Ah, Ireland. The land of rolling green hills, magical castles, and an unspoken but very important truth: Irish people love to insult each other, but in the best possible way!
Whether you’re a first-timer in Ireland or a seasoned visitor, mastering the fine art of a good Irish insult is a must. It’s not only the secret to surviving your Ireland trip but you will be blending in like a local and having a laugh while you’re at it – because nothing says “I’m part of the crew” like a well-timed roast!
Seeing as we are Irish ourselves, we know a thing or two about how to toss around a cheeky insult or an outrageous curse with style and wit. Don’t worry – nothing personal here; it’s all about the craic.
This unique guide will introduce you to some of the best Irish insults to know during your visit to Ireland, and most importantly, when to use each one.
Let’s dive in and don’t forget to note down your favorite Irish insults!
The Classic Irish Insults: The Ones That Will Always Get a Laugh
There’s no better way to start a list of 60 best Irish insults than with the classic ones that are certain to get a few laughs in the pub!
Are you planning a visit to Ireland? Then read the perfect 2-week Ireland road trip and find out all about the best attractions and must-visit destinations in Ireland for inspiration!
1. Best Irish Insults: Eejit
Meaning: An idiot or a foolish person.
Example: “You’re such an eejit for not listening!”
Why You Need It: It’s the perfect way to call someone a fool in a friendly, teasing manner. It’s playful and widely used in Ireland, making it a staple in any Irish banter.
2. Best Irish Insults: Gobsh*te
Meaning: Someone who talks nonsense or is generally annoying.
Example: “Quit being a gobsh*te and help me out!”
Why You Need It: Ideal for moments when someone is rambling on about things that don’t make sense or being particularly irritating. It’s a classic!
3. Best Irish Insults: Muppet
Meaning: A fool or someone who is behaving in a silly way.
Example: “Stop acting like a muppet, you’re going to make a mess!”
Why You Need It: A fun term to throw around when someone is being ridiculous or clueless.
4. Best Irish Insults: W*nker
Meaning: A person who is unpleasant or self-centered.
Example: “Don’t be a w*nker – just say sorry!”
Why You Need It: Perfect for calling someone out who’s being selfish or annoying. It’s direct, but in good fun among friends.
5. Best Irish Insults: B*llocks
Meaning: Nonsense or a mistake.
Example: “That’s a load of b*llocks, I can’t believe it!”
Why You Need It: It’s one of the most iconic Irish terms, used to dismiss nonsense or express frustration. It’s essential for any Irish conversation!
6. Best Irish Insults: D*ckhead
Meaning: A foolish or rude person.
Example: “You’re such a d*ckhead for doing that!”
Why You Need It: When someone is being particularly rude or annoying, “d*ckhead” cuts straight to the point without being overly harsh.
7. Best Irish Insults: Gowl
Meaning: A foolish or annoying person.
Example: “Don’t be such a gowl and just get on with it!”
Why You Need It: This is often used when someone is being a bit thick or annoying in a light-hearted way. Great for teasing.
8. Best Irish Insults: Aul’ wan
Meaning: An elderly woman (sometimes used derogatorily).
Example: “You’re acting like an aul’ wan!”
Why You Need It: A cheeky way to describe someone acting old-fashioned or slow, particularly useful when poking fun.
9. Best Irish Insults: Fecker
Meaning: A mild expletive for an annoying or troublesome person.
Example: “That fecker stole my pint!”
Why You Need It: “Fecker” is a great, less offensive alternative to harsher terms. It’s widely used to express frustration in a playful manner.
10. Best Irish Insults: Clueless
Meaning: Someone who has no idea what’s going on.
Example: “You’re so clueless, how did you not see that coming?”
Why You Need It: A great, straightforward way to point out when someone’s out of their depth or missing the obvious.
11. Best Irish Insults: Numpty
Meaning: A silly person or fool.
Example: “You numpty, you left your keys in the car again!”
