Leeds words & sayings
A light-hearted guide to the Yorkshire words, sayings and local lore you'll come across around Leeds, and how (not) to use them on a date.
Yorkshire words
- Ey up
- A classic Yorkshire hello, short for something like 'hey, look up'. It's friendly and informal.
- In dating: Opening a first message with "ey up" is a warm, light way to say hello. Just don't overdo it if you're not local.
- Nowt
- Nothing. Say it as 'nowt' to rhyme with 'out'.
- In dating: If a match says they're up to "nowt much" at the weekend, they're free for a coffee.
- Owt
- Anything, the opposite of nowt.
- In dating: "Do you fancy owt to eat?" is a perfectly good way to ask someone out for a meal.
- Reyt
- Right, but also very or proper. Something that's really good is reyt good.
- In dating: Describing a first date as "reyt good" is high praise in West Yorkshire.
- Mardy
- Sulky or grumpy, often in a mild, teasing way.
- In dating: Teasing a match that they sound a bit mardy is only safe once you've built some rapport. Keep it light.
- Ginnel
- A narrow passage between buildings, like an alley or footpath.
- In dating: Directions that include "down the ginnel" are a sign you're local. Be clear about where to meet.
- Champion
- Excellent or great. A very Yorkshire way to say well done.
- In dating: A quick "champion" in reply to a suggested time and place means you're on.
Leeds lore and landmarks
- Kirkgate Market
- A large, historic covered market in the city centre, with a grand Victorian hall at its heart and stalls selling everything from food to fabric.
- In dating: A wander round the market followed by a coffee makes an easy, relaxed first date. Check opening days before you go.
- The Corn Exchange
- A striking Victorian building in the city centre with a domed roof, now home to independent shops, cafés and bars.
- In dating: It's a pretty, weatherproof place for a coffee and a browse. Check what's open before you go.
- The Whites
- The nickname of Leeds United, who play at Elland Road. Loyalty runs deep, and the club's song is Marching On Together.
- In dating: It's worth knowing early whether your date follows the club. Match days are busy, so check the fixtures before you plan.
- Headingley
- A lively area in north west Leeds, home to Headingley Stadium, a famous venue for cricket and rugby league, and a good mix of pubs and cafés.
- In dating: A coffee or a drink in Headingley is an easy first date. Match days can be busy, so check the calendar.
- Roundhay Park
- A huge city park in north east Leeds, with two lakes, formal gardens and woodland. Tropical World sits at its edge.
- In dating: A walk round the lakes is a classic, low pressure first date. Check opening times if you want to visit Tropical World.
- Kirkstall Abbey
- The ruins of a twelfth century Cistercian abbey on the banks of the River Aire, just outside the city centre.
- In dating: Wandering the ruins together gives you plenty to talk about. Check opening times before you visit.
- The Leeds and Liverpool Canal
- A long canal that runs through the city, with a towpath that's good for walking and the lively waterside at Granary Wharf.
- In dating: A stroll along the towpath, then a drink by the water, is a relaxed first date. Check the weather before you go.
- Yorkshire pudding
- A baked batter pudding traditionally served with roast beef and gravy, and the heart of a proper Sunday roast.
- In dating: Suggesting a Sunday roast is a friendly second date idea. Ask how they like theirs, but expect strong opinions.
Words change from one part of West Yorkshire to the next, and what you hear in Leeds isn't always what you hear in Harrogate or Wakefield. 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.