geordie expressions

Howay, man!

Go away, good luck, come on, hurry up or okay. A proclamation of encouragement or dismissal, can be positive or negative depending on how it is used and the current situation. Use it in a sentence: “Howay, man – you can do it!”

Why aye, man!

Yes! A positive, excited or enthusiastic proclamation of agreement. To soften the enthusiasm replace ‘man’ with ‘pet’. Use it in a sentence: “Ye gannin doon Tesco?” “Why aye, man!”

Haddaway, man!

No way, get away or you’re joking. The negative, more dismissive version of ‘Why aye, man’. Use it in a sentence: “Geordie Shore’s bin cancelled!” “Haddaway, man, ye joking?”

Gannin yem

Going home. May also be pronounced ‘hyem’ with the h-sound coming from the back of the throat. Use it in a sentence: “It’s late, I’m gannin yem.”

Radgie

A violent or aggressive person. Could be used to describe someone throwing a temper tantrum. Use it in a sentence: “Hee that fella’s gannin proper radgie, like.”

Calm doon, al mek a cuppa

Calm down, I’ll make a cup of tea. Statement that can be used to diffuse any situation Use it in a sentence: “Yer gannin’ proper radgie, man. Caln doon, al mek a cuppa.”

Where’s me scran? I’m clamming

Where can I get something to eat? Where’s dinner? I’m starving! Use it in a sentence: “It’s dinner time! Where’s me scran? I’m clamming.”

Divvin’ be nebby

Don’t be nosy. Statement used if someone else is being too overly inquisitive. Use it in a sentence: “Quit nebbin’ in our chat.”

Giz a deek

Let me see or let me think. Used when you’d like to get a better view of something. May also be used to fill a gap in a conversation when thinking about what to say next. Use it in a sentence: “Do ye want some scran?” “Erm, giz a deek... no thanks.”

Being a proper workyticket

Being incredibly mischievous or pushing one’s luck. This phrase describes all of those naughty Geordies looking for a bit of trouble. Use it in a sentence: “The wee bairn’s being a proper workyticket.”

A right bobby dazzler

An exceptional person. Could be seen this way because of their clothes, good looks or class status. Use it in a sentence: “Look at that lass, she’s a right bobby dazzler.”

In a fettle” or “Out of Fettle”

In a foul mood or feeling ill and out of sorts. This phrase can also be used in different ways, such as ‘to fettle someone’ which means to sort them out. Use it in a sentence: “Just leave her be, she’s in a fettle.”

Snout

A cigarette. Not to be mistaken for a pigs nose, or a class A drug. Use it in a sentence: “Giz us a snout, I’m gasping.”

Tab

A cigarette. Not to be mistaken for a pigs nose, or a class A drug. Use it in a sentence: “Giz us a snout, I’m gasping.”

Dee as yer telt!

Do as you’re told! Used to put proper workytickets back in their place. Use it in a sentence: “Stop talking back and dee as yer telt!”