Why You Need It: A harmless way to call out a silly mistake, perfect for banter with mates.
12. Best Irish Insults: Thick
Meaning: Stupid or slow-witted.
Example: “Stop acting thick, you know exactly what I mean!”
Why You Need It: “Thick” is often used to describe someone who isn’t thinking straight, and it’s great for playful teasing.
13. Best Irish Insults: Dosser
Meaning: A lazy or unproductive person.
Example: “Quit being a dosser and get to work!”
Why You Need It: Perfect for when someone is lounging around and not contributing. It’s a playful way to get them to shape up.
14. Best Irish Insults: Langer
This is a classic Irish insult from County Cork. Seeing that Cork is home to half of Happy Irish Wanderers this word gets thrown about quite a lot!
Meaning: A fool or someone who is acting foolish.
Example: “You’re a right langer if you think that’ll work!”
Why You Need It: “Langer” is used often in Ireland for a good laugh when someone is being daft or impractical.
15. Best Irish Insults: Kn*bhead
Meaning: A stupid or annoying person.
Example: “Don’t be such a kn*bhead, get it together!”
Why You Need It: A strong but not too harsh insult, perfect for pointing out when someone is acting in a particularly bothersome way.
In our opinion Cork is the best county in Ireland. Why not check out our list of the best things to do in Cork to find out for yourself.
The Cheeky Irish Insults: When You Want to Be Playful But Still Throw a Jab
We’re Irish so we can get away with going a little bit further with our insults while still maintaining a cheeky, playful vibe!
16. Best Irish Insults: Prat
Meaning: A silly or foolish person.
Example: “You prat, why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
Why You Need It: Use this one when someone’s done something idiotic and you want to call them out in a lighthearted way.
17. Best Irish Insults: Plonker
Meaning: A fool or an idiot.
Example: “Don’t be a plonker, that’s not how it works!”
Why You Need It: “Plonker” is a fun term used when someone is being silly but not malicious. It’s great for playful teasing.
18. Best Irish Insults: Twit
Meaning: A silly person or a fool.
Example: “You twit, you left your bag behind!”
Why You Need It: It’s a mild and non-offensive way to call someone out for doing something silly or absent-minded.
19. Best Irish Insults: Tallyman
Meaning: A tough or aggressive man.
Example: “Stop acting like a tallyman, no one’s afraid of you.”
Why You Need It: “Tallyman” is useful for calling someone out who’s pretending to be tougher than they really are
20. Best Irish Insults: Wazzock
Meaning: A foolish person, often one who is being annoying.
Example: “That wazzock spilled my drink!”
Why You Need It: A fun and quirky way to describe someone who’s being a bit of a nuisance. It’s widely used in Ireland without much offense.
21. Best Irish Insults: Bellend
Meaning: A rude or annoying person.
Example: “Stop being a bellend and help me out!”
Why You Need It: A classic Irish insult, “bellend” is perfect when someone’s being particularly irritating.
22. Best Irish Insults: Divvy
Meaning: A foolish person.
Example: “You divvy, you’re going the wrong way!”
Why You Need It: When someone is doing something utterly ridiculous or confusing, “divvy” is the perfect word to describe their behavior.
23. Best Irish Insults: Crater
Meaning: Someone with a big nose or a fool.
Example: “That crater is always messing things up!”
Why You Need It: A playful term, “crater” is great for friendly jabs, especially when someone’s acting goofy.
24. Best Irish Insults: Twerp
Meaning: A foolish or silly person.
Example: “Oh, stop being such a twerp and move!”
Why You Need It: It’s an easy-going insult, perfect for when someone is acting a bit ridiculous.
25. Best Irish Insults: Spanner
Meaning: A fool or idiot.
Example: “You spanner, why’d you break the remote?”
Why You Need It: A humorous, non-offensive insult for those moments when a friend makes a silly mistake.
