Irish Slang Quiz

By: Kennita Leon
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Irish Slang Quiz
Image: Mediaphotos / E+ / Getty Images

About This Quiz

Just like most countries around the world, the Irish have their own slang. The people of Ireland use it to communicate informally with each other or when being proper just gets a bit boring. And because this country is so close to England and Wales, they tend to use some of the same words, even if the spelling may be a bit different. And we would like to see how much you know, in this quiz. 

If you know a few words because you lived there, if you have Irish friends or family or if you're a fan of Irish culture, there are more than a few words and phrases you should know, and we'll ask you about them in our questions. What we'll do is give you a phrase, saying or word and ask you what it means. And the answer could be anything: a compliment, an insult, an action or even a place. It'll be your job to sift through your memory of all things Irish to try to correctly guess what it means. If you can do this enough times, you'll be able to pass this quiz. 

So, if that's something you're interested in doing, it's time to craic on with these questions. 

If an Irish person says your "noodle" what are they saying about you?
Mouth
Feet
Head
Butt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The word 'Noodle' in Irish slang can be defined as an individual's head. It is made up of the "nod," which means to raise one's head slightly.

A word that is also used by the English, what does "craic" mean?
A small cottage
A stingy person
A fur coat
A good time
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This informal Irish word means to enjoy oneself, have fun or a good time. Additionally, 'craic' could mean to have a good conversation or something entertaining.

What does it mean to be "knackered"?
Exhausted
Fiesty
Hungry
Silly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Prominently used in Ireland, the word 'knackered' refers to being exhausted or tired. It can be used to describe extreme tiredness after conducting an activity.

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If something is "hatchet," what does that mean?
Salty
Brilliant
Unbecoming
Horrible
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the Irish informal language, the word 'hatchet' means to be extraordinarily excellent or brilliant. It is usually used to depict the outcome of a particular situation.

Do you know what a "stook" is?
A child
A nurse
An idiot
A kind of bird
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Stook' is an Irish slang referring to a stupid person, a goofball or an idiot. This word could be used to describe a person who is being silly or acting like a fool.

What does it mean to have a "glad eye"?
To have a crush
To need to use the bathrom
To go to work
To sleep in because of a hangover
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Glad eye' in Irish lingo means to be in love or to have a crush on someone. It is commonly used to show some form of admiration for another.

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If you're "olaginin," what are you doing?
Smiling
Singing
Complaining
Making love
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The word ' Olagonin' in Ireland means to moan or to complain. It is used by the Irish when expressing regret or loss over something, typically a game.

What or where is "the jacks"?
The bakery
Your workplace
A popular bar in Ireland
The toilet
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'The jacks' in Irish dialect is used to refer to the washroom, restroom or simply the toilet. When speaking about going to the toilet, it is used.

To be "langered" is to be what?
Tired
Drunk
Frustrated
Happy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be 'langered' in Ireland means to be intoxicated or drunk. It is usually used to describe an individual who has drunk excessively.

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What is someone saying if they tell you they'll "batter ya"?
They'll go take a shower.
They'll beat you up.
They'll kiss you.
They'll do you a favor.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Batter ya' in Irish speech is an expression used by an individual to threaten another by stating he or she will 'beat up' the other. Also, to 'batter ya' means to hurt through kicking or hitting multiple times.

If you heard "She's peeled," what do you think is being said?
That a girl is pretty.
That someone is drunk.
A stingy person
That something is broken.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'She's peeled' is an Irish slang referring to an object which has been broken. It is usually used to describe something that is not fully functional.

What comes to mind when you see the word "drobes"?
Paperwork
Cleaning
Bits and pieces
Furniture
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The word 'drobes' in Irish slang can be defined as the bits and pieces of something. It is the remainder of an object which has been smashed.

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If a friend is "taking the piss," what are they doing?
Making fun of something
Dancing
Singing karaoke
Getting dressed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the Irish informal language, the slang 'take the piss' involves the act of teasing or taking advantage of someone. It is usually used when making fun or ridiculing another.

What does it mean to be "on the lash"?
Out drinking
About to get beat up
Looking for a job
Going to bed
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"On the lash" is prominently used in Ireland to refers to the act of going out drinking. It can be used to describe the activity of social drinking.

If someone calls you a "muppet," what are they calling you?
A vain man
Sexy
A fool
Smart
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the Irish informal language, the word 'muppet' means to act like a fool. It is usually used to depict the behavior of an individual.

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If someone you don't like says "hop on" to you, what are they saying?
To fight
Catch a ride with them
To get some rest
To give them a kiss
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Hop on' in Irish lingo signifies a fight. It is commonly used when speaking about the act of fighting.

