Irishman

Irishman is a male person from the island of Ireland. In English, it is the masculine demonym formed from Ireland with the suffix -man; the corresponding feminine form is Irishwoman, though the neutral term Irish person is commonly used today. The term denotes residents of the island and does not imply citizenship of a particular state; it encompasses people born in the Republic of Ireland as well as in Northern Ireland.

The word has a long history in English, dating from the early modern period. In the Irish language, the common term for an Irish person is Éireannach. Usage varies, and some contexts distinguish between an Irishman and a person from Northern Ireland or the Republic, but in everyday language Irishman typically signals Irish ethnicity or nationality.

In contemporary usage, many prefer gender-neutral language such as Irish person or Irish people. Irishman remains common in historical writing, journalism, and literature, and it appears in cultural contexts such as sport, folklore, and media.

The Irish diaspora has spread Irish identity worldwide, with communities that identify as Irish and have contributed to politics, science, arts, and business. The term continues to appear in historical and descriptive writing, though newer expressions are increasingly favored in inclusive language.

See also: Ireland, Irish people, Éireannach.