As Yorkshire dialect comes close to dying out, here are the phrases tha’ must know
BY ’eck! The North-South divide is getting narrower when it comes to the way we speak.
It means Yorkshire’s glorious dialect is under threat – and at this rate we could say tarra to it within 45 years, as slang and pronunciation from the South become more common.
But now retired German teacher Rod Dimbleby is leading the fight to keep the county’s distinctive tongue alive by running weekly sessions with the Yorkshire Dialect Society in Keighley.
Rod, 80, argues the vernacular – made famous in Last Of The Summer Wine – is far more than an accent or regional slang and needs saving.
Here, Sarah Arnold reveals some famous Yorkshire phrases that should be kept – and the translations for those who aren’t Tykes (that’s born and bred in Yorkshire, if you aren’t one).
Baht ’at: Without a hat
Put wood in t’ole: Shut the door
Up tut woodens: I’m going to bed
Th’art a bufflehead: You are a fool
Chuffin’ ’eck: Crumbs!
I’m fair mardy: I’m pretty annoyed
Shut thi cake ’ole: Be quiet
Cop od o’this: Please hold this item for me
Fill thi boots: Enjoy yourself
Let’s have a gander: Let me take a look
That’s reyt good tha’: That’s excellent
Gi o’er: Oh, do give over
Giz: Pass that to me
I’m in’t puddin’ club: I’m pregnant
You daft ’apeth: You silly billy
Never heed: Pay no attention to them
He’s a reight sackless beggar: He’s totally clueless
We’re bahn dahn tahn termorrer: We are going into town tomorrow
Th’art war ner useless: You are worse than useless
The’ wer’ fair capped when ah telled em: They were really surprised when I told them
If ivver tha does owt fer nowt, allus do it fer thissen: If ever you do anything for nothing, always do it for yourself
Tha meks a better door than a winder: Excuse me, you are standing in the way
Nubdy knew nowt abaht it nobbut me: Nobody knew anything about it except me
It’s shorts weather: The temperature is above freezing
Ne’er cast a clout ’til May be out: Don’t take your winter clothes off too early
’Ow do, duck: Hi mate
Ee bah gum!: Gosh!
Nay: No
Owt’s better than nowt: Something is better than nothing
Frame thissen: Hurry up
Naw’than thee, ’ow’s tha’ lass?: Hello, how is your wife?
Be ryt: It will be alright
’Ere, wot’s f’r us tea Mutha?: Excuse me Mum, what are we having for dinner?
Do us a cog, mate: Please may I have a lift on your bike?
Guwin t’ shop, wanowt?: I’m going to the shop, would you like anything?
It’s maftin’ in here: It’s hot in here
I’m nithered: I’m extremely cold
E’s neither use nor ornament: That chap serves no purpose whatsoever
