[scouse mac]

Here are a few Liverpool slang expressions.


Tilly Mint: This is an endearing admonishment used for a female Scouser who has ideas above her station. The male equivalent is 'Dicky Mint'.

Kex: This is the word for men's trousers. Not to be confused with the Geordie word 'Kex' which means men's underpants.

Over the water: This term is used to describe people who don't actually live in Liverpool but 'over the Mersey' on the Wirral, Birkenhead or Ellesmere Port.

Doin' me 'ead in: This charming little expression means that something is annoying.

Jigger: This is the Liverpool noun for an alleyway or passageway, usually located to the side or back of a house.

La: This word means 'mate' or 'friend'

Skint: This word means to have no money.

Ta: The local word for 'thank you'.

Queen: A term of endearment for a female who you love very much and know very well, usually from father to daughter or husband to wife. It has nothing whatsoever to do with the similar expression used on the gay scene.

Made-up: Contrary to what you might think, this term has nothing to do with cosmetics. When a Scouser is 'made-up' they're very pleased about something or other.

See ya later: This does not mean 'I'll see you later today' but 'I'll see you sometime later in our lives', which could be anything from six hours to six years.

So, a Liverpool conversation could go:

Hey Tilly Mint, pass me those new kex. Your sister from over the water is comin' up the path, and she does me 'ead in, so I'll slope off round the back jigger, and join me las down the pub. Lend's a fiver, coz I'm skint. Ta, queen. I'm made-up now. See ya later.