Accents and Dialects of the United Kingdom

The different accents and dialects that can be heard in the UK, and their origins.

accents + dialects on the map

Cockney

Cockney is a dialect that originated in London, specifically by the Bow Church. The word itself was used in the 14th century as a term for a defective egg from a rooster. It then came to refer to someone born within earshot of the Bow bells of the St. Mary-le-Bow church in London. This usually consisted of mostly working/lower-middle class people. Cockney can be identified by the sound of "th" changing to more of an "f" sound. Cockney also is known for its rhyming slang. Rhyming slang is when you replace words with a phrase that rhymes. Cockney can now be found all throughout London and beyond.


Yorkshire

Yorkshire is a dialect found in the Yorkshire region of Northern England. Yorkshire dates back to 400AD when the Anglos and Saxons arrived and originates from Old English with influences from Old Norse. Yorkshire also has a very heavy Scandinavian influence. Yorkshire once had distinct differences in different places, but today there is more of a general Yorkshire dialect. Yorkshire has faded from what it once was, but there are various societies formed to save this dialect.

Brummie

Brummie is a dialect spoken in Birmingham, England. People who live in Birmingham are often called "brummies," which is where the name of the dialect comes from. Brummie can be differentiated from other languages by the monotone sound and downbeat at the end of the sentence. Brummie tends to have a negative reputation in the UK because of the way it sounds.

Geordie

People who live in the city Newcastle Upon Tyne and the surrounding area speak with a Geordie accent. Geordie is descended from Anglo-Saxon settlers just like other dialects. Many Geordie words can be brought right back to words Anglo-Saxons used.

Scouse

Scouse is a dialect spoken by people from Liverpool and the surrounding cities. The name Scouse goes back to the Liverpool's fishing roots. The name came from a stew that was once common among sailors and was common at ports in Liverpool. Major influences come from Irish and Welsh. Scouse is very well known, partially thanks to the Beatles who were all from Liverpool.

Dialects and accents are important to have in order to differentiate one place from another. Accents give insight into who we are and where we come from. Dialects are very important in showing uniqueness within your city or state and accents hint to others where we are from when we meet new people. Both also help unite people from one place. Having at least one thing in common with others around you can help create better bonds and peace.

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