If an Irish person says the phrase "dirty tooth," what exactly are they saying?
Someone with a bad smile
A dirty person
A stingy person
A prostitute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The slang 'dirty tooth' is popular in the Republic of Ireland. It refers to an individual who is unclean.

If the exclamation "what a ride!" is made, what do you think is being said?
That something is exciting
That you have a nice car
That someone is sexy
That they're about to go on a trip
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Irish dialect the phrase "what a ride" is stated when indicating appearances. It is commonly used to describe an extremely attractive or super sexy person.

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What does the term "wanker" mean?
Ugly
Beautiful
Lazy
Fool
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Whanker' in Irish speech is an expression referring to a fool. It is used by natives to make mention of a person who is dimwitted.

If someone called you "mad as a box of frogs," what are they saying about you?
That you're modest
That you're crazy
That you're ridiculously intelligent
That you have lots of money
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Mad as a box of frogs' is used by the Irish when referring to someone who is out of their mind. It is used to describe a deranged individual or one who behaves aggressively.

If you're "acting the maggot," what are you doing?
Being a jerk
Being gentlemanly
Being a good friend
Being smart
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The Irish phrase for being a jerk is 'acting the maggot.' This is often used to make reference to someone who is being insensitive or simply messing around.

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What is the phrase "like a blind cobbler's thumb" mean?
That you like taking risks
That you are not smart
That you are drunk
That someone is ugly
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This phrase refers to something that is ugly. In Ireland, the population uses it to speak about a person's whose appearance is weird or strange-looking.

What is the term "caked" describing?
A vain man
A stingy person
A girl with too much makeup
An animal with no owner
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When ladies wear excessive amounts of makeup, the Irish consider them to be 'caked.' It is typically used to speak about the quantity of makeup applied to the face.

If something is "in tatters," what does that mean?
On sale
Brand new
Destroyed
Tampered with
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Irish dialect 'in tatters' can be defined as being destroyed. It can also be used to describe being ruined emotionally or completely defeated.

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If someone is "plugged," what are they?
Up to date with the world
Happy
Pregnant
Smart
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be 'plugged' in the Irish language means that a woman is pregnant. It's probably best not to ponder this one too much.

If you're "snogging" someone, what are you doing to them?
Hugging
Kissing
Cursing
Slapping
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To 'snog' is an Irish colloquial word meaning 'kiss.' It gained wide knowledge thanks to the Harry Potter movies.

What does the word "shebang" refer to?
A kind of fashion
An explosion
A sound made by airplanes
The whole thing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Shebang' can be defined as the whole of something. This word is used to describe a situation or circumstance in its entirety.

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If someone is "rumbly," what does that mean?
Pompous
Trustworthy
Dodgy
Reliable
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This Irish word means dodgy. When someone is 'rumbly,' the individual is unreliable or deceitful.

If you're "clean on," what are you?
Stylish
Good looking
Creative
Greedy
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

To be referred to as 'clean on' in Ireland is to be good looking. Someone who is called 'clean on' is attractive and beautiful.

What or who is an "equalizer"?
Someone who breaks up fights
A vain man
A stingy person
A kind of warrior
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The slang 'equalizer' is used to indicate someone who interrupts or breaks up a brawl. An equalizer is also called a bouncer.

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What does it mean to be "flyin it"?
You're up to something.
You're doing well.
You're on a plane.
You're sexy.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When someone is doing well, the Irish will say that he or she is 'flying it.' This phrase is used when speaking about personal achievements.

What in the world is a "Rale Bulgarian"?
A magical being
Royalty
A kind of chef
An uncivilized person
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Irish dialect, a 'Rale Bulgarian' describes an uncivilized or ill-mannered individual. Someone with such a character is impolite and rude.

What is meant by the Irish phrase "biscuits to a bear"?
An animal that's hungry
A vain man
Food that one eats
A waste of time
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

'Biscuits to a bear' is an Irish saying which means 'a waste of time.' It is used to signify that the outcome of a situation is pointless.

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If a place is "jammers," what is being said about it?
It is packed full (of people).
It has the wrong kind of people.
It's old-fashioned.
It's expensive.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The slang 'jammers' implies that something is fully packed. This word is typically used when describing a crowded place.

What does it mean to be "doin a number" on something?
Making plans for later
Having a good time
Causing discomfort
Celebrating a birthday
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This Irish phrase can be defined as causing embarrassment or upset. An individual who induces distress or discomfort on others is said to be "doin' a number."

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