An Irish exclamation expressing dismay, grief, or lamentation — similar to 'oh dear' or 'alas.' It is typically used in expressions like 'wirra wirra' for added emphasis. The term has an old-fashioned, rural Irish flavor and is more commonly encountered in literature, folk songs, and depictions of Irish speech than in everyday modern conversation. Carries a tone of helpless worry or sorrow rather than shock or anger. Largely archaic in contemporary usage.
'Wirra,' she muttered, shaking her head as she read the letter about the failing harvest.
No comments yet — say something.
(Irish) Exclamation of dismay.
No comments yet — say something.
Add your own interpretation of "wirra".
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.