A trip to Yorkshire certainly will not disappoint, with beautiful landscape and some of the best coastal towns in the UK. However, if you’re not familiar with Yorkshire Dialect, then a conversation with a Northerner could be a very confusing experience. Words that look or sound like one thing, can actually mean something completely different. In this post, we highlight 11 words that have very unexpected meanings.
1. Earwig
Looks or sounds like: A weird wig that covers your ears (perhaps to keep them warm) or perhaps the insect.
Actually means: To eavesdrop or listen in on a conversation1.
2. Maffin’
Looks or sounds like: An alternative way of saying muffin.
Actually means: Hot or clammy weather2.
3. Lady-Cow
Looks or sounds like: A female Cow.
Actually means: Ladybird (a rather small and delicate insect)1.
4. Kegs
Looks or sounds like: Something that contains alcohol – like a keg of beer.
Actually means: Trousers or underwear3.
5. Brat
Looks or sounds like: An annoying child.
Actually means: An apron you’d wear in the kitchen or perhaps when your working in the garage4.
6. Fast
Looks or sounds like: Something moving at great speed, like a toboggan.
Actually means: Short of something4.
7. Jammy
Looks or sounds like: A delicious fruit jam you’d put on your toast or even in your yoghurt.
Actually means: Someone who is extremely lucky5.
8. Snap
Looks or sounds like: Someone taking a photo.
Actually means: A light meal such as a salad1 .
9. Flag
Looks or sounds like: A nationalities flag.
Actually means: A flat paving slab used for a pathway or patio1.
10. Mash
Looks or sounds like: A scrumptious meal of mashed potato.
Actually means: A brew of tea (Yorkshire Tea of course)6.
11. Skip
Looks or sounds like: A large container you would put rubbish in.
Actually means: A large container that floats – ie. a ship7
You’re now prepared for the unusual words you may encounter on your trip to Yorkshire. Why not take a look at our range of cottages in the area?
Sources:
- www.britishslang.co.uk
- www.telegraph.co.uk
- www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
- www.yorkshire-dialect.org
- www.yorkshiredales.co.uk
- www.yorkshiredialectsociety.org.uk
- www.bbc.co.uk
Photo Credits: Stephanie, Mike Carney and Mark Richards