Know Your Local Lingo

If you’re a new student and not from this area, you’ll most definitely notice the unusual accent – the infamous Black Country dialect!

A term born of heavily industrialised 19^th century West Midlands, the ‘Black Country’ dialect covers the majority of 4 boroughs – Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Wolverhampton. Although often confused with the Birmingham accent, they are actually separate! (But have merged somewhat over the years).

We wrote this article for you to get to know a little of the local lingo – so you’re not left feeling ockered (awkward) or looking yampy (daft). See if you can make out the meanings…

If you just got off the buz in Walsall and you caw find your way, don’t be afraid to aks for directions! But careful who you aks. If they look pretty kaylied, best to steer clear – yao doe wanna get lamped in the fizzog. But doe be gawpin’ neither.

If you get into a friendly conversation with one of our locals, don’t be alarmed if ‘e wants to introduce you to his cocka – tai what you think. You might find it hard to understand at fust, but tek yoewer time. Arr, we might speak a lickle backerds to you, but we’re proud of it. You go chunterin about it you might get a good cog winder.

The Black Country dialect can be pretty funny and take some getting used to! Here’s a quick list of some words that might be good to know (or have some fun with at least):

Away students, enjoy the difference! As for home students (who might notice your own use of some of these), take pride in your dialect! It is said to be the closest accent to that which Shakespeare would have spoken after all.