Why should you know what “craic” means tomorrow?

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Why should you know what "craic" means tomorrow?

Discover why you should learn the Irish slang "craic" in time for St. Patrick's Day — it's bound to bring a whole lot of fun to your celebrations.

T he Irish language has given us an abundance of lively expressions, but during a recent visit to the Emerald Isle, I came across one word that we don't often hear on this side of the Atlantic: "craic." While enjoying a cherished Irish pastime — a pint at a pub among good company — my husband and I noticed several staff sporting T-shirts emblazoned with the phrase "Real Craic." Curious, we asked our server about it, and with a smile, he explained, "It means you're having a good time — a lot of fun!" If there's one thing you can always count on in Éire (the Irish-language version of the country name), there's always plenty of craic to be had.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, our server's definition was spot-on. Pronounced just like the English word "crack," craic refers to "fun, amusement; entertaining company or conversation." This Irish term rose to popularity in the late 1970s as a catchphrase on the Irish-language TV variety program SBB ina Shuí, where it was used in the phrase, "beidh ceol, caint agus craic againn," meaning "we will have music, talk, and fun."

Because the Scottish Gaelic and Irish languages are so intertwined, craic crossed the Irish Sea to the United Kingdom, where I spotted it again later in my trip. The slang word seemed to be just as popular in Scotland, where I found it written on a keepsake mug, now one of my favorite souvenirs.

Today, as Queen's University Belfast notes, craic is widely used in casual conversation to describe anything that promises enjoyment. It's often paired with complimentary adjectives such as "good," "real," or "great." For example, the friend who always has a joke is "good craic," and that long-anticipated summer concert? That'll be "great craic." Similarly, if you're doing something "for the craic," it's simply "just for fun." And try adopting the classic Irish greeting: "What's the craic?" — a casual, friendly way of asking "What's up?" or "How are you?"

As you gear up for some "real craic" on St. Patrick's Day, don't forget to embrace this quintessentially Irish term. It's a perfect way to add a bit of authentic spirit from the Emerald Isle into your celebrations. Sláinte! (Health! Or Cheers!)