Talk Like a Local: Sheffield Slang

So, you’ve made it to Sheffield - land of steel, snooker, and seriously strong cups of tea. One thing you need to get on top of? Your Sheffield slang. We’re talking about the words and phrases that make locals do a double take when you don’t know what “mardy” means. But don’t stress - this guide has you covered. You’ll be chatting like a true Sheffielder in no time (or at least pretending well enough to get by at the chippy).

1. "Mardy"

Meaning: Grumpy, sulky, or stroppy.
Example: “She’s gone all mardy 'cause she didn’t get her usual seat in the library.”
Student survival tip: Great for when your mate’s sulking because someone once again lost their pen.

2. "Be Reyt"

Meaning: “It’ll be alright” / “No worries” / “It’s not that deep.”
Example: “Missed the bus? Be reyt, there’s another in 10.”
Student survival tip: Basically a coping mechanism in phrase form. Forgot to revise? Be reyt. Submitted with 12 seconds to spare? Be reyt.

3. "Nowt/Owt"

Meaning: Nothing / Anything
Example: “There’s nowt left in the fridge except half a lemon and regret.”
Student survival tip: You’ll be saying this every time you check your bank account, cupboards, or motivation.

4. "Chuffed"

Meaning: Really pleased, happy, or proud.
Example: “I’m well chuffed with that mark – didn’t even read the book!”
Student survival tip: Save this one for when you actually do something right, like surviving Week 12 or finding £1.40 in your coat pocket.

5. "Snap"

Meaning: Food (especially packed lunch)
Example: “I’ve brought snap for the library sesh – just a meal deal and vibes.”
Student survival tip: Use this when you’ve packed up some leftovers and don’t want to say “cold pasta in a plastic tub.”

6. "Ge'or"

Meaning: Short for “Give over”- Stop it / You’re kidding / Behave
Example: “Ge’or, you’ve actually started the essay already?”
Student survival tip: A great phrase to throw out when someone says they’re only staying for pre-drinks.

7. "Jiggered"

Meaning: Exhausted
Example: “I’m absolutely jiggered after that shift at the bar.”
Student survival tip: Use after any lecture longer than 90 minutes or a walk up one of Sheffield’s many hills. 

8. "Ey up"

Meaning: Hello / Watch out / General greeting
Example: “Ey up, not seen you since Freshers’!”
Student survival tip: Super versatile - can mean “hi” or “what’s going on?” depending on tone. Default Sheffield greeting. Bonus points if you pair it with a head nod.

9. "Nesh"

Meaning: Someone who feels the cold easily.
Example: “You’ve got gloves on already? Bit nesh, in’t ya?”
Student survival tip: Expect to hear this when you bust out your big winter coat in October. Embrace your nesh-ness - it gets cold up here.

10. "Breadcake"

Meaning: A bread roll / bun / bap - depending on where you're from.
Example: “Can I get chips in a breadcake, ta?”
Student survival tip: This one sparks fierce debate. Don’t call it a “barm” in Sheffield. Just… don’t.

While you might not be dropping “ey up” and “ge’or” in every sentence just yet, using even a few of these slang phrases can help you settle in quicker, laugh a bit harder, and connect with the city that’s now your uni home. Ready to call Sheffield home? Learn the slang, live like a local, and book your student accommodation in Sheffield today with true student - comfy, modern spaces in the heart of the city. Be reyt, you’ll love it: true student Sheffield