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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Catherine Murphy & Jess Molyneux

24 words that don't mean what non-Scousers think they mean

If you're a visitor to Liverpool, you'll know Scousers have their own way of doing most things.

From how we speak to how we dress, Liverpudlians are mostly recognised for their distinctive accent. But it's not only how we say certain words that make us stand out.

Many would argue Liverpool essentially has its own language, with plenty of words that wouldn't make sense to people from outside the region. If you're from here, then these words will seem perfectly normal - but to anyone else they could have a completely different meaning, the Liverpool ECHO previously reported.

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If you're from elsewhere in the UK or abroad, you've likely felt a bit confused hearing words such as "steaming" and "bizzy" in Liverpool and not understanding the meaning or context. We previously came up with a list of some of the words that mean something entirely different in Liverpool, but they are by no means the full list.

This list isn't intended to be comprehensive and includes words used by Scousers through the generations. But if you have any other suggestions, let us know in the comment below.

1. Steaming

While non-Scousers will associate this with the effects of drinking far too much alcohol, many Scousers actually use it to describe a strong sexual attraction.

2. Chewie

Chewing gum? What's that?

3. Chippy

This is a new one on us if we're honest. We thought everyone referred to the traditional Friday night tea as 'getting a chippy'.

However following a recent conversation with people living in Brighton, we were told this is their nickname for a carpenter.

4. Ming

We're not sure what the alternative meaning for this would be outside of the city, but for Scousers this is an tongue-in-cheek insult for someone deemed not part of the 'popular' crowd.

In a sentence: "Oh shut up you ming"

5. Bizzy

When you hear it rather than see it written down you may think Scousers are talking about having a lot on.

Of course, 'bizzy' is actually a (usually unflattering) nickname for a police officer.

6. Ta

Nope, we aren't talking about the stuff that is laid down on road, we are actually thanking you.

7. Wool

Someone who isn't from Liverpool is often referred to as a 'Wool'.

The term divides opinion, but one thing's for sure - we don't mean what your nan uses to knit.

8. Webs

Nothing to do with spiders this one, instead when a Scouser mentions webs they'll be talking about trainers.

9. Boss

If we love something we'll often describe it as 'boss', it's a compliment, trust us.

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10. Me

Replaces where 'my' usually fits in to a sentence e.g. 'you're getting on me nerves'

11. Bill

'On me bill' means doing something on your own.

12. Clobber

This is all about clothing. Simple.

13. Beaut

Usage: “He’s a beaut, he can do one.”

Whereas biff has a slightly affectionate tone, beaut tends to be reserved for those who really act like an idiot.

Mates that let you down, colleagues that constantly wind you up, football players that can’t kick a ball - all beauts.

14. Minty

No we aren't talking about something being minty-fresh, but instead something described as being minty is actually dirty. Basically the opposite meaning, then.

15. Bail

Nope, nothing to do with prisons.

To bail actually means to leave somewhere very fast

16. Laughing

Scousers say this when they aren't actually laughing, so we can understand the confusion

But, it simply means "ok."

17. 'Go on lad'

Just a term of pure encouragement

18. Queen

It's probably hard to get through any conversation with a Scouse nan without this term being used. You should know she isn't talking about our late Queen Elizabeth II but instead it is a term of endearment used by older Scousers to show their affection.

19. Trabs

Along with webs, this is another term Scousers use to describe their trainers.

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20. Lemo

Although this is often a shorter way of referring to the fizzy drink lemonade, there is another meaning out there. We'll leave it at that.

21. Straightener

If someone offers you a straightener, they're offering you a fight - to sort out a dispute.

22. Jarg

Meaning something is fake or not the real make it claims to be.

23. 'R Kid'

This is how Scousers describe their younger siblings. Bear in mind that said siblings could be 35 years old - as long as they're younger than them, this will remain a fitting description.

24. Ozzy

To anyone else, this would could either refer to our Australian cousins, a brand of shampoo or even the lead singer of Black Sabbath.

But in Liverpool it's shorthand for the hospital. Plain and simple.

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