18 quintessential words and phrases that you'll only ever hear and use if you're from the Black Country
Here are some unique expressions that locals like to use, most people have heard of the term 'bab' but to save you going around the Wrekin - we'll help you out with a few more words and phrases.
There are so many interesting sayings that people from Wolverhampton and the Black Country area are pretty accustomed to hearing and tend to use in conversation.
For the untrained ear, these words are rather odd, but we'd like to share that if you're visiting the Black Country for the first time, it may be a wise choice to brush up on a few phrases that you can slip into conversation that will impress locals residents.
Without further ado, here are 18 quintessential Black Country words and phrases to slip into your next conversation:
1. 'Our kid'
Term of endearment for a younger person or a close friend.
Usually means going along a canal path to get some place.
3. 'Stop crying it's only a scrage'
Means stop crying over nothing, 'scrage' is a local term for a minor wound.
Usually means someone is grumpy and/or in a bad mood.
5. 'Off to the outdoor'
A term for an off-licence.
6. 'Saves you going round the Wrekin'
Named after the large hill in Shropshire. Simply means to save you going the long way around.
7. 'You alright bab?'
Used as a term of endearment, usually means: 'Are you okay, dear/love/mate?' The term 'bab' can also refer to a baby or a small child.
8. 'It's black over Bill's mother's'
Simply means that it looks like it'll rain soon. Usually, used when the sky is overcast with dark clouds.
9. 'Go play up your own end'
Often said to children who are making too much noise. But can also, be used as a way of telling someone to leave you alone.
10. 'Ta-ra a bit'
Means goodbye, say when leaving someone.
11. 'How's your mom?'
People from the Black Country tend to pronounce 'Mum' as 'Mom'. This is a key characteristic of the local accent.
12. 'Throw a wobbly'
Means throwing a tantrum, or when someone has lost their temper.
13. 'Do a gambol'
To do a forward roll.
14. 'They're such a nause'
Meaning, they're such an annoying person.
15. 'Cob'
The term refers to a bread roll
16. 'Buzz'
A term for a 'bus'
17. 'Tip Tops'
These flavoured ice treats were essential to stay cool during any school summer holidays heatwave, with Mr Freeze ice poles being a favourite, available from shops for 5p and 10p back in the day.
18. 'Island'
A way of referring to a roundabout.
