14 sayings you’ll only understand if you’re from Yorkshire, from nesh to be reyt

By Gbam Godwin On Jan 14, 2026

14 sayings you’ll only understand if you’re from Yorkshire, from nesh to be reyt.

How many of these sayings do you recognise?

Yorkshire has a rich and colourful dialect, which is frequently tinged with humour, but it might be bewildering if you’re new to the area.

We asked individuals in Yorkshire to offer words and phrases that only locals would understand, and they responded in droves.

Pragmatic Play Slotlarıyla Tanış Demo Modunda Oyna

Jan 15, 2026

Locowin España Sitio Oficial de Casino y Apuestas Deportivas…

Jan 15, 2026

Topstrategier för att vinna på casinon Maximera dina chanser

Jan 15, 2026

As you recommended, we’ve compiled a list of sayings that are popular in Yorkshire yet may be unfamiliar to outsiders.

others are more well-known than others, and others are variations of expressions used more broadly throughout the north, but they’re all sayings you might hear on Yorkshire’s streets.

Some colloquialisms that were previously common in Yorkshire are on the verge of extinction, but these look to have some life left.

How many of these sayings do you recognise, and what additional would you recommend? Yorkshire folk have lots of great sayings to describe the weather, with this being one of the best. It usually precedes a downpour, with Brian Richerby, who suggested the phrase, explaining how it means 'black clouds are gathering' and there's 'gonna be a reet storm'.

1. It’s looking reet black o’er Bill’s mother’s

Yorkshire people have many fantastic sayings to describe the weather, and this is one of the greatest. Brian Richerby, who coined the phrase, explains that it means ‘dark clouds are gathering’ and there’s ‘gonna be a reet storm’.

This phrase, suggested by Jilly Wosskow, is one to save for when you're dying of hunger. The humorous saying means it's been so long since your stomach's received any food that it assumes the throat must have been cut.

2. Me stomach thinks me throat’s cut

Jilly Wosskow suggested this term, which is best saved for when you’re dying of hunger.The amusing expression suggests that it has been so long since your stomach has received any food that it assumes the neck has been severed.

This phrase was suggested by Steve Payne, who told how if he utters it anywhere outside Yorkshire, 'they look at me strangely'. It's a more colourful way of saying you're off for a haircut.

3. Just nipping out to get my ears lowered

Steve Payne suggested this phrase, explaining that if he says it somewhere other than Yorkshire, ‘people look at me suspiciously’. It’s a more colourful way to express you’re going for a haircut. | Getty Images.

This is the traditional Yorkshire answer to the question: "What's for tea?" Vicky Horton said: "I'm not sure if it's local to Darnall, in Sheffield, but my Nan said it every time - that or 'step and fetchit'."

4. A run round’t table an’ a kick at t’cellar doower

This is the typical Yorkshire response to the inquiry “What’s for tea?”. Vicky Horton shared her memory: “I’m not sure if it’s local to Darnall, in Sheffield, but my Nan said it every time – that or ‘step and fetchit’.”