From Lobscouse to La: The History Of Scouse Slang

Let’s be honest, if there’s one thing that sets a Scouser apart (aside from our top-tier humour and permanent state of being sound), it’s the way we talk. Scouse slang is like a secret code. You either get it or you don’t – and if you don’t, well, soz la, that’s your problem.

Now, loads of people ask, “Where does Scouse slang actually come from?” And the answer is as boss as our accent. The word "Scouse" itself comes from “lobscouse” – a kind of stew that Norwegian sailors used to scran back in the day. Liverpool being the port city that it is, it was introduced via the sailors, we loved it and the people got nicknamed Scousers… and the name stuck faster than a fake tan in a heatwave. If you're interested in the recipe, then get on this tea towel.

Because the docks brought in loads of different accents – Irish, Welsh, even a bit of Norwegian – it created this gorgeous melting pot of chaos that evolved into the Scouse accent and slang we all know and love today.

If you want to wrap your head around it all, grab the A-Z of Scouse Print. It’s basically a cheat sheet to not sounding like a complete div when chatting to a Scouser. Hang it in your kitchen and you’ll be fluent in no time.

One of our most iconic phrases? “Boss.” Simple, effective, and universal. Got a boss butty? Boss. Seen a boss lad down Concert Square? Even bossier. And don’t get us started on “gobshite” – an elite-level insult and term of endearment all rolled into one. Dead versatile.

Want to really immerse yourself in the culture? Stick the Scouse Recipe Tea Towel in your kitchen and cook up some actual lobscouse while you’re at it. Your nan’ll be well proud.

Now, if you’re really serious about getting clued up on the history of Scouse and Scousers then you'll want to read this too.

So next time someone asks “what’s Scouse slang all about?” just tell ‘em it’s boss, it's sound, and it's absolutely not to be messed with. Dead funny, dead clever, and full of attitude – just like the people who speak it.

Now go on – have a nose round our Scouse gifts and get yourself somethin' that says “I’m proper Scouse and proud” without even opening your gob.