26. Best Irish Insults: Wobble
Meaning: A term for someone who’s unstable or acting odd.
Example: “What’s with the wobble, lad?”
Why You Need It: “Wobble” is ideal when someone’s acting a bit off, whether it’s mentally or physically.
27. Best Irish Insults: Pox
Meaning: A person who is disliked, annoying, or seen as a bother.
Example: “That lad’s a real pox—never does a thing right!” Why you need it: “Pox” adds a bit of old-school charm to your insults. It’s a great way to express annoyance without going too harsh.
28. Best Irish Insults: Dunderhead
Meaning: A clumsy or slow-witted person.
Example: “You dunderhead, you left your phone in the shop!”
Why You Need It: Perfect for moments when someone is being forgetful or silly, “dunderhead” is a classic Irish term.
29. Best Irish Insults: Peasant
Meaning: A low-class or uncouth person.
Example: “Stop acting like such a peasant and get your act together!”
Why You Need It: Great for when you want to tease someone about their manners or behavior.
30. Best Irish Insults: Pillock
Meaning: A foolish or annoying person.
Example: “You pillock, you nearly knocked over the drinks!”
Why You Need It: A fun word to use when someone’s being clumsy or silly.
Ireland Travel Tip: The best way to explore Ireland’s best attractions such as the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry is by car – click to get a free quote for Car Rental in Ireland. However, if you don’t want to drive yourself, an incredible alternative is to book the perfect Ireland Tour. Sit back, relax, and experience a uniquely tailored trip that is planned, managed, and personally delivered by a passionate team of Celtic Experts.
The Vicious Irish Insults: The Ones You Use When You Really Want to Get Under Their Skin
We’re getting a little bit more vicious with the Irish insults, but used in the right context we are still only having a bit of craic!
31. Best Irish Insults: Skanger
Meaning: A rough or uncultured person.
Example: “What a skanger, look at how he’s dressed!”
Why You Need It: A term for when someone is acting rough or uncivilized. It’s ideal for calling out a lack of sophistication in a playful way.
32. Best Irish Insults: Minger
Meaning: An unattractive person.
Example: “That girl’s a right minger – look at that hair!”
Why You Need It: Though it can be offensive if used in the wrong context, “minger” is great for light teasing about someone’s appearance when you know they won’t take offense.
33. Best Irish Insults: Sh*tehawk
Meaning: A despicable or very annoying person.
Example: “You sh*tehawk, you lost my keys!”
Why You Need It: When you want to show extreme annoyance, “sh*tehawk” is the go-to word. It’s strong but used in good fun in Ireland.
34. Best Irish Insults: Cretin
Meaning: An unintelligent or foolish person.
Example: “You absolute cretin, that’s not how you do it!”
Why You Need It: “Cretin” is a bit stronger, but it’s great for those times when someone is acting particularly dim-witted.
35. Best Irish Insults: Gimp
Meaning: A foolish or weak person.
Example: “Don’t be such a gimp, get it done already!”
Why You Need It: A lighthearted insult when someone’s not pulling their weight or acting strangely.
36. Best Irish Insults: Slag
Meaning: A promiscuous person or derogatory term for a woman.
Example: “Quit being such a slag and just leave her alone!”
Why You Need It: This one can be used in friendly teasing but can also be quite harsh in certain situations, so use it carefully.
37. Best Irish Insults: Hooligan
Meaning: A rowdy or troublesome person, often associated with violence.
Example: “Those hooligans caused all the trouble last night.”
Why You Need It: Perfect for describing someone causing a disturbance or trouble, particularly in public spaces.
38. Best Irish Insults: Hoor
Meaning: A derogatory term for a promiscuous woman.
Example: “She’s a right hoor for dressing like that!”
Why You Need It: Be cautious with this one – it’s often offensive, but it can be used for teasing among close friends or when calling out unwanted attention-seeking behavior.
39. Best Irish Insults: Lout
Meaning: An uncultured person.
