Southampton may be steeped in maritime history and buzzing with modern life, but, as you'll soon discover, it also possesses a delightfully quirky linguistic landscape.

If you've ever found yourself wandering the city centre streets and overheard a conversation that sounded more like a secret code than everyday English, you're not alone. For those not born and bred in Hampshire, the local vernacular can be a touch perplexing.

However, we've embarked on a quest to unravel the mysteries of Southampton slang, compiling a guide to some of the more peculiar terms you might encounter.

While some of these words may have embarked on their own grand adventures, originating from far-flung locales, they've found a particularly warm and welcoming home here among the Hampshire folk.

And, of course, no linguistic journey is ever truly complete. If you happen to be harbouring any hidden gems, any forgotten phrases, or any delightfully obscure words that deserve a place in our collection, do share them with us in the comments below! We're always eager to expand our lexicon and delve deeper into the rich tapestry of local speech.

Let's begin, shall we?

Mush - Mate, Chum:

You're strolling up Above Bar and you hear a friendly voice call out, "Alright, mush?"

This endearing term, meaning "mate" or "chum," is a staple of Southampton conversation.

While it's now enjoying a wider appreciation across the UK, its roots are a subject of much debate and delightful speculation. Some whisper of Romany gypsy origins, while others suggest a more romantic tale, tracing its lineage back to the medieval era.

Imagine French ships docking in the port, their sailors greeting locals with a cheerful "Monsieur," which, over time, was lovingly abbreviated to "Mush."

Sotonian - Southamptonian:

The venerable sub-editors of the Daily Echo, faced with the unwieldy "Southamptonian," decided brevity was the soul of wit, and thus, "Sotonian" was born.

This elegant abbreviation was championed by the esteemed Clarence Fairbank Carr, a Daily Echo journalist of the 1950s.

He once enlightened a local Rotary club, revealing that these linguistic shortcuts were crafted for the sheer practicality of fitting into newspaper headlines. 

Somewhen - Sometime:

Now, for a word with a touch of historical mystique.

"Somewhen," meaning "sometime," is believed to have originated on the Isle of Wight.

Its first recorded appearance, spelled "somwanne," dates back to the late 13th century,

A fleeting glimpse into the past. However, this early iteration vanished for nearly 600 years, only to resurface, like a linguistic phoenix, to grace our modern vocabulary.

A word with a story to tell, indeed.

Aeriated - Annoyed:

If you've ever felt a pang of irritation, a gentle simmer of annoyance, you might find yourself feeling "aeriated."

While some locals passionately claim this word as their own, its origins appear to lie further north, in the vibrant city of Liverpool.

The word's evolution is also an interesting journey. It started out as "aerated", then through the ages, it ended up as "aeriated" by 1974.

A delightful example of how language adapts and changes.

Chud - Chewing Gum:

A simple pleasure, chewing gum, but even this has its own local twist.

In Hampshire, it's often referred to as "chud," a charming abbreviation of slang terms used in Scotland and Northern England.

While "chuggy" reigns supreme in Scotland, "chuddy" in Leeds, and "chewy" in Liverpool, Southampton locals have embraced "chud" with gusto.

And they are not alone, the people of Tyneside seem to favor this word above all others.

Squinny - Complainer:

A term that carries a touch of theatrical flair, "squinny," meaning "complainer," is a Hampshire saying, particularly prevalent in Portsmouth.

Its origins are shrouded in mystery, with whispers of Romany gypsy roots and even a possible connection to Shakespeare's King Lear.

"Dost thou squiny at me?" Lear asks, a question that echoes through the ages.

Dinlo - Fool:

A gentle ribbing, a playful jest, "dinlo," meaning "fool," is another word believed to have Romany gypsy origins.

It's used with a lighthearted touch, a way to playfully tease someone without causing offence.

Nammet - Lunch:

Our final linguistic treasure, "nammet," meaning "lunch," is another gem from the Isle of Wight.

Originally, it referred to a simple meal of bread, cheese, and beer, enjoyed by field workers.

Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass sandwiches and then lunch in general.

Interestingly, its journey has come full circle, as it's believed to have derived from the medieval word "nonemete," also meaning "lunch."

And there you have it, a glimpse into the colourful world of Southampton slang! We hope you've enjoyed this linguistic adventure, and we eagerly await your contributions to our ever-growing collection.