15 Nottingham words and phrases that will test your citizenship of the city

Like most towns and cities across England, Nottingham has its own local dialect that only certain people will recognise. 

With colloquialisms such as ‘nobby greens’ and ‘tabs’ used by generation after generation, it’s almost as if Nottingham has its own language. 

Nottingham residents remain extremely proud of the city’s dialect, particularly because it allows locals to tell ‘outsiders’ rather quickly. 

We’ve picked out 15 words, phrases and unique ways of pronouncing words that only true Nottingham citizens will recognise. 

Let us know in the comments how many you’ve heard of!

Gerrit dern yer: Eat it

Bobbo: Horse

Tarar duck: Goodbye

Mardy: In a bad mood

Nobby greens: Brussel sprouts

Wassa marra wiya: What’s the matter with you?

Gis a croggy: Give me a ride on your bicycle

Nesh: Unusually susceptible to cold weather 

It’s looking black over Bill’s mother’s: It looks like it’s going to rain

The tea’s mashin’: The tea is brewing

Gobby cow: Someone who gossips

Tahn: Town

Watter: Water

Tabs: Ears

Gerrof om: Go home