Having mentioned in an earlier post that I had a big list somewhere, I have now computerised it, and have copied it in below. Some of these have already been mentioned in this Section, by me or others. I'd be interested in responses : for example, how many of the words (72 I think) do you know, and where were you brought up ?
Rex
Lancashire words and phrases
From Rex Watson, 2008
(Mainly from Burnley area)
Most of these are ones I remember from my childhood in Burnley. I was born there in 1944 and lived there till 1962, though have often visited since. Some therefore may be ones I have noted from a relative more recently. Particularly, some may derive from south Lancashire, where my mother was raised (Chadderton near Oldham).
Some may be slang words of the time, not really dialect. Others may just be old-fashioned words, widespread geographically, that have largely gone out of use.
Wright’s Dialect Dictionary has many of these, giving early instances and origin (e.g. Nordic, Anglo-Saxon). A few instances are noted here of use by dialect authors.
Words mainly
After (1). About (I asked after him. I asked how he was) [See Phrases also] After (2). Later Anyroad. Anyhow/anyway As. That (e.g. him as lives up the hill) As how. That (e.g. I think as how I’ll go out) At. On (e.g. at Tuesday) Back-end. Autumn or early winter Back-word. Change of mind (regarding a transaction) Bay-window. Posh [used, of talking, by Tommy Thompson] Bog-eyed. Sleepy Call. Criticise or berate Chuffed. Pleased Crammed. Tetchy Fast. Stuck (e.g. zip). Fast for what to eat. Stuck for what to choose Flob. Spit (noun or verb) Fine up. Stop raining and brighten up Flustered. Rushed Gawmless/gormless. Stupid Getten. Got Ginnel. A narrow lane Gob. Mouth Going on. Nearly, usually of an age Happen. Perhaps Jack in. Give up Jiggered. Tired Knobstick. Strike-breaker (brought by Cornish miners, c.1873) Lake. Play. If a worker is playing he is on holiday Let on. Reveal (information) Lick. Beat. Licked them hollow. Beat them easily Likely. Sharp, alert Lose. Come out ( a crowd after a football match, a factory, a school) Lug (1) /lug oil (hole). Ear Lug (2) Pull Maiden. Clothes-horse Mard. Mis-behaved/cocky (of a child) Marlicking. Playing about Mend (the fire). Tend the fire, put more coal on Mind. Take care to remember Moithered. Bothered/annoyed Neb. Hard front part of cap Nor. Than (e.g. Butter is better nor margarine) Oin(ed). Annoy(ed) Of. On (e.g. of a Saturday, on Saturdays) On. Of (e.g. I know she will take care on him) Panned out. Tired Playing. Not working Reet. Right Rush (verb). Cost Scullery. Kitchen Shape. Organise (Shape yourself) Shop. Way, situation. That’s the only shop. That’s the only way to do it Shut of. Rid of Sick (adjective). Deputising (A sick weaver is working for someone off sick) Side. Clear, e.g. a table after eating Singing. (Of a kettle when boiling) Sken. Stare Slated. Underskirt showing ! Sneck. Door-latch Spell. Splinter (in finger say) Standing. Waiting for work, particularly to replace someone absent Stop up. Wait up (for someone late at night) Suited. Pleased Swank. Brag Ta-ta (noun). Walk (to a child) [used by Waugh in ‘Besom Ben Stories’] Think on. Remember Throng(ed). Busy Trim up. Put up (Christmas) decorations Wesh. Wash Vestibule. Hallway Whatnot. Corner shelf While. Until Wick. Alive, alert
Phrases mainly
Better side out. Improved, after illness Billy winks is coming. Sleep is coming [used by Tommy Thompson] He’s after going out. He wants to go out, e.g. a dog I don’t know anything else. I’ve no more news I’ll go to the crows. I’ll be very surprised if I’m wrong [used by Waugh in ‘Besom Ben Stories’] I’ll go to the foot of our stairs. I am surprised Put wood in th’oil (the hole). Shut the door Sling/Take your hook. Get off with you I called myself (to do something). I meant (to do something) I’d rather have something that’s jumped over a gate. (Wanting savoury dish rather than sweet !) Tom Fowt shuffle. The shuffling effect on a pack of cards when they are dropped.
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