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
Phrase | Explanation... |
Do one will ya! | Go away |
Ossie | Hospital |
lekkie | Electricity |
bevvie | beverage |
be-ayve (behave) | don't be silly |
soft | stupid |
scallies | rogues |
sound | ok, good |
Coronation Street: Manchester
Phrase | Explanation... |
chuck | love |
our kid | used to denote a sibling or child |
barm cake | a bread roll - or stupid person |
crate egg | stupid person |
EastEnders: London
Phrase | Explanation... |
sorted | fixed; finished with |
Goin’ up west | Going into central London |
‘ere | here (nearly all sentences start with ‘ere) |
Geezer | Man |
Old Bill | The Police |
Emmerdale: Yorkshire
Phrase | Explanation... |
Eee bah gum | Oh, I say |
Ya daft beggar | You silly fool |
By 'eck | Oh my |
supping | drinking |
ey up | hello |
Neighbours & Home+Away: Aussie lingo
Phrase | Explanation... |
Arvo | Afternoon |
Austudy | An allowance paid by the government to students |
Buckley's (chance) | Hopeless, no chance |
Dag/Daggy | Untrendy, non-fashion conscious |
Rack Off! | Get lost! |
Rapt | Happy or excited |
Really up (him/herself) | Stuck up, snob |
Sticky-beak | Nosy-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 galah | you fool |
Soap Heaven © 1997 Adrian Murphy & Andy Baker
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