You’re probably familiar with at least one or two terms used in Irish slang to describe girls.
You hear them in the movies and on TV.
And while you’re probably right about the ones you’ve got in your head at the moment, there area actually far more than that in use in Ireland.
There are many slang terms in Ireland for a girl, and many of them are incredibly contextually specific.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common Irish slang terms for girl as well as some of the more obscure ones.
Irish Slang For Girl
Banshee
While traditionally referring to a spirit in Irish folklore known for wailing to foretell death, it’s sometimes playfully used to describe a girl with a powerful voice.
Examples in sentences:
- “She sang so loudly at the concert, like a banshee, but it was amazing.”
- “Every time we play hide and seek, she finds me and screams like a banshee.”
- “Her laughter could be heard across the hall, clear and strong like a banshee’s wail.”
Bird
A common term in both the UK and Ireland, used affectionately to refer to a young woman or girlfriend.
Examples in sentences:
- “Met this lovely bird at the pub last night.”
- “He’s been going steady with that bird for a few months now.”
- “Who’s the new bird you’ve been seen with around town?”
Colleen
Derived from the Irish word “cailín,” meaning “girl,” it’s often used to refer to an Irish girl or young woman.
Examples in sentences:
- “She’s a true colleen, with her green eyes and love for the Emerald Isle.”
- “That colleen has a voice that could soothe the fiercest storm.”
- “Every colleen at the festival wore flowers in her hair.”
Caitlin
A name of Irish origin that’s become a term of endearment for girls in general.
Examples in sentences:
- “Caitlin’s always been the wild one in our group, ready for adventure.”
- “You’ll find Caitlin at the heart of every party, lighting up the room.”
- “I heard Caitlin’s leading the project, so you know it’s going to be a success.”
Cailín
The Irish word for “girl,” used in both Irish and English conversations in Ireland.
Examples in sentences:
- “She’s a bright cailín, always top of her class.”
- “There’s a cailín I know who can out-sing anyone in the county.”
- “My grandmother loves to tell stories about when she was a young cailín.”
Gal
An informal term widely used to refer to a girl or young woman.
Examples in sentences:
- “She’s a gal with a plan, always knows what she’s doing.”
- “The gals are getting together for a night out this weekend.”
- “That gal from the bookstore recommended the best books.”
Lass
Though more Scottish in origin, “lass” is widely used in Ireland to affectionately refer to a young girl or woman.
Examples in sentences:
- “There’s a lass I know who has the most infectious laugh.”
- “He’s been sweet on that lass since they were both in school.”
- “Who’s the new lass working at the café? She makes a fine cup of coffee.”
Maiden
A term that evokes images of young women in traditional or historical contexts, sometimes used poetically.
Examples in sentences:
- “The maiden fair, with her hair like the golden sun, caught everyone’s eye.”
- “Tales of the brave maiden who saved the village are still told to this day.”
- “He searched the kingdom far and wide for the maiden who had captured his heart.”
Missus
Often used to refer to a wife or significant other, but can also affectionately refer to any woman.
Examples in sentences:
- “The missus will have my head if I forget our anniversary again.”
- “Brought the missus to her favorite restaurant for her birthday.”
- “Wait till the missus hears about this; she’ll be thrilled.”
Mot
Dublin slang for a girlfriend or significant other.
Examples in sentences:
- “I’m taking the mot out for dinner tonight, somewhere nice.”
- “Did you see the gift he got for his mot? He’s really smitten.”
- “The mot and I are heading to the coast for the weekend.”
Moth
Similar to “mot,” a Dublin slang term for a girlfriend or significant other.
Examples in sentences:
- “I’m meeting the moth later for a movie.”
- “He’s always on the phone to his moth, whispering sweet nothings.”
- “The moth’s got him wrapped around her little finger.”
Puma
A playful term, likely borrowed from the more widely known “cougar,” referring to an older woman dating a younger man.
Examples in sentences:
- “She’s a bit of a puma, isn’t she? Always with younger lads.”
- “At the club, he caught the eye of a puma who showed him the ropes.”
- “They say age is just a number, and she’s living it up like a true puma.”
Sheila
Though more commonly used in Australian English, “Sheila” is sometimes heard in Irish slang to refer to a woman.
Examples in sentences:
- “Met a Sheila at the bar who knew all the best local bands.”
- “That Sheila’s got style, always dressed to the nines.”
- “He’s been chatting up a Sheila he met at the beach.”
Wan
A Dubliner’s abbreviation of “one,” often used to refer to a girl or woman.
Examples in sentences:
- “See that wan over there? She’s a friend from college.”
- “This wan’s got a voice on her, can sing like an angel.”
- “Who’s the new wan working in the office? She seems nice.”
So, as you can see, some of these terms are only used in very specific situations.
The most likely slang terms you’ll hear are lass or bird, and perhaps the Irish cailín next.
Either way, the Irish have plenty of ways to refer to women and girls using slang, and so if you ever hear any of the terms on this list, you shouldn’t be too confused anymore!
More in Irish Slang
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- Irish Slang For Crazy
- Irish Slang For Drunk
- Irish Slang For Friend
- Irish Slang For Fun
- Irish Slang For Funny
- Irish Slang For Girl
- Irish Slang For Informant
- Irish Slang For Money
- Irish Slang For Mother
- Irish Slang For Potato
- Irish Slang For Toilet
- Irish Slang For Vomit
- Irish Slang For Whiskey
- Irish Slang For Yes
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@PollyWebster
Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.
Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.
Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.