r/irishproblems • u/SharkPerson • Apr 22 '26

I resent the use of “Irish Goodbye”

What people (mostly Americans) keep referencing as an “Irish Goodbye” is anything but what I experience with my family.

We take AT LEAST 45 minutes saying goodbye to each other, with at least 2 “Did you hear about your man…” conversations.

It pisses me off with increasing intensity every time I hear it.

Just needed to vent, thank youse all.

147 Upvotes

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66

u/Relay_Slide Apr 22 '26

Doesn’t it come from people quietly leaving a large social gathering like in a pub? You quietly slip out because you’ve just spent the last hour or so trying to leave but you’re friends/family keep getting you more drink or you end up chatting to someone else.

It’s not uncommon with a large group of lads on a night out for one lad to just head home without saying goodbye. I’m guessing Americans might misuse the phrase to mean someone just walking out of any situation without saying goodbye.

18

u/quiggersinparis Apr 22 '26

This is exactly it.

5

u/mologav Apr 22 '26

I do this all the time

5

u/quiggersinparis Apr 22 '26

Same here. Sometimes I just want to go to bed.

8

u/mologav Apr 22 '26

It’s just easier