Slang: Irish and UK Footwear and Kiss Terms You Need to Know

When we talk about slang, informal words and phrases used by specific groups, often tied to region or culture. Also known as colloquial language, it’s not just about sounding cool—it’s how people really talk in their kitchens, pubs, and on the street. In Ireland, slang isn’t just slang. It’s identity. It’s the difference between saying "trainers" and hearing someone across the border call them "joggers" or "plimsolls." It’s the way a kiss isn’t just a kiss—it’s a "peck," a "smacker," or a full-on "pash." These words carry history, humor, and local pride. And if you’re shopping for shoes or trying to sound like you belong in Dublin, Galway, or Glasgow, knowing the right term matters more than you think.

Take footwear terms, the regional names for athletic shoes used across the UK and Ireland. Also known as sneakers, they’re called different things depending on where you are. In Ireland, it’s mostly "trainers." In Scotland, you’ll hear "joggers" more than anything else. In parts of Northern England, they might say "plimsolls," even if they’re not wearing gym shoes. These aren’t just random words—they’re clues to where someone grew up, what school they went to, or even what decade they remember buying their first pair. For Irish shoppers, understanding this helps when browsing UK sites or talking to friends across the border. You don’t want to order "joggers" thinking they’re different from trainers, only to get the exact same pair. Then there’s Irish kiss slang, the local expressions used to describe how people kiss, from quick pecks to deep embraces. Also known as romantic colloquialisms, terms like "smacker," "pash," or "blow a kiss" aren’t just playful—they’re social cues. Saying you "gave her a peck" means something very different than saying you "went in for a pash." These words tell you the mood, the relationship, and even the setting. A "peck" on the cheek after mass? Normal. A "pash" in a pub after three pints? That’s a whole different story. These aren’t just words. They’re cultural markers. They connect people. They help you fit in—or at least not sound like a tourist.

What you’ll find below isn’t a dictionary. It’s a real talk guide. We’ve pulled together the most useful, most spoken-about terms from across the island and beyond. Whether you’re trying to understand why your Scottish friend won’t buy "trainers" online, or you’re wondering how to say "I kissed him" without sounding like a rom-com, these posts break it down without the fluff. No jargon. No lectures. Just the words people actually use—and why they use them.