When I first arrived in Newcastle as an international student, I expected to struggle with the British accent. But nothing prepared me for the Geordie dialect! It felt like an entirely different language.
Over time, I picked up some key phrases, and now I’m here to share them with you. If you're new to the Toon, these 10 words and expressions will help you blend in (or at least understand what people are saying!)
Translation: "Champion" is used as an adjective to mean "great" or "excellent."
Example: "Eeeh, that's champion!"
Use: When someone tells you good news, and you want to express how great that is.
Translation: Town (also used to refer to Newcastle).
Example: "We’re gannin to the Toon."
Use: When you and your mates decide to head into Newcastle city centre.
Translation: Food.
Example: "I’ve brought some bait for the study session."
Use: When you’re taking snacks or a packed lunch to uni or work.
Translation: Something really nice, attractive, or delicious.
Example: "That cake was lush!"
Use: When you eat something amazing or see something beautiful.
Translation: If you don’t ask, you don’t get.
Example: "Just ask for extra chips, man—shy bairns get nowt!"
Use: When encouraging someone to be more confident in asking for what they want.
Translation: Something that is nice or looks good. (Bonny lass, bonny lad. bonny sunset).
Example: "Did ye's see the bonny sunset last neet doon Whitley Ba?y"
Use: When describing someone or something you find attractive.
Translation: Something horrible looking, sounding, or smelling.
Example: "That takeaway last night was minging; never ordering from there again."
Use: When describing something unpleasant, whether it’s food, a smell, or a situation.
Translation: Geordies, someone from Newcastle, or supporters of Newcastle United Football Club.
Example: "The Mags are playing at home this weekend, can’t wait to gan."
Use: When talking about Newcastle United Football Club.
Translation: Truanting/skipping a lesson at school.
Example: "They’re always wagging lectures."
Use: When you or someone else is skipping classes or school.
Translation: Nothing.
Example: "There’s nowt on telly worth watching."
Use: When there’s nothing interesting happening or available.