Learn English – Origin and meaning of “strealish”/”streelish”

colloquialismsetymologyhiberno-english

I've heard the word strealish (or streelish) used to describe someone with a lost or wan look or someone unkempt or untidy.

I know it's an Irishism, but what is the origin of the word and what did it originally mean?

Best Answer

The OED says a streel or sthreel is an untidy woman or a slut.

Etymology: < Irish s(t)raoill(e) untidy or awkward person; compare straille wench or untidy

I await with interest the male equivalent: or are all Irishmen impeccably turned out?