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Best in the World

11 words that prove Irish people do insults better than anyone else

Ya gowl.

THE IRISH CAN lay claim to being the best in the world at quite a few things – ranging from mortifying weekly chat show moments to quality spice bag reviews.

We’re also world beaters at the creation of unique insults – and some words prove it:

1.

dry flickr flickr

So much can be summed up about a person’s character with just one cutting phrase. They know what it means, you know what it means – exactly how language should be.

2.

geebag flickr flickr

Breaking down the literal definition of this doesn’t do it justice – geebag is more than the sum of its parts.

And a quintessential Irish insult.

3.

gowl flickr flickr

“Ah, you’re some gowl” is one of the finest insults ever uttered. And it sounds so much better in a Limerick accent, too.

4.

insult1 flickr flickr

Prefaced with “ya little” makes this insult extra jaunty.

5.

dirtbird flickr flickr

Absolute mank.

6.

shitehawk flickr flickr

A minus craic bird of prey.

7.

gom flickr flickr

Throwback to the old days, where our nation knew the value of a good, ridiculous-sounding slagging.

This current generation has taken on their good work.

8.

eejit flickr flickr

Mild, but still extremely effective in getting across the point that you think someone is an absolute clown.

9.

wagon flickr flickr

Most people have a bit of wagon in them, given the right environment. Using this word to describe someone else brings with it a unique sense of Irish satisfaction.

10.

muppet flickr flickr

Rest of the world: hilarious characters from your childhood and/or A Christmas Carol.

Ireland: An absolute dope.

11.

pox

Given the inherent inventiveness and flexibility of Irish insults, you can add “-bottle” to it to give it that extra oomph.

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More What’s the harshest insult you can deliver to a fellow Irish person?

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