What It Means When You Hear Locals In Ireland Refer To The 'Craic' When Going Out

Ireland is a place known for unique, arresting natural landscapes that certainly make it one of the most atmospheric countries in the region, if not the world. From dramatic seaside cliffs to verdant countrysides, rugged hills, windswept islands, and other incredible scenery as seen on this popular road trip route, the Emerald Isle radiates a magical ambiance all its own that helps explain why it's one of Europe's most popular destinations.

Despite its many wild, rural charms, Ireland is also home to modern cities (like Dublin, a great place for solo travel) full of buzzing streets, packed pubs, and pumping nightlife. Irish people really know how to let their hair down and have a good time. Warm social relations, good banter, and pure fun are key to the Irish way of life, so much so that they have their own word for it: craic.

Pronounced "crack," you're likely to hear it a lot when traveling in Ireland, but don't be taken aback. The term has nothing to do with drugs, but rather the Irish notion of a good time with good friends. This could mean a big night out, lively conversation, hilarious jokes, or nice music, with perhaps a pint or three of Guinness thrown in for good measure.

"What's the craic?" This is a common greeting in Ireland, especially among younger people at the pub. It translates to "What's new?" or "What's going on?" A basic reply would be, "Good, how's the craic with you?" Or, if you've been having a particularly good time: "Mighty!" But where does the word come from? 

The origin of the term is very much up for debate. While some Irish maintain that "craic" has Gaelic roots and comes from their Indigenous Irish language, scholars dispute this by pointing out that the first written usage of the word didn't even appear until the 1950s. Others believe "craic" comes from the Old English word "cracian," which means to brag, boast, or make a loud noise, and that the Irish borrowed it from Scottish settlers in Ulster (mostly in Northern Ireland) who have been using the term for hundreds of years (though spelling it "crack").

Whatever its origins, craic is used everywhere in Ireland today and has become an indispensable part of the culture, with some maintaining that craic even has six levels — ranging from "good craic" to "the craic is/was 90." While typically employed to describe a spirited and fun social situation or enjoyable experience, it can also be used to ask about chatter, news, or even gossip, as in: "Any craic?"

While Ireland is an English-speaking nation, they definitely have their own take on things, with a whole host of idioms and slang that's not just reflected in how they speak today, but also in their rich literary tradition. Modern Ireland is a treasure trove of words and expressions you'll find nowhere else, so it pays to learn a few before you visit, lest you find yourself looking like a clueless tourist.

The Irish will often use the word "grand" to describe themselves, an experience, or a situation. While Americans may take it to mean "amazing," in Ireland it just means "fine," "not bad," or even a casual assent to an invitation or request, as in: "Do you want to see the new Star Wars movie?" "Ah, grand." Some other Irish terms would be to say "brutal" when things are not going well ("I had a brutal day"), saying "your man" instead of "that guy" ("Your man over there"), and calling a particularly foolish person an "eejit" (related to the pronunciation of "idiot").

When someone seems lost in their own world, they could be described as "away with the fairies," and if a person is being particularly obnoxious or stupid, they may be told to "stop acting the maggot." And when it comes time to order a beer at the pub, you can just tell the bartender, "A pint of the black stuff," and you'll have a perfectly-poured glass of Guinness in no time. Speaking of Guinness, if you find yourself in Ireland during St. Patrick's Day, here are 12 of the best places to celebrate.