There are plenty of words, phrases and pronunciations that might not mean much to many - but for those who grew up in Manchester, they make perfect sense!
Sometimes considered strange or even grammatically incorrect to other regions, if you were raised in the city, it's likely you have said or heard something that seems alien elsewhere. Whether these were said by grandparent, parents, neighbours or pals, or whether we still say them ourselves, these are some of the phrases we were raised with.
Some may be instantly recognisable, whereas others have been bound to certain generations or areas of the region or showcase our northern roots. But if you ask us, they only add to our charm.
Read More:
- The 15 things you could do in 1980s Manchester that you can't do now
12 unearthed photos show the changing face of Manchester's Albert Square
The MEN previously asked readers for their top Manc sayings and were overwhelmed by your responses. Here are 25 Mancunian sayings that make perfect sense to anyone who grew up in Manchester.
This list isn't intended to be comprehensive, we selected a number of sayings suggested by MEN readers. But if there are any you feel we should have included, let us know in the comments section.
1. "Mi stomach thinks mi throat's cut"
Some may have used or at least heard this saying through the years, which is another way of saying you feel hungry.
2. "Fish, chips and peas with pea wet"
Sometimes heard in other parts of the North West, "pea wet" refers to the water left behind by mushy peas when cooked - with some diners preferring it to stay on the dish.
3. "Ast bin men bin mam?"
Asking has the bin collectors been yet.
4. "What did they cut your hair with, a knife and fork?"
Quite self explanatory, but a question asked to somebody you think has had a poor haircut.
Love Greater Manchester's past? Sign up to our new nostalgia newsletter and never miss a thing.
5. "Now Then"
A general greeting or conversation opener.
What sayings did you grow up hearing in Manchester? Let us know in the comments section below.
6. "What it is, right... "
Start to explain something. For example, "what it is right, me boiler's gone and me 'ouse is dead cold."
7. "Nah man"
A generic expression of disbelief
Manc saying: "Nah man "
Example: "Nah... Nah man no way!"
8. "Swear down"
Example: "I swear down, I never touched it." Another way of saying I am telling the truth, also said in other northern areas like Liverpool.
9. "Our kid"
Referring to a close friend or sibling, for example: "Y'all right our kid?"
10. "Ee are.."
Another way of saying excuse me?
11. "Get off and milk it"
A generic greeting to a cyclist.
Join our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group here.
12. "You don't get owt for nowt"
You cannot get something for nothing - owt meaning anything or something and nowt meaning nothing.
13. "Give your 'ead a wobble"
You need to have a rethink.
14. "Well someone's seen their a**e 'aven't they?"
They are annoyed.
15. "You're peckin' me 'ead"
You are annoying me.
16. "Stop ya chattin'"
Stop talking, like "stop talking a load of rubbish."
17. "Mad fer it"
Eager for a night out, to socialise.
18. "Ave it!"
Celebration - usually after a success - often sporting - such as scoring a goal.
19. "Put wood int' 'ole"
To shut the door.
20. "My gaff"
My house.
The latest Memory Lane special is available in many local newsagents and major retailers now. This instalment of the bumper picture special looks at fun in the sun - with pages of stunning photographs and treasured memories of family holidays from years gone by. You can also buy Memory Lane online here.
21. "Sat here like piffy on a rock"
Sat waiting for someone else.
22. "Your hair is full o' lugs"
Your hair is very knotted.
23. "That is bobbins"
That's not very good.
24. "That is well bad"
That's a bad state of affairs
25. "Gotta chip it's hair washing time"
To leave your current location.
Read Next:
- Manchester's elevated motorway that could have been 'Highway 64'
- Throwback photos of 'baby-faced' Greater Manchester celebs who made it big on the small screen and in Hollywood
- Rare throwback photos of rock café that's welcomed One Direction, Oasis and the Beckhams
- From Foo Foo's Palace to Woolies and What Shoppes - 24 images of the old Northern Quarter
- Stranger Things throwback photos show cast before they were all grown up
