Footwear Term Checker
Check what footwear terms mean in Ireland versus Australia - where the same word means something completely different!
In Ireland, where the weather shifts from sunshine to sleet before you’ve finished your morning coffee, the idea of wearing thongs outdoors might sound like a bad joke. But if you’ve ever watched an Australian TV show or chatted with someone from down under, you’ve probably heard them say "thong" and wondered - what exactly are they talking about? And why does it sound so weird when we say it here?
The short answer: Aussies call what we in Ireland call flip flops a "thong." It’s not a stretch to imagine the confusion. In Ireland, "thong" means something entirely different - and nobody wants to walk into a shop asking for "thongs" in July and end up staring at underwear racks. The same word, two continents, zero overlap in meaning.
What’s in a Name? Flip Flops vs. Thongs vs. Slippers
If you’ve ever bought footwear from Bally, Dunnes Stores, or even online from Amazon Ireland, you’ve likely seen them labeled as "flip flops" - and that’s the term you’ll hear everywhere from Cork to Donegal. But if you’re chatting with someone from Australia or New Zealand, they’ll say "thong." In Canada and the US, it’s "flip flops" too, though some older folks in the Midwest might still say "sandal."
Here’s how it breaks down:
- Ireland: Flip flops - the rubber soles with the toe strap, worn at the beach, in the garden, or to the corner shop for milk.
- Australia: Thongs - same shoe, different name. No one here thinks of underwear.
- UK: Often "flip flops," but sometimes "plastic sandals" - especially if you’re in a pub in Belfast and someone’s complaining about wet feet.
- North America: "Flip flops" dominates, though "jandals" is used in New Zealand (yes, they’re close to Australia).
And then there’s "slippers." In Ireland, slippers are the fuzzy, wool-lined, house shoes you wear after a long day at work, especially if you live in Galway or Limerick and your heating bill is higher than your rent. You don’t wear slippers to the shops. You don’t wear them to the beach. But you’ll find them stacked by the back door of nearly every home in County Kerry, tucked beside wellies and rain boots.
Why the Confusion? A Cultural Footprint
The word "thong" comes from the Old English "þong," meaning a strip of leather or fabric - like the strap under the foot. Australians adopted it in the 1950s to describe the simple rubber soles with a single strap between the toes. It stuck. Meanwhile, in Ireland, the word "thong" was quietly evolving into something else - thanks to fashion trends, pop culture, and the fact that we’ve got enough to worry about without mixing up footwear and underwear.
Remember when the Irish version of "The Great British Bake Off" aired and one contestant said "I’m wearing my thongs" while baking? The comments section exploded. Someone from Melbourne had to chime in: "You mean your flip flops?"
Even in Dublin’s Temple Bar, where tourists buy "I Love Dublin" T-shirts and cheap souvenirs, you’ll find flip flops in summer. But ask for "thongs," and the shopkeeper might hand you a packet of underwear - or just laugh.
What Do You Actually Wear in Ireland?
Let’s be real: in Ireland, you don’t wear flip flops unless you’re on the south coast in July. Even then, you’ll likely need a light jacket and a towel. The climate doesn’t allow for barefoot sandals the way it does in Perth or Byron Bay.
Instead, most Irish people stick to:
- Wellington boots: The national footwear. Brands like Aigle and Bogs are common. If you’re in Sligo or Kerry and it’s raining, you’re probably in wellies.
- Indoor slippers: Felt-lined, with rubber soles. Brands like Sloggers or even homemade ones from Woolworths Ireland.
- Waterproof sandals: For the rare sunny day - think Crocs or Teva-style sandals with straps. These are sold in Dunnes Stores, Penneys, and online at SuperValu’s home section.
- Trainers: For walking the Phoenix Park, the Liffey cycle path, or the Wicklow Way. Nike, Adidas, and Irish brand Karrimor are everywhere.
Flip flops? Sure, you’ll see them at the beach in Doolin or the Giant’s Causeway. But even then, they’re often paired with socks - because the water’s too cold.
When You Meet an Aussie in Ireland
If you ever find yourself at a pub in Galway, chatting with a backpacker from Melbourne, and they say "I love my thongs," don’t panic. Just smile and say, "Oh, you mean your flip flops?" They’ll laugh, then order another Guinness and explain how they wore theirs to the Sydney Opera House. You’ll nod, sip your cider, and realize - language is weird, but it’s also funny.
And if you’re ever tempted to buy "thongs" in an Irish store? Double-check the label. The aisle you’re looking for is probably labeled "Flip Flops" - right next to the sunscreen and the ice cream.
What About the Rest of the World?
It’s not just Australia. In South Africa, they call them "plastic sandals." In Brazil, "chinelo." In Japan, "zori." Even in parts of the Caribbean, they’re "jandals." The world has dozens of names for the same basic thing: a rubber sole, a toe strap, and zero support.
But in Ireland? We’ve got one clear term: flip flops. And we’re sticking to it.
Final Thought: Don’t Say "Thong" Here
If you’re visiting Ireland and want to blend in, say "flip flops." If you’re buying them, look for "flip flops" on the tag. If you’re in a shop and say "I need some thongs," you might get handed a pair of underwear - and a very confused look.
And if you’re an Aussie living in Dublin? Welcome. You’re going to need a lot of socks. And maybe a new vocabulary.
What do Australians call flip flops?
Australians call flip flops "thongs." It’s the common term across the country, from Sydney to Perth. This has nothing to do with underwear - it’s purely about the rubber sandal with a toe strap. If you’re in Australia and ask for "flip flops," people might look at you funny. But if you’re in Ireland, saying "thong" will likely cause confusion - or laughter.
Do Irish people wear flip flops?
Yes - but only in summer, and only in specific places. You’ll see them on beaches like Doolin, Lahinch, or Portrush. Most people wear them for quick trips to the shop or the garden. But in the rain-heavy months, flip flops are rare. The Irish climate doesn’t support barefoot footwear for long. You’ll find more people in wellies, waterproof boots, or indoor slippers than in flip flops.
What do Irish people call slippers?
In Ireland, "slippers" means the cozy, indoor shoes you wear at home - usually wool-lined, with a rubber sole to prevent slipping on tiled floors. Brands like Sloggers, Bogs, and even homemade ones from Dunnes Stores are popular. These aren’t beachwear. They’re winter wear. You’ll find them in homes from Belfast to Cork, especially after a long day in the rain.
Is "thong" used for underwear in Ireland?
Yes - and overwhelmingly so. In Ireland, "thong" refers almost exclusively to underwear. It’s a standard term in stores like Penneys, Primark, and SuperValu’s lingerie section. If you say "I need new thongs," no one thinks of footwear. They think of cotton, lace, or satin. That’s why mixing up the terms can lead to awkward moments - and why it’s best to say "flip flops" when you mean sandals.
Where can I buy flip flops in Ireland?
You can find flip flops at almost every major retailer: Dunnes Stores, Penneys, SuperValu, and online via Amazon Ireland or Boots. Brands like Crocs, Teva, and Havaianas are common. Look for them in the summer section - usually near the sunblock and beach towels. Prices range from €5 for basic pairs to €25 for branded styles. Don’t expect to find them in winter - unless you’re at a tourist shop in Killarney.
