Lush, butt, cwtch – these are some of the words often associated with Wales, but they are rarely used in North Wales.
The region has its own dictionary of words which may not be as familiar to the rest of the world as those you will find in South Wales, but which are equally important to us and the way we speak.
Commonly used terms and phrases in North Wales are a mixture of Welsh and English, and are sometimes used by both Welsh and non-Welsh speakers.
Here’s a guide to our commonly used words and phrases.
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1. Massive tray
This expression is used in the Anglesey town of Llangefni and literally translates to “little mass”. It means “very little”.
2. Mega
Like “very” or even “massive” in Llangefni, this is used to emphasize something in Blaenau Ffestiniog. For example:
“Oedd hwnna’n mega da!” which would translate to “It was mega good!”
3. Jaman
In Caernarfon this is used when someone has had bad luck. For example:
“I just missed my bus!”
“Ha, never! »
4. Idd!
The word translates to ‘to it’ or ‘to her’ in Welsh. It is often used when you are going to do something amazing or cool.
5. Mynadd!
When you can’t be bothered to do something.
6. Moider / Moiderer
Terms commonly used in Bangor. ‘Moider’ is usually when you have a good conversation with someone about anything and everything. ‘Moiderer’ is someone who can’t stop talking.
7. Iawn, wa?
Used in Bala, “wa” is an affectionate term.
8. Iawn, c*nt?
Used in Caernarfon, ‘c*nt’ with an ‘o’ is an endearing term.
9. Iawn, met?
‘Mêt’ is ‘companion; in Welsh, and is also a term of endearment.
10. Bechod
When you really feel sorry for someone.
11. Orite la?
‘La’ comes from the word ‘lad’ and is an affectionate term.
12. Rwdan pen
It means “turnip head”.
13. Ishcri
The term is made up of two words and is used in Caernarfon. It comes from the words ‘eisiau crio’ which means ‘to want to cry’.
14. Fodan
A Caernarfon word for girlfriend.
15. Oh
In Welsh, rather than saying “oes”, which is a form of “yes”, people in Denbighshire will drop the “s” at the end and just say the first two letters – “oe”.
16. Cofi
Cofi is someone from Caernarfon.
17. Yes!
“Where do you come from?”
“Bangor, yeah! »
18. Aww tidy!
Used in Wrexham, means “Awesome, thank you, nice”.
(Image: Hadyn Iball/North Wales Live)
19. Boi
Endearing term, the Welsh version of ‘boy’.
20. Hell
Means ‘hell of one’ and used to describe something exceptional. For example:
“It’s a hell of a bridge!” »
21. Of
Used at the end of sentences, both in English and Welsh.
“Well, I couldn’t believe it, de”.
22. Lyshio
To drink alcohol.
23. Duwadd annwyl!
“My God!”
24. Lobscouse / Lobsgows
The best soup in the world!
(Image: Photograph by Philip Warren)
25. Giman
A Caernarfon word for cat.
26. How gets
A familiar nickname for the people of Bethesda. Intended as an affectionate way to poke fun at the residents’ perceived lack of English skills (i.e. “How come you?”).
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