Example: “Stop acting like a lout and mind your manners.”
Why You Need It: Ideal for calling someone out for bad behavior or acting in a crass manner.
40. Best Irish Insults: Sap
Meaning: A fool or an idiot
Example: “That sap John was back in the pub again, chatting absolute nonsense!”
Why you need it: You’ll quickly learn that calling someone a “sap” in Ireland is a playful (but still pointed) way to show you think they’re a bit of an eejit. It’s harmless enough, but it packs a punch – perfect for when you need to throw some light-hearted shade at a mate!
While you are at it make sure to check out our Best Irish Phrases and Slang Words to truly prepare for your Ireland trip.
41. Best Irish Insults: Drysh*te
Meaning: A boring or dull person.
Example: “I had to go out on my own last night, the lads wanted to stay in – the drysh*tes”
Why You Need It: A perfect term for when someone’s just a bit of a bore.
42. Best Irish Insults: Skint
Meaning: Broke or having no money.
Example: “I’m totally skint this week, can you lend me a tenner?”
Why You Need It: If you’re ever short on cash or want to describe someone who’s always broke, “skint” is perfect. It’s widely used in Ireland.
43. Best Irish Insults: Fanny
Meaning: A foolish person or someone being overly sensitive.
Example: “Stop being a fanny and get over it!”
Why You Need It: It’s often used in a teasing way to describe someone being overly emotional or sensitive.
44. Best Irish Insults: Headcase
Meaning: A person who is mentally unstable or acting irrationally.
Example: “You’re a headcase if you think I’ll believe that!”
Why You Need It: “Headcase” is a term for someone whose behavior is unpredictable or irrational. Great for dealing with someone who’s a bit all over the place.
Ireland Travel Tip – Even with the luck of the Irish, things can still go wrong. World Nomads Travel Insurance is our top choice for travel coverage. With the best transparent fine print in the industry, it’s no wonder they’re ranked number one. Don’t let your adventures turn to mishaps and get a free quote today!
Mighty Irish Insults: When You Want to Add Some Spice to Your Vocabulary
Irish insults are full of interesting and creative words, making them some of the most entertaining and unique insults you’ll ever hear.
45. Best Irish Insults: Geebag
Meaning: A term used to describe an annoying woman or someone you strongly dislike. It’s a gender-specific insult typically used when someone has irritated you or behaved poorly.
Example: “That geebag cut in line at the bar and acted like she owned the place!”
Why You Need It: Perfect for expressing frustration or annoyance towards a woman who’s really getting on your nerves. It’s direct, but with a bit of Irish cheek.
46. Best Irish Insults: Nutcase
Meaning: Someone who is crazy or unpredictable.
Example: “She’s a total nutcase for going on that trip by herself!”
Why You Need It: Use “nutcase” to describe someone whose actions don’t make sense or who’s acting in a strange way.
47. Best Irish Insults: Whelk
Meaning: A foolish or useless person.
Example: “That guy’s a whelk, he can’t even fix the sink!”
Why You Need It: It’s a quirky and amusing insult, ideal for when someone’s not living up to expectations or is completely ineffective.
48. Best Irish Insults: Spud
Meaning: A potato, but also used to describe someone who is slow or a bit dim-witted.
Example: “Stop being a spud and get on with it!”
Why You Need It: “Spud” is a light-hearted term for when someone is being a bit thick or slow. It’s friendly but effective.
Irish people still have a deep love for their spuds! Explore some of our top picks in traditional Irish foods to try during your visit to Ireland.
49. Best Irish Insults: Chancer
Meaning: Someone who takes unnecessary risks or tries to get away with something.
Example: “Don’t be such a chancer, you’re not going to get away with that!”
Why You Need It: Great for calling someone out who’s trying to take shortcuts or act in an opportunistic way.
50. Best Irish Insults: Dope
*Probably our favorite Irish insult!
