craic

noun

Etymology: Variant of crack, respelled after Irish craic (itself a borrowing from English).

1. Often preceded by the: amusement, fun, especially through enjoyable company; also, pleasant conversation.

   “‘It is a great atmosphere, isn’t it?’ Leon was enthusiastic, not at all cryptic or withdrawn, wholeheartedly enjoying the ‘craic’, as he called it, slapping his hand on the table in time to the bodhrán rhythm from the group singing itself hoarse and unharmonious on the stage.”

   “"The craic" is how the Irish celebrate life – with music, with laughter, with joy, with old friends (and new friends just waiting to be made). […] Be careful. "The craic" is mighty!”