Meaning
What is happening, what is the news or how are things? In this question craic usually means news or happenings. In good craic it means enjoyable company, talk or entertainment. Regional use: Ireland, especially informal Irish English; crack remains common in parts of northern Britain.
Origin
Craic is not simply an ancient Irish word. It comes from crack, a Scots and northern English word for news, chat, entertainment or lively talk. The word travelled into Ireland, particularly through Ulster speech, was Gaelicised as craic during the 20th century and was then borrowed back into Irish English in that spelling.
Research Sources
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
Variants
- Any craic?
- How's the craic?
- What about ye, any craic?
- What's the crack?
Usage Examples
- What's the craic in town tonight?
- Any craic, or has the office been quiet all week?