Exclusive: We find out Line of Duty star Vicky McClure’s favourite Nottingham phrase

Every town and city in the UK has its own unique words and phrases - and Nottingham is no exception. 

Even if you’ve lived in Nottingham for a relatively short space of time, you’ll have no doubt picked up on certain colloquialisms that are unique to this part of the country. 

Many of these local words and phrases have been in use for centuries, thus becoming engrained in Nottingham’s culture. 

Naturally, the number of these colloquialisms you use usually depends on how much of a broad Nottingham accent you have. 

Nobby greens (brussel sprouts) and mardy (miserable) are just two of our favourite examples when it comes to Nottingham dialect. 

Regular readers will recall that last week Nottingham World brought you part one of our exclusive chat with the one and only Vicky McClure. 

We got the opportunity to pose a few questions to Wollaton-born Vicky about her home city, with last week’s piece focusing on her favourite restaurants. 

This week, in part two of our chat, we’re able to reveal the answer to a hugely important question - Vicky’s favourite Nottingham phrase. 

Vicky McClure’s favourite Nottingham phrase

As someone who has lived in Nottingham for pretty much her entire life, it’s fair to say that Vicky is familiar with one or two local words and phrases. 

But as you might expect, one classic phrase in particular stands out to the Line of Duty star above all others. 

She said: “Ay up! It’s like a friendly hello.”

Also a popular greeting in Yorkshire, ‘ay up’ is used by thousands of Nottingham residents every day and is without doubt one of the city’s favourite local phrases. 

Here in Nottingham, ‘ay up’ is often accompanied with ‘me duck’ - another firm favourite among locals. 

Join us next week for part three of our exclusive chat with the unofficial Queen of Nottingham, Vicky McClure.