Yorkshire Slang List — Meanings + Print

Looking for a Yorkshire slang list with plain-English meanings? This guide covers real Yorkshire sayings and phrases you will still hear across the county — from greetings and tea talk to weather, food and a bit of friendly bluntness. If you want them on the wall, see our Yorkshire sayings set of 3 prints, the Yorkshire sayings word map print, or browse the full regional sayings prints collection.

Yorkshire dialect is not one single accent. Words travel differently between the Dales, South Yorkshire, Hull and the coast — but many of the phrases below are widely recognised. Meanings here are everyday English, not academic linguistics. Every entry is a real saying in common use; we do not invent nonsense for the page.

Yorkshire greetings and everyday talk

• Ey up — Hello, or a way of getting someone’s attention (“look out / hi”).
• Nah then — Hello, or “how are things?” often used when you meet someone you know.
• How do — Hello / how are you (short and friendly).
• Sithee — See you (as in goodbye), or “look here”.
• Tara / ta-ra — Goodbye.
• Ta — Thanks.
• Ow do — How do you do / hello.

People, places and blunt honesty

• Lass / lad — Girl / boy, or young woman / young man; also used affectionately for adults.
• Our kid — Sibling or close younger relative (sometimes a close friend).
• Mardy — Moody, sulky or easily annoyed.
• Nesh — Soft in the cold; someone who feels the chill more than others.
• Gumption — Common sense and get-up-and-go.
• Nowt — Nothing.
• Owt — Anything.
• Summat — Something.
• Reyt / reight — Right / really (as in “reyt good”).
• Proper — Properly / thoroughly / genuinely (“proper cold”).

Funny Yorkshire phrases you will hear

• Put wood in t’ole — Shut the door (literally “put the wood in the hole”).
• Where’s tha bin? — Where have you been?
• It’s black ower Bill’s mother’s — Dark clouds are gathering; rain is on the way.
• I’m throng — I’m busy / snowed under.
• Gerron wi’ it — Get on with it.
• Appen — Perhaps / maybe (“appen I will”).
• Eeh by gum — Expression of surprise (often playful).
• That’s champion — That’s excellent / brilliant.
• I’m fair capped — I’m really impressed / surprised.
• Don’t be soft — Don’t be silly / don’t be daft.

Tea, food and the kitchen

• Brew — A cup of tea.
• Mash — To make the tea (or the tea itself once made).
• Spice — Sweets / confectionery (especially in South Yorkshire).
• Butty — Sandwich.
• Snap — Packed lunch / food for work.
• Dinner — Often the midday meal (context matters).
• Tea — Often the evening meal.
• Parkin — Ginger oatmeal cake, especially around Bonfire Night.
• Fat rascals — Fruited scone-like cakes associated with Betty’s and Yorkshire tea rooms.

Weather, outdoors and getting about

• Silin’ down — Raining hard.
• Nithered — Freezing cold.
• Chuffed — Pleased / delighted.
• Ginnel / snicket — Narrow alley between buildings (usage varies by area).
• Watter — Water.
• Over yonder — Over there / in that direction.

Yorkshire slang list: quick reference

If you only remember a handful, start with ey up, nowt, owt, summat, mardy, nesh, brew, mash, put wood in t’ole and that’s champion. They cover greetings, everyday nouns, mood, tea and the classic door-shutting line that always gets a smile on a Yorkshire sayings poster.

Yorkshire sayings poster and word map

A printed Yorkshire slang list is easier to enjoy when each word sits next to a clear meaning. Our Yorkshire designs do exactly that: a county-shaped Yorkshire sayings word map, a letterpress-style slang print, and a brew colour chart that rates a cuppa in local dialect. Buy them together as the Yorkshire sayings set of 3 prints — same sizes so they hang as a matching trio. Printed in the UK on 180gsm lustre paper.

Want more UK dialect wall art? Explore Geordie, Cockney, Scouse and the rest in regional sayings prints.

FAQ

Is Yorkshire slang the same everywhere? No. Some words are county-wide; others are stronger in South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire or the East Riding. The list above focuses on widely recognised phrases.

Are these meanings accurate? Yes — plain-English everyday meanings, not invented jokes. Dialect shifts with time and place, so treat this as a practical guide rather than a dictionary of every parish.

Where can I buy a Yorkshire sayings poster? Start with the set of 3 or the word map print, or shop the full regional sayings range.