If you’re lucky enough to call Bristol home, these phrases will all be part of your regular conversations, but if not, you might want to thank us for this gert lush post to help you decipher what is being said to you while you’re in the city! Just be warned, Bristol is not in short supply when it comes to quirky sayings. Don’t worry though, we’ve got your back, here are a few common phrases to get you started.
Bristolian: Where’s ee to? / Wurz zat to?
English: I say, old bean, do you know where he/she/that is?
Bristolian: Jobs a good un
English: The task has been completed to a satisfactory standard.
Bristolian: That’s gert lush
English: That, I like it.
Bristolian: ow bis
English: What are you talking about? How are you.
Bristolian: Cheers Drive
English: Thank you for the lift driver of this mode of public transport, it is appreciated.
Bristolian: Alright me babber?/ Alright me luvver?
English: How are you my friend/dear? (Babber is a term of endearment, it is used for anyone you might be vaguely aquainted with.)
Bristolian: You got your daps?
English: Do you have comfortable leisure footwear on your person?
Bristolian: Let’s go to Bemmie
English: Let’s pop over to Bedminster.
Bristolian: Ere is it pitchin?
English: I say, it is snowing! Do you think it will settle?
Bristolian: Luvs it I do
English: I really like this thing.
Bristolian: I bis going up the caulenstonall
English: I am going to the Colston Hall. (Note visitors, the Colston Hall is getting a name change, but the people of Bristol may not remember this when you’re asking them for directions!)
Bristolian: I got a great ideal
English: I have a great idea
Bristolian: Mind
English: Note, this is used to end sentences, eg don’t do that mind.
Bristolian: Ark at ee
English: Check you out! (This is usually said in a sarcastic and playful manner)
Bristolian: Don’t tell I, tell ee
English: I can’t help, don’t talk to me, ask that chap there.
Bristolian: Twunt I twas ee
English: I think you’ll find it wasn’t me, it was him.
Bristolian: Woss want?
English: Can I help you with something?
Other useful phrases you might need to know – Scrumpy and Glider – these are both words used for cider, which you will find lots of in Bristol. Also if you hear someone say they are off down the gas, don’t be alarmed, they are just letting you know they are off to see the local football team play.
Now you’re a little more fluent in the Bristolian dialect, you’ll find it easier to talk to the locals on your visits!
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