Things not to say to Irish people

BBC video - things you should never say to Irish people

There are certainly perks to being Irish – we seem to be one of the most loved nationalities in the world.

Tourists love visiting Ireland to experience the beautiful scenery and the notoriously friendly people.

However, with the notoriety comes the occasional stereotypes that many Irish people would rather do without.

BBC video - things you should never say to Irish people

Irish people may enjoy the craic and a few drinks but they’re not alcoholics (not any more so than people in other countries), we don’t say ‘top o’ the mornin’ to ya’ and we are not a part of the UK, or even England.

The stereotypes are so common that the BBC has produced a comedy compilation of ‘Things Not to Say to Irish People’.

These include saying ‘top o’ the mornin’ to ya’ or asking an Irish person to say ‘potato’ or assuming we want to drink all night singing U2 songs.

One person said: “We’re not morning people.”

Another added: “I f***ing hate potatoes.”

Someone else said: “If I decide I don’t want another drink… people turn on you.”

Another guy made the interesting point: “A lot of famous Irish people are claimed by England… but they’ve never claimed Bono.”

It does seem that the stereotype can occasionally work in our favour when it comes to ‘getting away with stuff’. The discussion turns to whether being Irish can be seen as a ‘get out of jail free’ card for wild behaviour.

One person said: “It’s the same as ‘boys will be boys’ – ‘ah they’re Irish’.”

Take a look at the video below (warning, it contains strong language).


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Written by Michael Kehoe @michaelcalling