15 Signs You’re From Yorkshire

Wherever you’re from you will likely have heard of Yorkshire and the many stereotypes associated with it. Affectionately nicknamed ‘God’s Own County’ by many of its 5.2 million inhabitants, Yorkshire is the largest county in the United Kingdom. It is famous for many things including the beauty of its Dales, its distinctive accents and proper cuppas, along with The Bronte Sisters, Wallace & Gromit and the infamous Jeremy Clarkson! Based on my own experiences as a Yorkshire lass, here’s 15 signs you’re from Yorkshire and how others can spot where you’re from:

1. Yorkshire tea is the only tea worth drinking

‘Do’u wanna brew?’ and ‘Put kettle on, luv’ are both common phrases heard in Yorkshire. Whether you’re unwell, heartbroken or just plain cold, a decent cuppa will solve all your problems… as long as it’s proper Yorkshire tea that is. Other brands are hardly recognised in Yorkshire, so don’t bother offering us a cup of the hot stuff unless it’s the real deal!

2. You miss the word ‘the’ out of sentences

One of the major signs you’re from Yorkshire is missing this little three letter word out of your sentences. Yorkshire folk tend to use weird abbreviations like, ‘I’m off tu’t pub’ instead of ‘I’m going to the pub.’ I mean, why add an extra word when you don’t really need it?

3. A Sunday roast with yorkies is a must

If you don’t have a roast dinner on a Sunday, are you even from Yorkshire?! You’ll love your meat with lashings of gravy and homemade Yorkshire puddings. If you decide to go for frozen Aunt Bessie’s, you will be judged. You will also be disgusted by any restaurant that serves a carvery without your beloved Yorkies! This is definitely one of the signs you’re from Yorkshire!

4. You’re referred to as ‘our lass’ or ‘our lad’ by your family

If you’re from Yorkshire, you will probably experience this on a regular basis. Expect to be called by your name when your family are talking about you? Think again. Instead, your brother, sister, mum, dad or partner will likely refer to you as ‘our lass’ or ‘our lad’ when they mention you in conversation.

5. You use the best slang words

Words such as ‘owt’ and ‘nowt’ will likely make up part of your dialect and are a huge give away that you’re from Yorkshire. Instead of saying ‘anything’ or ‘nothing’, these common colloquialisms can often be heard when Yorkshire folk are speaking in informal situations.

6. Lunch is dinner and dinner is tea

If you have a dinner hour instead of a lunch break and your evening meal is your tea rather than your dinner, it is likely you were brought up in Yorkshire. Don’t question this northern logic – I can’t explain it either, but it makes sense to us.

7. You love a bargain

It is a common stereotype that people from Yorkshire are tight with their money, but this isn’t always a negative thing. Yorkshire people love a bargain and will seek out a good deal whenever they consider making an expensive purchase. Why spend more than you have to?

8. You use the word ‘chuffed’ to express emotion

If this word is part of your dialect you must be from Yorkshire! Yes, ‘chuffed’ is a real word and is defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as meaning ‘very pleased.’ The word ‘chuffing’ is also used for emphasis or as a mild expletive by Yorkshire folk, such as ‘I’m so chuffing annoyed.’ This is for sure one of the signs you’re from Yorkshire!

9. Your favourite holiday destination has got to be Scarborough

Who cares about sunny Spain when you can holiday on the beautiful Yorkshire coast? In summer, this popular seaside resort attracts people from all over Yorkshire who’ve chosen a staycation for their family break. With donkey rides on the beach, numerous amusement arcades to keep you entertained, fish and chips and ice cream galore, you just can’t beat it!

10. You say it how it is

If you’re from Yorkshire you’ll likely be a loyal friend to those you care about, but you will also not be afraid to say it how it is. Although you may be accused of being blunt, honesty is the best policy for those from Yorkshire, even if it’s not what the other person wants to hear.

11. Southerners struggle to understand you

As with many northern accents, you can expect some confusion amongst southerners when it comes to them understanding the Yorkshire dialect. Using strange expressions such as ‘you make a better door than a window’ when someone is blocking view or slang terms like ‘duck’ when addressing someone, will likely baffle anyone who lives south of the Midlands.

12. Alright or ‘alreet’ has multiple meanings to you

This is another word that can confuse non-locals when used by those from Yorkshire. It can be used as both a question and a greeting. If you greet people by saying ‘alright’ instead of ‘hi’ or ‘hello’, it is a massive clue to your Yorkshire origins!

13. You’re friendly, but can be stubborn as a mule

One of the major signs you’re from Yorkshire is your northern hospitality which never fails to please visitors the area. You are likely open, friendly and always willing to help people out when they need a hand. However, it is a well-known fact that Yorkshire folk can be stubborn, and they will avoid backing down at all costs if they think they’re right!

14. Your accent gets stronger around other Yorkshire folk

If southerners can’t understand you when you’re alone, they’ll have no chance when you’re surrounded by others Yorkshire. A common side effect of conversing with your fellow Yorkshiremen is that your accent will get markedly stronger and your ability to understand those weird slang words and phrases will give you away!

15. You’re proud of where you come from!

The 15^th sign that you’re from Yorkshire is a particularly important one. If you were born and raised in Yorkshire, you are undoubtedly proud of where you come from and all it has to offer. You will get excited each time a recognisable spot appears on the telly and you will tell anyone who will listen where you’re from, particularly if you no longer live there. You’ll offer to make people a proper cup of Yorkshire tea if they’ve never had one and recommend a visit to anyone who has yet to experience your beautiful home county for themselves!