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The Potteries dialect is something totally unique to Stoke-on-Trent. Unlike 'Geordie' or 'Scouse,' whole new words replace those which are used in normal everyday life. A native of The Potteries can pick out a Stoke accent from a mile off, even when others haven't a clue where that accent comes from. Experts can even distinguish between different parts of North Staffordshire.
When you've got a Stoke accent it stays with you and you've got it for life, unless your name's Garth Crooks.
So, here is your first lesson in Learnin' thee 'sen Pott 'ries.
The most popular phrase in Stoke is, 'Cost kick a bow agen' a woe, y'ed it back an bost it?'
This roughly translates as, 'Can you kick a ball against a wall, head it back and burst it?' It is often a question asked by young Stoke girls of prospective lovers.
Now we can move on to more general words and their application.
GREETINGS
'Ah do' - Hello
'Ay up Duck' - Hello there
'Ow at?' - How are you?
'At Owe rate/orate?' - Are you alright?
'Me owd' - My friend
'Mar mate' - My mate
Now try this conversation with your study partner
'Ah do, ow at, at owe rate?'
'Ar, arm orate me owd, at thay?'
QUESTIONS
'Ast thee got thee Oatckes?' - Have you got any Oatcakes? The reply could either be, 'Way anner,' or 'Way've got 'em!'
'Whut dust want?' - What do you want?
'Dust want a paynt?' - Would you like a drink?
'Whay're at gooin'?' - Where are you going?
A question often asked on the streets of Stoke is, 'At gooin' dine Stoke termirrer?' To which the reply of late has been, 'Ar onner. Stoke dunner come say may when arm bad!'
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