Stoke words and sayings

Stoke on Trent is itself a federation of the six towns of Burslem, Hanley, Stoke, Tunstall, Longton and Fenton. It came into being on the 31st March 1910 with Stoke being the seat of power even though Hanley was better established. To this day, Hanley is still the commercial centre of the city.

Stoke is famed for its porcelain and is of course known as "The Potteries" with the industry dating back to the seventeenth century. Josiah Wedgwood set up business in 1759 but the area was already supplying large quantities of earthenware. Wedgwood built one of Great Britains first large factory in 1769 in his hometown of Etruria which is just outside Burslem.

So now you known a bit of the history, what about that accent and dialect?

Everyone in the Potteries is a duck. Not the cunards of Longton Park, it's a term of endearment. Instead of saying "luv", in Stoke we say "duck".

The "buzz" is the mode of transport commonly known as the bus. It can be quite funny when you here this for the first time!

"Skinny" shouldn't be taken offensively if you are a little overweight! It is actually somebody who is tight with money or being a bit mean with their spending.

Oatcakes are a religion in the Potteries, not just and oatcakes, proper oatcakes, fresh that day from the factory. You can buy them in any store, off licence and petrol station and they are the staple diet for Stokies. They can be eaten for any meal too, breakfast, lunch or dinner and are by tradition served with bacon, melted cheese and tinned tomato. It is usual to melt the cheese under the grill on the plate and serve red hot with the bacon and tomatoes. For a light snack you can have oatcakes with just cheese, even popped in the microwave for a minute.

It is thought that the oatcake may have its origin in India. They are soft, similar to crepes/pancakes and baked on a stone griddle. Recipes are closely guarded family secrets and sales can sometimes be rationed at times of high demand!

Stoke is also the home of Wedgewood, Spode and the like and was once the leading producer of ceramics in the whole world. Whilst the potteries industry has all but disappeared in recent years there is plenty of evidence as to it existence and its importance to the local economy for many years.

Lobby is a legendary Stoke meal. Basically it is a beef stew or casserole that typically contains carrots, swede, onion and potatoes. Ususally on the menu at least once a week when I were growin' up, it is usually served with sliced white bread, cut in half, no butter and not into triangles. People also have it with crusty bread and butter.

Certain areas of the UK refer to this dish as scouse or lob-scouse.

Stoke on Trent is a highly accessible part of the UK by road. Located just off Junction 15 of the M6 motorway, it is almost in the centre of the country. Once you get in, congestion can be a bit of a problem, especially during rush hour traffic. Get the buzz if you dare!

Anyone heard this saying? Buy the roast or spy the roast. My Grandad used to say it when he was getting exasperated (usually with my mum) but I am not sure of its origins or meaning.