What Do British People Call Thongs? A Guide for Irish Shoppers

If you have ever stood in a shop on Grafton Street or browsed an online store from your kitchen in Galway, confused by the labels on footwear, you are not alone. Language is tricky, especially when it comes to clothes and shoes. In Ireland, we have our own way of talking about what we wear, but if you look across the water to the United Kingdom, things get even more interesting. You might hear someone mention "thongs" and wonder if they are talking about underwear or something you wear on your feet. The short answer is: it depends on where you are and who you ask.

In this guide, we will clear up the confusion once and for all. We will explain exactly what British people call thongs, how that compares to what we say here in Ireland, and why these words mean completely different things depending on which side of the Irish Sea you are standing on. Whether you are shopping in Dublin, London, or Sydney, knowing the right word can save you from some awkward moments at the checkout counter.

The Great Confusion: Footwear vs. Underwear

Let’s start with the basics. When an American or Australian says "thong," they are almost certainly talking about a type of sandal. It’s that open-toed shoe with a Y-shaped strap between the toes. Simple enough. But if you say "thong" in the UK or Ireland, most people will think you are talking about a piece of lingerie. This is the first big hurdle.

Flip-flops are the standard term used in the UK and Ireland for the casual, rubber-soled sandals with a toe post. If you want those beach-ready shoes, you ask for flip-flops. Using the word "thong" for footwear in a British context is rare and usually limited to specific regions or older generations who might use it interchangeably with flip-flops, though even then, it’s risky.

Here in Ireland, we generally stick to "flip-flops" for the cheap, rubber ones you wear to the beach or around the house. If the shoe is a bit nicer-maybe made of leather or with a thicker sole-we might call them "sandals." But "thongs"? No. That word is reserved for underwear. So, if you’re walking into a department store like Brown Thomas in Dublin or Harrods in London and asking for "thongs" hoping to find footwear, you might end up in the intimate apparel section instead. Not ideal.

Regional Variations: How the UK Talks About Shoes

The UK isn’t a monolith. Different parts of the country have their own slang and preferences. While "flip-flops" is the dominant term across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are nuances.

• England: "Flip-flops" is the go-to term. You’ll see them labeled as such in every high street store from Primark to John Lewis.
• Scotland: Similar to the rest of the UK, "flip-flops" is common. However, you might also hear "jandals" if the person has been influenced by New Zealand culture, though this is less common now.
• Northern Ireland: Being geographically close to us in the Republic of Ireland, the language habits are very similar. "Flip-flops" is the standard.
• Wales: Again, "flip-flops" reigns supreme. There isn’t a distinct Welsh term for this footwear that differs significantly from the rest of the UK.

It’s worth noting that in some older British English usage, "thongs" could refer to leather strips or straps, which historically were used in footwear construction. But in modern retail language, that meaning has largely disappeared for consumers. Today, if a British brand sells "thongs," it’s almost always lingerie.

Ireland’s Perspective: What We Say Here

Living in Dublin, I’ve noticed that our vocabulary aligns closely with the rest of the UK when it comes to everyday items. We don’t have a unique Irish word for flip-flops. We just say "flip-flops." If they’re fancy, they’re "sandals." If they’re for indoors, they might be "slippers" (though slippers usually imply closed toes).

This similarity helps when traveling between Ireland and the UK. You won’t face the same linguistic shock that an American tourist might experience. An American might walk into a shop in Belfast asking for "thongs" and get blank stares or giggles. An Irish person walking into the same shop will ask for "flip-flops" and get exactly what they need.

However, there is a slight difference in style preference. In Ireland, due to our unpredictable weather, we tend to buy sturdier sandals for summer. Flip-flops are mostly for the beach or quick trips to the shops when it’s dry. You won’t see many people wearing flimsy flip-flops while hiking the Wicklow Mountains! For that, you’d want proper trail sandals or hiking boots.

Why the Difference Exists

Language evolves based on culture and history. The term "thong" originally referred to a narrow strip of leather or cloth. In Australia and New Zealand, this term stuck for the Y-strap sandal because of the shape of the strap. In North America, it followed suit. But in the UK and Ireland, the word "thong" became strongly associated with underwear much earlier in the 20th century. As a result, the footwear meaning never really caught on.

Instead, the British adopted "flip-flop," which mimics the sound the shoe makes when you walk. It’s onomatopoeic and descriptive. Why change a good thing? This practical naming convention spread throughout the Commonwealth countries that had strong ties to Britain, including Ireland.

Shopping Tips for Ireland and the UK

If you are planning to buy summer footwear, whether you are in Cork, Cardiff, or Cambridge, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use "Flip-Flops": When browsing online or in-store, search for "flip-flops" if you want the classic rubber sandal. Brands like Havaianas, sold widely in supermarkets like Tesco and SuperValu, are listed under this category.
2. Avoid "Thongs" for Footwear: Unless you are specifically looking for high-fashion designer sandals that might use the term "thong sandal" in their marketing (which is rare in mainstream UK/Irish retail), avoid using this word. It will lead you to the wrong aisle.
3. Check for "Sandals": If you want something more durable for walking around cities like Dublin or Edinburgh, look for "sandals." These often have better arch support and are made from materials like leather or synthetic fabrics.
4. Consider the Weather: In Ireland, summer is short and rainy. Invest in quality flip-flops that dry quickly. Cheap plastic ones can become slippery on wet cobblestones, which are common in places like Derry or Kilkenny.

Cultural Context: Why Words Matter

Words carry cultural weight. In Ireland, we value humor and self-deprecation. Misunderstanding a word can lead to funny stories, but it can also cause embarrassment. Imagine trying to explain to a friend in London that you bought "thongs" for your holiday, only for them to assume you bought underwear. It’s a classic mix-up.

This linguistic gap highlights the broader differences in dialect between the UK, Ireland, and other English-speaking countries. While we share a language, our vocabularies diverge in small but significant ways. Understanding these differences shows respect for local customs and helps you navigate daily life more smoothly.

For expats moving to Ireland from the US or Australia, adapting to local terminology is part of the settling-in process. You’ll learn to say "lift" instead of "elevator," "boot" instead of "trunk," and "flip-flops" instead of "thongs." It’s a small adjustment, but one that makes you feel more at home.

Conclusion: Stick to Flip-Flops

To sum up, if you are in the UK or Ireland and you want those casual, toe-strapped sandals, ask for flip-flops. It’s the safest, clearest, and most universally understood term. Reserve "thongs" for discussions about underwear, unless you want to raise eyebrows. By using the right words, you’ll avoid confusion and ensure you get the right product for your summer adventures, whether you’re relaxing on the beaches of County Kerry or exploring the streets of Brighton.