How to Talk Like a Local

The first collection of local words and phrases to take in every region of the country

From dardledumdue, which means daydreamer in East Anglia, through forkin robbins, the Yorkshire term for earwigs, to clemt, a Lancashire word that means hungry, this title investigates an astonishingly rich variety of regional expressions, and provides insight into the history of the English language.

'Susie Dent is a national treasure' RICHARD OSMAN

'Susie Dent is a one-off. She breathes life and fun into words and language' PAM AYRES
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Would you be bewildered if someone described you as radgy?
Do you know how to recognise a tittamatorter?
And would you understand if someone called you a culchie?

How to Talk Like a Local gathers together hundreds of words from all over the country and digs down to uncover their origins. From dardledumdue, which means daydreamer in East Anglia, through forkin robbins, the Yorkshire term for earwigs, to clemt, a Lancashire word that means hungry, it investigates an astonishingly rich variety of regional expressions, and provides a fascinating insight into the history of the English language.

If you're intrigued by colourful words and phrases, if you're interested in how English is really spoken, or if you simply want to find out a bit more about the development of our language, How to Talk Like a Local is irresistible - and enlightening - reading.
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'Nobody on earth knows more about the English language than Susie Dent and nobody writes about it more entertainingly' GYLES BRANDRETH

'It's an interesting and, at times, hilarious read. One for word-lovers' THE SUN