You Too Can Have a Geordie Accent · Mar 11, 09:20 PM
So my accent stands out like a sore thumb. It’s not too difficult to spot me in the line at Fido’s or when ordering at a restaurant. When I first came to the States my wife had to be my translator, and sometimes she still does.
My Geordie accent has been mistaken for Scottish, Irish, Australian and French – the French when I was working at Kinko’s in the Opryland hotel. I’m sure the hotel guests used to call in their orders drunk. Anyway, if you want to find out how to stand out like me and talk like a Geordie then this English to Geordie translator should find you well on your way.
— Lee
Comment [2]
Cheers! For the English Only? · Feb 20, 08:36 PM
So one thing that really grinds on me is when American’s say ‘Cheers’. One question – why? ‘Cheers’ is well known when toasting a drink, or in England, it’s another way of saying ‘thank-you’. For example, “cheers mate”.
Replacing ‘thank-you’ with ‘cheers’ because you think it’s trendy or because it’s what everyone else is saying is just plain wrong. “Oh well it sounds good when they say it..” Bloody hell, don’t be a sheep and follow the crowd. Think for yourself. It would be like me going back to England and start saying ‘y’all’. Which would go down like a sack of lead balloons.
Cheers!
— Lee
Comment [1]
How to Talk Geordie · Jan 30, 10:10 PM
When I came over to the U.S in 2000 I brought with me a guide for understanding the Geordie accent. It was most appropriately titled “Larn Yersel’ Geordie“. If you’re looking for a Geordie accent guide, I strongly suggest you go for it. Read below for some dialogue excerpts.
There’s only a few words that my wife and U.S family have a hard time understanding since they’ve spent so much time around me (I’ve been told that they actually watch my mouth to make sure what they’re hearing is right).
We once had a family gathering at Thanksgiving and played a game of Chinese whispers. Somewhere in between my wife’s Dad (southern U.S accent), myself (Geordie accent) and my sister-in-law (northern U.S accent), the message was completely distorted. No surprise there.
- Geordie = “Ah wes palatick” / English = “I enjoyed myself”
- “Howay doon to the Chinese, pet” / English = “Would you care to dine with me?”
- “Mindshesweelstacked” / English = “What a stunning figure that young lady has”
- “Ootside!” / English = “Let us settle this matter in a civilised manner”
- “Aal cloot yer lugs” / English = “I am sorry but corporal punishment appears necessary”
— Lee