Funny Irish Sayings: Top 50 Funniest

Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a conversation, only to be left scratching your head at a quirky turn of phrase that leaves you bewildered and wondering if you’ve suddenly stepped into another dimension? Well, my friend, you’ve likely stumbled upon the world of funny Irish sayings – a delightful realm of wit, wisdom, and downright absurdity that has charmed and amused people for centuries. The Irish have a knack for turning even the most mundane topics into a source of laughter, often with an underlying layer of profound insight. From drink to death, birthdays to good luck, friendship to family, and everything in between, you’ll find that there’s an Irish saying for every occasion, capable of sparking laughter or bringing a tear to your eye.

The Irish have a natural gift for storytelling, a talent honed by generations of gathering around the fire to share tales of love, loss, and laughter. This rich oral tradition has given rise to a seemingly endless array of sayings that capture the essence of life’s joys and sorrows with a deft mix of humor and poignancy. In short, the Irish know how to find the funny in even the darkest of times, and their gift for gab has produced a treasure trove of sayings that continue to resonate today.

So, as you explore these funny Irish sayings, remember that laughter is the best medicine, and there’s no better way to celebrate the human experience than with a hearty chuckle or two. After all, in the immortal words of the Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, “Life does not cease to be funny when people die any more than it ceases to be serious when people laugh.” So go ahead, indulge in a bit of levity and let these Irish sayings tickle your funny bone, because as the old saying goes, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.”

When you are finished checking our list of funny Irish sayings, we have some other great Irish content for you. Come explore our lists of Irish proverbs, funny Irish team names, funny Irish namesbadass Irish boy names, and much more!

Table of Contents

Funny Irish Sayings

He’s as busy as a one-legged man at a bum-kicking contest.

This funny irish saying is used to describe someone who is giving the appearance of being very busy or overwhelmed with tasks but is not productive and is flailing around. The image of a one-legged man trying to participate in a competition that requires both legs highlights the extreme level of faking their busyness.

He’s a few sandwiches short of a picnic.

This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings. It is a humorous way of saying that someone isn’t quite right in the head, or they’re not the sharpest tool in the shed.

I’m as happy as Larry.

This saying is used to express that you’re extremely happy, content, or satisfied with a situation. The identity of “Larry” is unclear, but the phrase remains a popular and light-hearted way to describe your joy.

Acting the maggot.

This funny irish saying is one of the more popular ones used in Ireland. It is a way of saying that someone is behaving foolishly or playfully. It’s often used when someone is acting out or causing trouble, usually in a light-hearted or mischievous manner. Adults would often say this to kids. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as it is so ubiquitous.

She’s got a face that would stop a clock.

This less-than-complimentary saying is a funny way of describing someone who is considered unattractive. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as its hilarious.

I’m so hungry I could eat a farmer’s arse through a hedge

I am not sure of where this sayings originates but the meaning is clear!

Yer man’s a right eejit.

This expression is a funny way of calling someone a fool or an idiot. “Yer man” is a colloquial term for “that guy,” and “eejit” is an Irish equivalent of the word “idiot.” Eejit is one our favorite funny Irish sayings.

He’s as thick as a ditch.

This amusing saying is used to describe someone who is not very intelligent or lacks common sense. The comparison to a ditch suggests that the person’s mental capacity is as shallow and unimpressive as a simple hole in the ground.

He’s as mad as a box of frogs.

This is used to describe someone who is eccentric, unpredictable, or slightly crazy.

You’re not as green as you’re cabbage-looking.

This witty saying is used to tell someone that they’re not as naive or inexperienced as they may appear. The phrase plays on the idea that a person may look innocent or unassuming, like a cabbage, but is actually more knowledgeable and worldly than they seem.

You’re away with the fairies.

Another one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as it is widely used and also references fairies which are such a huge part of Irish folklore. This is used to describe someone who is daydreaming, lost in thought, or not paying attention to what’s going on around them. The reference to fairies suggests a state of mind lost in dreams and fantasy land, as if the person is caught up in their own little world.

He’d talk the hind legs off a donkey.

Another great funny Irish saying. Used to describe someone who is exceptionally chatty or talkative. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as everyone loves a good talker and this perfectly describes one.

He’s as tight as a duck’s arse.

Used to describe someone who is extremely frugal, miserly, or unwilling to spend money. The comparison to a duck’s rear end, which is watertight to keep water out, highlights the person’s unwillingness to part with their cash. We love this one to describe a tight arse! This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as no one likes

You could skin a cat in her kitchen.

Meaning: This unusual phrase is used to describe a very clean or spotless environment, often referring to someone’s home or kitchen.

She’s got a tongue like a razor.

A great phrase to describe someone who is sharp-tongued, quick-witted, or has a biting sense of humor. The comparison to a razor blade emphasizes the person’s ability to cut others down with their words or deliver stinging comebacks.

Funny Irish Sayings That Are Short

What’s the craic?

This phrase is one of the most common in modern Irish slang, and it essentially means “what’s going on?” or “what’s happening?” The word “craic” is an Irish term for fun, entertainment, or good times. So, when someone asks you “what’s the craic?” do not mix it up with the word crack that can mean something very different in other countries. A great funny short Irish saying.

Sure, it’s grand.

This saying is a staple of Irish conversation and is a way of expressing that everything is just fine or okay. It’s often used when things may not be perfect, but they’re good enough or not worth worrying about. One of our favorite funny short Irish sayings. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as I think it is one of the most recognisable Irish sayings that there is.

