10 Sheffield Sayings To Be Accepted In The City
Every town and city in the UK has their own weird and wonderful way of doing things, and Sheffield is certainly no exception. You’ve probably noticed already, especially if you’ve come for uni from distant far-off lands (anywhere north of Barnsley or south of Chesterfield) that we also speak a little bit differently too. In some very traditional Sheffield establishments, you might actually think the locals are speaking Swahili. We assure you they’re not.
In our latest blog we take a look at 10 absolutely essential Sheffield expressions and sayings which will integrate you into Sheffield society in no time.
“Nah then”
Translation: “Now then” (used as a general conversation-starter)An essential greeting to add to your Sheffield dialect. It can be used to say hello, or when you’re got something important to say.
In context: Nah then, how’s tha doing?
“Nowt”
Translation: “Nowt” meaning nothing.
Simply, but effective. Saying “nothing’, when “nowt” would have sufficed in a Sheffield pub, may get a few glances from the more senior Sheffielder.
In context: There’s nowt int fridge.
“Gerring”
Translation: Getting
‘Getting’, as in ‘gerring on my nerves’? Quite a simple adjustment if you’re already a northerner. If you’re from Leeds, you might even go unnoticed with this one.
In context: Are you gerring here soon?
“Reyt”
Translation: Really
This is one of our favourites, a true impact word to strengthen your Sheffield vocabulary. Whenever you want to differentiate between ‘good’ and ‘reyt reyt good’.
In context: I reyt love some Hendos me.
Notes: Hendos means Hendersons Relish. We’re a bit obsessed with it here. Never talk about Worcester Sauce.
“Tin Tin Tin”
Translation: It isn’t in the tin
“Tin tin tin” is amazing on so many levels. There are probably very few occasions where you might use this, but the alliteration and creativity make this a phrase you might go out of your way to use.
In context: Tin tin tin
“Mardy”
Translation: Moody or miserable
It’s actually astounding to Sheffielders how this word isn’t used around the country. Mardy is one of the most basic and essential words in the 7 hills of Sheffield, you’re taught this from being a child.
In context: Reyt mardy you today
“Gi’ore”
Translation: Give over, stop what you are doing, stop being silly.
Leonardo Da Vinci said ‘Simplicity is the height of sophistication’. He wasn’t from Sheffield (we can’t all be perfect), but he would have certainly appreciated many of the direct and to the point Sheffield phrases. Why use overly-verbose language like’ stop what you are doing’, when you can say ‘gi’ ore’.
In context: Gi’ ore nah
“Nesh”
Translation: Cold
Very popular adjective to describe the default climate of Sheffield, from October to April. Can also be used to describe someone who is always cold.
In context: Bit nesh him
“Deedah”
Translation: Locals
‘Deedah’ I can hear you say! What the hell does that mean? It’s quite an easy one: Deedah describes what people from Sheffield are known to each other.
In context: Definitely a deedah him
“Breadcake”
Translation: Bread roll
Is there a more important question in life than what do you call the soft outer layer that encases your lunch? We’ve heard reports that some alien lifeforms call it a ‘bap’, ‘bun’, and even a ‘cob’. In Sheffield it is known by its rightful name of a breadcake.
In context: Ham breadcake wit’ Hendersons please love
