If you’re not from Britain, then when you think of the British accent you may simply imagine what you’ve been exposed to on TV. BBC and blockbuster British movies tend to portray the accent as sophisticated and poised. You may even think of the British Monarchy as your reference and you’re not alone. Most people that don’t live in Britain have the impeccably mannered Hugh Grant from Nottinghill ideal in their heads and they can’t be blamed.

However, if you live in Britain or are simply visiting, you’ll know that there is a plethora of British accents from all over. The UK is filled with rich dialects and accents shaped by different histories. 

Because we have Mecca Bingo Clubs throughout the UK, we get to hear the very best British accents and while some people may consider some to be the worst British accents, we tend to love them all! We love hearing the myriad of accents every day. From the Scottish Highlands to the tip of Cornwall, every region is packed with distinct dialects, silly sayings, and funny phrases. 

Here are just a few of our faves:

Geordie – Newcastle Accent

Found on the streets of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and the surrounding towns and villages, the Geordie accent has it roots in working-class industry and mining. From the raucous noise of Newcastle United fans to fondly remembered shows like Byker Grove and Auf Wiedersehen, the Geordie accent has made its mark on the country.

Fun Geordie sayings and slang

There are almost too many sayings in Geordie slang that we love, but here are just some of our favourites:

Am gannin yem, man! – Meaning: I’m going home!

Howay man, let’s get some scran, then gan doon toon – Meaning: Come on, let’s get something to eat and go to Newcastle

Shy bairns get nowt – Meaning: If you’re afraid to ask, you won’t get anything.

Geordie celebs

Some of the most famous Geordies that you’re likely to have heard of include: 

• Ant and Dec, Alan Shearer, Cheryl Cole, Love Island’s Amber Gill

Struggle to understand the accent? You’re not the first!

Scouse – Merseyside and Liverpool

The word ‘Scouse’ originally comes from a stew favoured by sailors, and the popular northern port would often welcome migrants from Ireland and Wales, changing the local accent over time.

The nasal quality to the scouse accent is thought to have developed because lots of people had lingering colds in Liverpool and people new to the area copied the sound of it!

Fun Scouse sayings and slang

There is an endless number of scouse phrases and slang that we love, but here are just a few of the best: 

• Alright la, keep ya kecks on – Meaning: OK mate, keep your pants on/calm down

• Let’s swerve that meeting and grab a bevvy instead – Meaning: Let’s avoid the meeting and go for a drink instead.

• Eeee, it’s absolutely Baltic – Meaning: Crikey, it’s very cold!

Scouse Celebs

Here are the most famous celebs with a Scouser accent that you’re likely to know of:

• The Beatles, Paul O’ Grady, Cilla Black, Steven Gerrard, Claire Sweeney

Here’s Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp learning to speak in a scouse accent from a young fan

Mancunian – Manchester and Greater Manchester

The Mancunian accent might not be as radical as some on the list of English accents, but the sheer number of musicians, actors and comedians from the region have made it one of the most commonly heard on our TVs, across our airwaves and beyond!

Fun Mancunian sayings and slang

• Make us a brew – Meaning: Make me a cup of tea.

• He’s alright, our kid – Meaning: My brother/friend is a fine young man.

• I went out on the lash and now I’m absolutely ‘anging – Meaning: I went out for a drink and now I’m really hungover.

• Madferit – Meaning: I love it! 

Mancunian Celebs

These are just some of the most famous Mancunians out there

• Liam and Noel Gallagher, Morrissey, Caroline Aherne, Maxine Peake, Jason Manford.

Funnyman Jason Manford comes from Salford, here he is entertaining the Royal Family!

Cockney – East London

Hailing from the capital, Cockney is one of the most colourful English accents. The accent is paired with Cockney Rhyming Slang – where words are rhymed and replaced in a way that confuses foreigners and visitors from elsewhere in the UK! With its East End roots, Cockney is one of the most distinctive and easily placed accents in the UK.

Fun Cockney sayings and slang

• You’re ‘aving a giraffe ‘int ya? – Meaning: You must be joking?

• ‘Giz a butchers’ – Meaning: Let me have a look!

• Pick up the dog ‘n’ bone, will ya Steve! – Meaning: Answer the phone, Steve!

Cockney Celebs

Looking for some Cockney celebs that you might know? Here are a few:

• Kathy Burke, Michael Caine, Barbara Windsor, Danny & Danni Dyer, Micky Flanagan

Cockney comedian Micky Flanagan can even show you how to walk like a Cockney!

Scottish – Scotland

Grouping Scotland into one accent might be a little unfair, but we couldn’t just pick one! The Gaelic flair of Scottish transforms the tongue – from the sing-song tones found near the border to the inner-city patter of Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Fun Scottish sayings and slang

• Yer bum’s oot the windae. – Meaning: You’re talking nonsense!

• Yer heid’s full o’ mince. – Meaning: You’re talking nonsense!

• Yer talkin’ mince withoot a tattie in sight.  – Meaning: Everything you say is nonsense!

• Yer at it. – Meaning: You’re talking nonsense/acting like a fool!

Scottish Celebs

Some of the most notable Scottish celebrities include:

• David Tennant, Karen Gillan, Rose Leslie, Billy Connolly, Richard Madden, Shaun Connery

Here’s YouTube star Korean Billy with his… interesting take on Glaswegian

Brummie – Birmingham

The low octaves and flattened vowels of the Brummie accent make it one of the most easily recognised accents in the UK. The lingering tones, funny turns of phrase and gentle lilting sounds can be really relaxing and Brummies always sound down-to-earth. We adore it!

Fun Brummie sayings and slang

• Tara-a-bit – Meaning: See you later

• She’s got a roight cob on – Meaning: She’s in a mood!

• Get that down ya wazzin! – Meaning: Get that down your neck!/drink this!

Brummie celebs

If you’re wondering if there are any celebrities that rock Brummie slang then have a look at these famous folk:

• Frank Skinner, Ozzy Osbourne, Adrian Chiles, Cat Deeley, Jasper Carrot.

Legendary comic Frank Skinner’s down-to-earth charm would certainly be lessened without his Brummie accent

Bingo is a quintessentially British pastime and at Bingo we don’t care what kind of accent you have. If you want to play bingo online then take a look at our famous bingo sites or head on down to your local club. Whether you’re from the highlands of Scotland or the docks of Liverpool, online bingo is something that the whole of the UK can have in common. Play bingo free from the pressures of the bingo hall on your couch or on your commute and you could win big!

Enjoy our look at some of the different British accents? Check out our list of 10 Very British Things too!

We’re here to help you keep it fun – remember to set your deposit limit. Click here for more details on the safer gambling tools available including reality checks and the ability to take a break from your gaming.