That’s gas!

This expression might confuse someone unfamiliar with Irish slang, but it simply means “that’s funny” or “that’s amusing.” It’s used to express laughter or enjoyment at a story or situation.

She’s a fine thing, altogether.

This is a complimentary way of saying that someone (usually a woman) is very attractive or appealing.

You’re as sound as a pound.

This is a way of saying that someone is reliable, trustworthy, or genuine. The comparison to a pound (a unit of currency) suggests that the person is as dependable as the value of money.

There’s a great stretch in the evenings.

Meaning: This saying is used to comment on the longer daylight hours that come with spring and summer. Winter is long and dark and this is a piss-take way of saying thank god winter is over! This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as it means a badly needed summer is finally here, even if it only lasts for 2 days/

If you’re enough lucky to be Irish, you’re lucky enough!

Nothing more needs to be said!

Have you been rowin / rowing?

People often ask what do Irish people mean when they use the word rowing in this manner. Well, have you been rowing means have you been fighting/arguing. Rowing is another word for arguing. One of our favorite Irish funny sayings as people are often confused by what it means. Rowing seems to be uniquely Irih in terms of being used to mean an argument.

Funny Irish Sayings About Drink

We all know Irish people love a drink, perhaps too much drink.

I’ll tell you a story for a pint.

This saying is an offer to share an entertaining or interesting tale in exchange for a pint of beer.

When we drink, we get drunk. When we get drunk, we fall asleep. When we fall asleep, we commit no sin. When we commit no sin, we go to Heaven. So, let’s all get drunk and go to Heaven!

Drinking avoids sinning and avoiding sinning guarantees heaven. Easy peasy. A great funny Irish drink saying.

Whiskey is liquid sunshine.

Our favorite funny Irish drink sayings. Whiskey in Irish literally translates as water of life (uisce beatha) so you can see why this is such a great funny Irish drink saying

Funny Irish Sayings To Wish Good Luck

May your troubles be less and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.

This charming saying is a wish for good fortune, expressing hope that the person will experience more blessings and happiness than difficulties in their life. A great funny Irish good luck saying. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings because of how sweet it is.

May the road rise up to meet you, and may the wind be always at your back.

This popular Irish blessing wishes the person a smooth journey through life, with the wind symbolizing good fortune pushing them onwards.

Funny Irish Sayings About Death

May you be in Heaven a full half-hour before the Devil knows you’re dead.

Wishing someone a peaceful afterlife before the Devil has a chance to claim their soul. Our favourite Irish funny sayings about death.

Funny Irish Sayings About Birthday

May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live.

One of our two favorite funny Irish birthday sayings. This witty birthday blessing wishes the person a long, contented life where all their desires are fulfilled.

May you live to be a hundred years, with one extra year to repent.

Our other favorite funny Irish birthday sayings. This humorous birthday wish encourages the person to enjoy a long life, with just enough time to make amends for any mistakes.

Funny Irish Sayings: Old And Wise

There’s more to this than meets the eye.

This suggests that a situation is more complicated or mysterious than it initially appears. It’s often used when something is too good to be true or when someone suspects there’s a hidden agenda at play.

To be sure, to be sure.

This expression is a quintessential Irish saying that essentially means “absolutely” or “definitely.” It’s often used for emphasis or to assure someone that you’re in complete agreement with them.

It’s a long road that has no turning.

This phrase is a reminder that all journeys, no matter how challenging or arduous, will eventually

The older the fiddle, the sweeter the tune.

This charming saying is a way of expressing that age brings wisdom and experience, and that older people often have valuable insights to share. It’s a positive reminder to respect and appreciate the knowledge of our elders.

Sure, that’s only a storm in a teacup.

This phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is making a big fuss over something relatively unimportant.

You can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.

This funny saying is used to express that you can’t make something valuable or attractive out of poor-quality materials. It’s a reminder that trying to polish something inherently flawed or inferior is often a futile effort.

Sure, it’s a soft day.

This saying is a lighthearted way of describing a day with misty, drizzly weather. It’s often used as an understatement when the weather is unpleasant but not quite bad enough to be considered a downpour or storm.

A watched kettle never boils.

A reminder that time seems to pass more slowly when you’re waiting for something to happen, and that obsessively watching or worrying about a situation won’t make it unfold any faster.

A bad penny always turns up.

This is used to express the idea that someone or something undesirable will inevitably make a reappearance, despite attempts to avoid them. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings as it is very accurate. Good pennies always get lost.

The pot calling the kettle black.

This is used when someone accuses another person of a fault that they themselves possess, often in a hypocritical manner. It highlights the absurdity of criticizing someone for a flaw.

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.

This proverb emphasizes the restorative power of laughter and sleep, suggesting that they can help heal any issue or ailment. This is one of our favorite funny Irish sayings because of how true it is!

You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.

This saying often shared among family members serves as a reminder that overthinking won’t accomplish anything; you need to take action to achieve your goals.

You’ve got to do your own growing, no matter how tall your grandfather was.

This saying is a reminder that everyone must face their own challenges and experiences in life, regardless of the achievements of their ancestors.

A friend’s eye is a good mirror.

This saying emphasizes the importance of a true friend, suggesting that they can provide honest feedback and help you see your true self.

You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind.

This saying emphasizes the importance of taking action rather than just thinking about a task, reminding us that progress requires effort and determination.

We hope you liked our list of our favorite Irish funny sayings! Got a suggestion? Add it to the comment box below!

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