. 

For example: 

• wee = small
• weans = children 
• eejit = idiot
• yous = plural of "you" (to talk about a group of people)

Stephen Farren reminded me of the use of "messages" for shopping. In Scotland or Ireland, you might hear someone saying: 

"I'm going into town to get the messages."

This means that they are going to the shops to pick up groceries such as bread, milk, and eggs. 

You can read (and hear) more examples of Scottish English in this blog post. 

What's the craic? = How are you? 

Much like Australians asking "How you going?," people have a different way to ask "How are you?" in Ireland.

In Irish "craic," (pronounced "crack") has many meanings.

It can be used to ask how someone is feeling, or how good or bad something is.

For example: 

"The party was good craic."

It can also be used to ask about gossip. For example:

"Any craic?" = Anything we can chat about?

Grand = fine/okay

When people ask "How are you?," they usually want a positive answer, like "I'm fine" or "I'm good."

In Irish English, when people ask "What's the craic?," people will often reply "All grand with me."

In Ireland, "grand" means good, fine, or okay.

For example:

"The weather is grand today!"

So I am / So it is

In Irish English, people often end what they are telling you with "So I am" or "So it is." This is a way of repeating or emphasizing the information.  

For example:

"I'm grand, so I am."  

or

"The craic was fantastic, so it was."

After + ing 

This is a common way to talk about something that happened in the recent past. Some people refer to it as "Irish present perfect."

For example: 

"I'm after making a wee cup of tea. Do you want one?" = "I've just made a cup of tea. Do you want one?"

Dead on / deadly = cool, nice, great, perfect, amazing

Something that is "dead on" is "grand." For example: 

• A: How was the film?
• B: It was dead on. / It was deadly. 

Notion

Much like their Scottish neighbors, Irish people prefer not to show off about their wins. They prefer to be humble and often try to keep their successes quiet.

As Erin O'Byrne said, "No one likes celebrating anyone's success here." 

People use the term "to have notions" to talk about someone who is showing off or looks successful. For example:

"Look at them with their new sports car. The notions on them!"

Mammy / daddy = mum / dad

Scottish and Irish English have a lot of similarities. But in Scotland, "mummy" or "daddy" are commonly used by children. Adults usually choose "mum" or "dad" (or "maw" and "paw"). In Northern Ireland, it is popular for all ages to refer to their parents as "mammy" and "daddy." ''Ma" and "da" are common throughout the island of Ireland too. 

These words and expressions are some examples of the Irish English that I've heard over the years.

They can be helpful to help you understand, but you don't need to use them—unless you want to show an Irish person what good craic you are! 

More on Irish English

To watch examples of Irish English, here are some popular TV series: 

• Father Ted
• Derry Girls
• Bad Sisters

 

What Irish English have you heard? Do you have any favorite words or phrases? Share them in the comments.