THE IRISH CAN lay claim to being the best in the world at quite a few things – ranging from mortifying weekly chat show moments to quality spice bag reviews.

We’re also world beaters at the creation of unique insults – and some words prove it:

1.

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So much can be summed up about a person’s character with just one cutting phrase. They know what it means, you know what it means – exactly how language should be.

2.

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Breaking down the literal definition of this doesn’t do it justice – geebag is more than the sum of its parts.

And a quintessential Irish insult.

3.

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“Ah, you’re some gowl” is one of the finest insults ever uttered. And it sounds so much better in a Limerick accent, too.

4.

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Prefaced with “ya little” makes this insult extra jaunty.

5.

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Absolute mank.

6.

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A minus craic bird of prey.

7.

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Throwback to the old days, where our nation knew the value of a good, ridiculous-sounding slagging.

This current generation has taken on their good work.

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Mild, but still extremely effective in getting across the point that you think someone is an absolute clown.

9.

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Most people have a bit of wagon in them, given the right environment. Using this word to describe someone else brings with it a unique sense of Irish satisfaction.

10.

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Rest of the world: hilarious characters from your childhood and/or A Christmas Carol.

Ireland: An absolute dope.

11.

Given the inherent inventiveness and flexibility of Irish insults, you can add “-bottle” to it to give it that extra oomph.

Our gifts to the world.

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More What’s the harshest insult you can deliver to a fellow Irish person?