Slang dictionary
Erin go Bragh
[er-in goh brah]
What does Erin go Bragh mean?
Based on an Irish phrase meaning “Ireland forever,” Erin go Bragh is a popular expression of loyalty to, or affection for, Ireland and its people and culture.
Where does Erin go Bragh come from?
Erin go Bragh is an Anglicization of Éire go Brách, among other forms, literally meaning “Ireland till the end of time” in the Irish language. The phrase was apparently first recorded during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. It was on a flag brandished by the United Irishmen to voice a rallying cry for Irish independence from Britain.
In the 19th century, Erin go Bragh was occasionally used as a slogan to express Irish national pride. It was even used as a motto for the now defunct Irish Unionist Party. In modern Ireland, it’s used as the name of a Dublin-based Gaelic games athletics club. Many noted Irish musicians have also written songs that are either titled Erin go Bragh or deal with it as a theme. But the expression’s principal currency, as far as the record is concerned, has been sentimental, used to invoke and celebrate Irish pride and culture.
Examples of Erin go Bragh
Who uses Erin go Bragh?
Erin go Bragh is mainly used outside of Ireland in a range of contexts and registers. It appears in tweets linking to articles about Ireland, in St. Patrick’s Day salutations from people boasting Irish heritage, and on Irish-themed bric-a-brac and souvenirs. While Erin go Bragh is usually a warm-hearted way to cheer on and signal all things Irish, it can sometimes come across as a bit patronizing.
Show off your Irish pride with this exclusive "Erin go Bragh" #Ogham print. ☘️🇮🇪 #OghamArt #ErinGoBragh https://t.co/17xkcVAaC0
— OghamArt (@OghamArt) November 8, 2018
Note
This is not meant to be a formal definition of Erin go Bragh like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of Erin go Bragh that will help our users expand their word mastery.