Scouse is an Accent, but is it Also a Language?

Mention ‘Scouse’ to most people and they will know the accent that you’re referring to and the people that speak that accent.

This site also contains a few pieces about ‘Scouse’ the stew, from which the accent’s name derived in the first place. One thing that isn’t often considered, though, is whether Scouse could actually be called a language.

Sure, you’re not going to hear people talking full sentences of words you’ve never heard before if you aren’t from the local area, but there are a fair few ‘Scouseisms’ that might well leave you scratching your head and wondering what on earth someone is trying to say to you.

Here is a look at some of the Scouse words, terms and phrases that you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else:

Sound

If any word was to sum up a Scouser then it might well be ‘sound’. It means ‘good’, basically. “Don’t worry abar him, he’s sound”.

Arl Fella

If someone refers to their ‘arl fella’ then the likelihood is they’re talking about their dad. It isn’t to be confused with ‘arl arse’, which essentially means cruel or mean. “I’m going for a bevvy with me arl fella so don’t be arl arse and moan at me”.

Wool

Another word that means something different in Liverpool to what it means elsewhere, ‘wool’ is the word for someone that isn’t Scouse, basically. The word itself can be used to describe someone from the Wirral, say, or Runcorn, but it is also a term that could be used about a Scouser if they’re behaving in a particularly un-Scouse manner. “Don’t be slaggin off The Beatles, that’s wool”.

The Bizzies

The relationship between Scousers and the police is a strained one, with the term for members of the police force being ‘the Bizzies’. Why? Because they’re often so busy in the area. “Lookout, it’s the Bizzies”.

Webs / Trabs

For reasons that are almost certainly lost to the annuls of time, Scousers will often refer to trainers as ‘webs’ or ‘trabs’. They can also be called ‘trainees’, but that one is a bit more obvious. “I’m not going to that field with me new trabs on”.

Boss

Across most of the country, someone talking about a boss would suggest something to do with work. In Liverpool, however, it tends to mean that something’s good. “Lad, your new webs are boss”.

Antwacky

You probably won’t find a wealth of young Scousers referring to something as ‘antwacky’, ironically, with the word meaning ‘old fashioned’. “I hate going me nan’s house, it’s proper antwacky”.

@mahanlankarani Translating scouse (Liverpool) into English #scouse #liverpool #learnontiktok ♬ Reflections on 52nd – AGM3

Jarg

Most people love a trip to a market or to have a chat with one of the blokes selling watches in Tenerife, largely because you can pick yourself up some fake gear. Scousers don’t call it ‘fake’, though, instead opting for ‘jarg’ as their word of choice. “You seen me Rolex? It’s jarg you know”.

Geggin’ In

Scousers love to get involved in other people’s business, but the problem with doing so is that you can soon be accused of ‘geggin’ in’. It means being nosey, basically. “Stop geggin’ in will ya?”

Jog On

Sometimes you need to tell someone to leave you alone. If you’re Scouse, you can simply tell them to ‘jog on’. “Jog on will ya, lad”.

♥️ “JOG ON LAD!” Kam 😭

Night 3 #LiverpoolTStheErasTour pic.twitter.com/5bJHjjFEI3

— The Eras Tour UK & Ireland (@TheErasTourUK) June 15, 2024

G’wed

When you learn that ‘g’wed’ simply means ‘go ahead’ it makes perfect sense, but if you don’t know that then it can sound like an alien language when you hear it for the first time. Especially as it can be used as a term of encouragement, such as, “G’wed Liverpool, into these!”

Bifter

You will often hear cigarettes be referred to as ‘ciggies’ in the Merseyside area, but you can also hear the term ‘bifter’ used to describe a ciggy or a joint. “Gissa drag on that bifter”.

Scran

If you’re feeling hungry then you might fancy picking up some ‘scran’, which means ‘food’. “Fancy goin to the Chinese and getting some scran?”

Cob On

If someone’s in a bad mood then you might describe them as ‘having a cob on’. “Leave him, he’s got a cob on abar the Everton result”.

Eeeee

The spelling of this can obviously vary, but however it’s written it is an expression of general disgust. “Eeee, look at the state of her fake tan”.

Bladdered

If you have a few ‘bevvies’ in Liverpool then you’re having some alcoholic drinks. The problem is that if you have too many of them then there’s a real chance you might end up bladdered. “He’s feeling rough cos he got bladdered last night”.

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it helps you realise just how complicated ‘Scouse’ can be; almost like it’s an entirely different language.