10 words and phrases from East Anglia which should be celebrated
The "Slow You Down" speed signs that can be found at either end of the village of Wiveton,. PHOTO; Matthew Usher . - Credit: Matthew Usher
With 12 regional words and phrases from across the country being used in poems to celebrate National Poetry Day, JESSICA LONG picks 10 pieces of East Anglian dialect which she believes should make the cut.
• 'Thas a rummun'
This phrase is used to describe situations which are a little out of the ordinary or odd.
• 'What a load of ole squit'
When someone thinks you're talking utter rubbish in East Anglia they'll probably let you know by saying this classic phrase.
• 'Hold yew hard'
If you wanted someone to hang on for a moment, this is what you'd tell them. The phrase derives from the practice of holding a horse's rein hard.
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• 'Swimmers'
In East Anglia, dumplings are called swimmers because they are traditionally made with bread dough, not suet and so they float rather than sink.
• 'On tha huh'
On the shortlist for National Poetry Day, this phrase is used to describe something that is askew or a bit wonky.
• 'Puckaterry'
A word used to describe stress or panic. If someone had a temper you would say: 'They're in a right old puckaterry'
• 'Slow you down'
If you live in Wiveton, this phrase will be a familiar sight as the parish council decided to add gateway signs proclaiming just this back in 2008.
• 'Ar yer orrite bor?'
One of the most common phrases used across the county, 'ar yer orrite bor', is a standard form of greeting.
• 'Bishy-barney-bee'
The Norfolk term for a lady bird. It is said to be inspired by a Bishop Barnabas of Norwich, who wore a similarly coloured cloak.
• 'Carra'
If someone tells you they're going to 'carra' you can generally take that to mean they are off to watch a match at Norwich City's football ground.
