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Scouse phrases for visitors to Liverpool

You do not need to learn Scouse to enjoy Liverpool, but a few phrases will help you follow what is going on in a pub, a taxi or a football queue.

Last updated 2 November 2026

Don't panic

Liverpool people are used to visitors. Speak normally, ask if you do not understand, and most people will be happy to explain. The aim of this page is to help you recognise common words in context. All meanings come from published slang guides; see the full glossary for more.

Greetings and goodbyes

• "Alright lash!" A friendly greeting meaning "are you alright?" (The Liverpudlian lists "lash" as a word tied to drinking, and also as part of this greeting.)
• "Ta-ra" means goodbye. You may hear it from a shop assistant as you leave.
• "Give us a bell" means call me.

Food and drink

• "Fancy some scran?" Do you want some food?
• "Are you having a bevvy?" Do you want a drink? Bevvy can mean any drink now, but traditionally an alcoholic one.
• "Out on the lash" means out drinking heavily.
• "Have you tried scouse?" It is worth trying; see our scouse recipe to learn what is in it.

Weather

• "It's baltic" means it is freezing.
• "It's chucking it down" means it is raining heavily.

Compliments and approval

• "That's boss" means that's great.
• "Sound" means good, fine or I agree. "Sound as a pound" is an enthusiastic yes.
• "I'm made up" means I'm really pleased.
• "G'wed" means go on, go ahead.

Teasing and warnings

• "Look at the state of you!" Said fondly or seriously, depending on the tone, it means you look a mess.
• "Making a show of yourself" means behaving in an embarrassing way in public.
• "Don't be a blert" is a playful insult for acting daft.
• "He's got a cob on" means he is in a bad mood.
• "It's jarg" means it is fake or broken.

Getting around

Locals use jigger or entry for narrow back alleys between terraced houses. You are unlikely to need either unless you are visiting someone's house. "The ozzy" is a hospital.

Football and the pub

You are most likely to hear strong Scouse around matches, in pubs and in markets. Conversations can move fast and wander off topic. If you only catch part of a sentence, pick up on the key word, such as "scran", "bevvy" or "boss", and the rest will usually make sense from the context.

Tone matters

Scouse humour includes teasing, and an insult can be a sign of friendliness. If you are not sure which, smile and ask. Avoid copying the slang for people from other places, such as "wool", which The Liverpudlian says can be an insult.

Putting it together

A short conversation might go: "Alright! Fancy a bevvy? It's baltic out there." "Sound. I'm made up you're here." "Ta-ra then, give us a bell." You will not hear it exactly like this, but you will recognise the words. If you do not understand something, say so. A Liverpool local is more likely to be amused than offended.

Before you go

If you want to know why the accent sounds the way it does, read about the Scouse accent. And if you only learn one phrase, make it "ta-ra", used when you leave.

Spotted a mistake or have a question? Get in touch.