Liverpool words & sayings
A light-hearted guide to the Liverpool words, sayings and local lore you'll come across around the city, and how (not) to use them on a date.
Scouse words
- Boss
- Brilliant, excellent. Something that's really good is boss.
- In dating: If your date says dinner was boss, they had a great time. Take it as the compliment it is.
- Sound
- Good, fine or agreed. It works as an answer to almost anything.
- In dating: A quick "sound" in reply to a suggested time and place means you're on.
- Made up
- Delighted. If someone is made up for you, they're genuinely pleased about your good news.
- In dating: Telling a match you're made up to hear from them is a warm, friendly way to reply.
- Our kid
- A friendly way to address a mate, originally a brother. It's affectionate and nothing more.
- In dating: If a new match calls you "our kid", they're being friendly. Don't read anything more into it.
- Dead
- Very, as in dead good or dead nice. It's an everyday intensifier.
- In dating: Describing a first date as "dead nice" is high praise in Liverpool.
- Jigger
- The narrow back alley running behind rows of terraced houses.
- In dating: Giving directions that involve "down the jigger" is a sign you're local. Be clear about where to meet.
- Ta-ra
- Goodbye, often with a friendly "ta-ra for now".
- In dating: Ending a good first date with "ta-ra for now" quietly says you'd like to do it again.
Liverpool lore and landmarks
- Scouse
- The name for both the Liverpool accent and a hearty local stew of meat and vegetables, from the sailors' dish lobscouse.
- In dating: Cooking someone a pan of scouse is a classic comfort food date. Ask how they make theirs, but expect strong opinions.
- The Liver Birds
- The two bird sculptures on top of the Royal Liver Building, and a symbol of the city.
- In dating: The Pier Head, below the Royal Liver Building, is an easy, well known place to meet.
- The Three Graces
- The Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building, standing side by side at the Pier Head.
- In dating: A wander past them on the waterfront makes a lovely, easy first date.
- The Beatles
- The band formed in the city, and their story is still everywhere, from the Cavern Club on Mathew Street to the Beatles Story at the Albert Dock.
- In dating: Whether you're a fan or not, it's good conversation. Check opening times and tickets before you go.
- The Blues and the Reds
- The nicknames of Everton and Liverpool football clubs, and loyalties run deep.
- In dating: It's worth knowing early which side your date supports. Match days draw big crowds, so check the fixtures before you plan.
- The Mersey Ferry
- The famous ferry across the river, immortalised in the song Ferry Cross the Mersey.
- In dating: A short, scenic crossing that makes an easy first date. Check the timetable before you go.
- The Superlambanana
- The bright yellow sculpture by Taro Chiezo, a cross between a sheep and a banana, that has become a city icon.
- In dating: Spotting one together makes a fun photo and an easy talking point.
- Chinatown
- Liverpool's Chinese community is the oldest in Europe, and its Chinatown has a grand ceremonial arch and some very good places to eat.
- In dating: A wander through Chinatown followed by a meal is a lively first date. Check what's open before you go.
Words change from one part of Merseyside to the next, and what you hear in Liverpool isn't always what you hear on the Wirral or in Southport. Got a favourite we've missed? Tell us when you join.
Don't be shy. Go and meet someone.
Put a few of these to use with singles who'll know exactly what you mean.