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Soap Speak
Have you ever watched a soap and wondered what they were talking about? The soaps pride themselves on being authentic and this means that they must use a local dialect to show the character's lives. But these dialects can be very confusing to understand, especially with Julia Brogan's loud screech or Phil Mitchell's whisper. So, here's the definitive guide to the soap speak.


Brookside: Liverpool
PhraseExplanation...
Do one will ya!Go away
OssieHospital
lekkieElectricity
bevviebeverage
be-ayve (behave)don't be silly
softstupid
scalliesrogues
soundok, good

Coronation Street: Manchester
PhraseExplanation...
chucklove
our kidused to denote a sibling or child
barm cakea bread roll - or stupid person
crate eggstupid person

EastEnders: London
PhraseExplanation...
sortedfixed; finished with
Goin’ up westGoing into central London
‘erehere (nearly all sentences start with ‘ere)
GeezerMan
Old BillThe Police

Emmerdale: Yorkshire
PhraseExplanation...
Eee bah gumOh, I say
Ya daft beggarYou silly fool
By 'eckOh my
suppingdrinking
ey uphello

Neighbours & Home+Away: Aussie lingo
PhraseExplanation...
ArvoAfternoon
AustudyAn allowance paid by the government to students
Buckley's (chance)Hopeless, no chance
Dag/DaggyUntrendy, non-fashion conscious
Rack Off!Get lost!
RaptHappy or excited
Really up (him/herself)Stuck up, snob
Sticky-beakNosy-parker, busybody
Blind Freddy could see it!It's obvious!
Don't come the raw prawn!Don't try to fool me!
Fair suck of the flamin' saveloy!Fair go!
Kangaroos in the top paddock
One snag short of a barbie
One sandwich short of a picnic
A bit crazy
You great galahyou fool

Soap Heaven © 1997 Adrian Murphy & Andy Baker