23 slang words you’ll understand if you grew up in Manchester
There are many dialect words bound to Manchester
Kids play football in the street in Moss Side, Manchester, October 21, 1993
The Mancunian accent is one of the most distinctive and well known in the UK.
Through generations, there have been plenty of words, phrases and pronunciations that might not mean much to many – but for those who grew up in Manchester, they are easily understood. Those outside of the city region can usually identify a Mancunian by the words they use or how they say them..TAP.TO.CONTINUE READING.
Some may be be more recognisable, whereas others have been bound to certain generations or areas of the region or showcase our northern roots. Whether these were said by grandparent, parents, neighbours or pals, or whether we still say them ourselves, these are some of the words we were raised hearing.
The MEN previously asked readers for their top Manc words and sayings. Here are 23 Mancunian words that you’ll understand if you grew up in Manchester.
This list isn’t intended to be comprehensive, we selected a number of sayings suggested by MEN readers that may or may not be still used today. But if there are any you feel we should have included, let us know in the comments section.
1. Newtons
Derived from rhyming slang, Newton Heath meaning teeth. For example, “look at the state of his Newtons.”
2. Chuddy or chud
Chuddy or chud referring to a type of chewing gum. For example, “do you want a chuddy?”
3. Mither
Sometimes used in other parts of the country, to mither means to bother, trouble or aggravate someone. For example, “I can’t be mithered with all this”, or “I’m in a bit of mither.”
4. Gaggin’
Thirsty, in need of a drink. For example, “I’m gaggin’ for a drink.”
The Cross Keys in Jersey Street, Ancoats. Landlord and Landlady Barnard and Christine Sullivan, alongside some of their regulars. June 2, 1987
5. Salfords
Another Mancunian rhyming slang, for socks, using Salfords as it rhymes with Salford Docks. For example, “pull your Salfords up.”
6. Dead
A prefix to a word or phrase to exaggerate or add emphasis. For example, “that exam was dead ‘ard.”
7. Ginnel
Ginnel, meaning an alley. For example, “he got away by running up that ginnel.”
8. Keks
Not just used in Manchester, keks refers to a pair of trousers. For example, “look at his jazzy keks.”
Manchester United footballer George Best celebrates the opening of his fashion boutique with friend Mike Summerbee. in September 1967
9. Fettled
Fettled means to fix, repair or mend something. For example, “I am taking my car in to get fettled.”
10. Mint
Arguably an obvious choice – mint is a term often used by people across Manchester, meaning excellent or very good. Example: “That’s well mint that.”
11. Nah
Used by others across the North and beyond, ‘nah’ is a saying for no, to decline something.
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12. Scrikin’
Some may have used this saying in the past, which means to cry or shed tears. For example, “what’s up with the baby, he won’t stop scrikin.”
13. Strop
If someone you knew were to have a tantrum or an outburst, you might say they “threw a strop.”
14. Daft ‘apeth
Daft ‘apeth means a fool or silly person. For example, “stop being such a daft ‘apeth.”
15. Snide
Snide, sometimes used by other regions, means to be mean or ungenerous. For example, “I can’t believe you’re not sharin’. That’s well snide.”
16. ‘Angin’
This Mancunian used word means disgusting or not very nice. Example: “I think this food has gone off, it’s ‘angin’.”
Have you ever used any of this dialect? Let us know in the comments section below.
17. Bessie
Bessie or ‘bezzie’ means your best or closest friends. For instance: “meeting me bessies for a pint later.”
Two young friends taking part n the Manchester Whit Walks. J
Two young friends taking part in the Manchester Whit Walks. June 1960
18. Dibble
Deriving from Top Cat’s adversary Officer Dibble, this word is used to refer to the police. Example: “The dibble arrested him yesterday.”
19. Cock
This is a generic term of endearment for a friend or loved one. For instance: “Y’all right cock?”
20. Sound
A well-known word used in Manchester and beyond, sound is used as a way to praise something as good or decent. Example: “He’s a sound bloke.”
21. Mingin’
A familiar word used in Manchester, this means something is unpleasant or revolting. Example: “That’s mingin’ that is.”
22. Buzzin’
Known across the North West, buzzin’ means ecstatic or extremely happy. For instance, “I am buzzin’ for this.”
23. Cadge
To Scrounge or ask for or obtain. For instance, “I need to cadge a lift off someone.”
