Irish confetti is a darkly humorous American and British slang phrase for bricks — specifically bricks thrown as weapons during a fight or riot. The term reflects an old ethnic stereotype associating Irish immigrants with street brawls and construction work. Its origins lie in the kind of derogatory ethnic humour that was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today the phrase is considered offensive and is rarely used without awareness of its prejudiced roots. It's the kind of expression that turns up in historical texts or discussions of slang rather than current casual use.
The riot escalated quickly, with both sides trading Irish confetti across the barricade.
No comments yet — say something.
(slang) A brick or bricks thrown during a fight.
No comments yet — say something.
Add your own interpretation of "Irish confetti".
Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.