How dose someone look Irish?

Question

When I was at the Indianapolis Irish Fest this year this woman told me that I had the Irish look about me. I took it as a compliment, but what the h**l dose that mean. I'm six foot three with black hair hazel eyes that's white. From my reading their is no sterotipical irish person . The only underlying traits that could said be Irish is friendlyness, passionate, and intelegent. But how dose someone look like that? Dose this even make sense?

Answer 1

Have a Guiness bottle in your hand & you will blend in!

Answer 2

Red hair and freckles.

Answer 3

Well, I can't really say for sure.... But the paleness, light eyes and dark hair are a start. You probably look "Black Irish" with high cheekbones as opposed to more Slavic cheekbones which aren't as angular:

The term Black Irish is a term used by some descendants of Irish emigrants to describe their ancestors. The term is found in Australia, Canada, Great Britain and the United States. It refers to the possessing of dark hair and eyes as opposed to the caricature of Irish people with red hair, pale skin, and blue or green eyes, a difference which is possibly due to less Scandinavian or Germanic ancestry being found in people on the west of Ireland) [1]. The term is often accompanied by a claim that the darker features are due to Iberian descent.

Myself, I am the opposite - light red hair, green eyes, white as anything. Anyhow, when in Ireland, I kept being asked for directions by locals (they quickly realized their error when I opened my mouth) and my partner kept being  told that he had a nice Irish face. We both have family over there, so genes don't lie, but there is a certain look. I kind of liked the fact that everyone looked similar to me for a change!

It's a compliment! It means that you are handsome and witty with a good sense of humor and the ability enjoy  life while it's here.

Answer 4

I have to say there are definitely some characteristics that Irish people have that sets them apart from other white people. I was born and raised in Ireland and have been living in London for over a year and I have to say I can spot a Paddy a mile away before they open their mouths. I swear us Irish have a glint in our eye that not many people can see unless you look hard enough. Of course it can't be said for all Irish ,but generally. You could also spot one from having full prominent cheek bones, and when we smile it starts in our eyes and goes down to the lips. Since moving here I've been fascinated by watching people and trying to guess if they're Irish and 9 times out of ten I'm right.  So, I know what that woman meant when she said you had an Irish look about you. I still can't exactly put my finger on what it really is but it does exist. Enjoy  the compliment!!

Answer 5

I know exactly what the poster who said he can spot an Irish person coming a mile away is on about - but I just can't pinpoint it either.  I think it's a giddiness and a bit of a cheekyness (but not smugness or arrogance) that sets us apart.

An Irish (facial) look to me is, very dark brown or black hair, very white skin (freckles - optional) and hazel eyes.

Answer 6

usually they have red hair,and big red noses

Answer 7

Hard to tell these days, there are a lot of black and asian Irish people too..

Answer 8

Perhaps you've got the characteristic Irish wit and humour, you were right to take it as a compliment. In terms of appearance, Irish are just white and there's no real way to differentiate them from anyone else.