Question 1

What does "irish up" mean?

Accepted Answer

To arouse someone's anger, fighting spirit, or combativeness.

Question 2

How do you use "irish up" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

That comment really irishe him up — he was ready to argue with anyone.

Question 3

Is "irish up" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"irish up" is informal — used mainly in casual conversation. Informal and considered offensive or stereotyping by many speakers, as it plays on the cultural stereotype of Irish people as hot-tempered. Mainly used in American English. Use with caution. Occasionally encountered in older texts or informal American speech.

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