used to describe people who were obsessively concerned about outward appearances; primarily to the detriment of those inside. It came from the practice of hanging beautiful lace curtains so your house looked nice from the street but having torn/broken furniture inside because you were so poor.
My mom grew up in a lace Irish home. Her mother would hang a giant Christmas Wreath on the front door but they would have no gifts... or tree.
by Hambone64 July 15, 2008
a person of Irish descent who, because of family money, is accepted into WASP society; tends to act, speak, and dress like a member of the upper-class WASP establishment.
by LCIMAN January 25, 2009
Refers to Irish immigrants who, though living in shanties (shacks) would hold their airs and snobbishness. So called because they'd hang lace curtains in their tiny shacks.
by billmax August 4, 2010
by Tcallahan October 8, 2022
Spider webs, The large massive webs often called Cob webs. They can also be called Irish Curtains. Some think of it as a sign of Luck.
Gram: Oh look deary! You have some luck headed your way.
Alison: What?
Gram: The leprachuans left you some Irish Lace above the couch!
Alison: What?
Gram: The leprachuans left you some Irish Lace above the couch!
by AlleySun April 5, 2006