Meaning: A person who is acting clueless, silly, or just plain dumb. It’s a classic term for calling someone out when they’re being particularly dense or not thinking clearly.
Example: “You absolute dope, how did you forget the tickets again?”
Why You Need It: A light-hearted way to tease someone who’s made a silly mistake or is acting a bit slow on the uptake. Perfect for calling out a pal who’s being a bit daft.
51. Best Irish Insults: Clown
Meaning: A person who is acting foolish or ridiculous.
Example: “You’re acting like a clown, knock it off!”
Why You Need It: A classic term to call out someone who is being silly or making a scene. It’s light-hearted but can also be used seriously if needed.
52. Best Irish Insults: Toad
Meaning: A mean or unpleasant person.
Example: “Don’t be a toad, I’m just trying to help you!”
Why You Need It: “Toad” is great for when someone is being particularly unpleasant, but you don’t want to be too harsh.
53. Best Irish Insults: Waster
Meaning: A lazy or unproductive person.
Example: “Stop being such a waster and get moving!”
Why You Need It: A great term to call out someone who’s not pulling their weight or is procrastinating.
54. Best Irish Insults: Dullard
Meaning: A slow-witted or uninteresting person.
Example: “Don’t be such a dullard, use your brain!”
Why You Need It: If you’re dealing with someone who’s being overly slow or dull, “dullard” will do the trick.
55. Best Irish Insults: Oaf
Meaning: A clumsy or awkward person.
Example: “You oaf, you just broke the vase!”
Why You Need It: If someone’s making a mess or being clumsy, calling them an “oaf” will get your point across with humor.
56. Best Irish Insults: Bozo
Meaning: A foolish or bumbling person.
Example: “Oh come on, stop being a bozo and just fix it!”
Why You Need It: It’s a light-hearted, not-too-harsh way to call out someone’s foolishness or clumsiness.
57. Best Irish Insults: Goof
Meaning: A silly or awkward person.
Example: “You’re a goof for forgetting about the party!”
Why You Need It: “Goof” is perfect for someone who’s making a minor mistake or acting absent-mindedly. It’s harmless and fun.
58. Best Irish Insults: Haggard
Meaning: Someone who looks exhausted or disheveled.
Example: “You look haggard, did you get any sleep last night?”
Why You Need It: This is great for calling out someone who looks a little rough around the edges, but it’s more playful than rude.
59. Best Irish Insults: Shambles
Meaning: A complete mess or disaster, often used for a person who is disorganized.
Example: “You’re an absolute shambles of a person”
Why You Need It: Use “shambles” when someone or something is in total chaos. It’s fun to use when things are going totally wrong.
60. Best Irish Insults: Nutter
Meaning: A crazy or unpredictable person.
Example: “You’re a complete nutter for thinking that will work!”
Why You Need It: “Nutter” is a friendly term for someone acting a little wild or irrational. It’s playful, but it still gets the point across that someone’s being a bit mad.
Book Dublin’s famous Guinness and Jameson Whiskey Tour and let your “nutter” side loose!
Blend Right In with the Best Irish Insults: Remember Context is Key!!
There you have it – 60 Irish insults to help you feel right at home in Ireland. Whether you’re trying to break the ice with some friendly banter, or you need to throw a cheeky jab at a friend, these top Irish phrases will have you fitting right in.
Just remember, as with all Irish humor, context is key. Insults here are often used in good fun and never intended to truly hurt feelings.
So go ahead – have the craic, toss around a few insults, and immerse yourself in the warmth and wit of Irish culture. Trust us, you’ll be warmly embraced if you pull some of these classic Irish insults out of the bag and you’ll be treated like a legend – let’s just say you’ll definitely be bought a Guinness or two!
Let us know how you get on and if you used any of these Irish insults, we’d love to hear from you and about your experience in Ireland.
If you have any questions please leave us a comment below, and don’t forget to check out our socials for our latest adventures!
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
