Phrase guide

Irish up

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To add alcohol to a drink that doesn't normally have it.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal, transitive

Examples

  • You want me to Irish up that punch bowl for ya? No? Ha, OK — your loss!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: spike

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To get drunk.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: intransitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: sober up

History

Etymology

From a stereotype of Irish people as often having a drinking problem; see Wikipedia at Anti-Irish sentiment. The verb's popularization was increased by an episode of The Simpsons in 2002.