Welcome to our Cornish Phrase Guide, where we celebrate the charm and wit of the Cornish dialect! Whether you're a local, a visitor, or just curious about Cornwall's unique sayings, this guide will help you understand and appreciate the beauty of Cornish language and culture.
Cornwall isn’t just famous for its stunning coastline, pasties, and cream teas (jam first, of course!); it’s also home to some of the quirkiest and most endearing phrases you'll ever hear. Here, we’ve broken down some of our favorite Cornish sayings, their meanings, and how you can incorporate a bit of Cornwall into your daily life.
What is the Cornish Dialect?
The Cornish dialect is a reflection of Cornwall’s rich history and culture. It blends the Cornish language (Kernewek) with English, creating a unique and playful way of speaking. While some phrases come from the ancient Cornish language, others are simply regional quirks that have evolved over time.
Our products at Phrased and Confused are inspired by these sayings, bringing a touch of Cornwall's personality to your home, wardrobe, or morning brew.
Popular Cornish Phrases and Their Meanings
1. Dreckly
This one’s a classic! "Dreckly" means "eventually" or "sometime soon," but in true Cornish style, there’s no rush. It’s similar to the Spanish "mañana" but with even less urgency. If someone says they'll do it "dreckly," don’t expect it to happen anytime soon!
2. Proper Job
When something’s done well, it’s a "proper job." It’s the ultimate Cornish seal of approval. Whether you’ve baked a perfect pasty or fixed a leaky roof, you’ll know you’ve done a "proper job" when you hear this phrase.
3. Ere Tis
Short and sweet, "Ere Tis" simply means "here it is." It’s often used when handing something over or pointing something out.
4. Sum Teasy
Feeling a bit grumpy? You might hear someone say you’re "sum teasy." This phrase is used to describe someone who’s in a bit of a mood or being a little difficult.
5. Ansum
This is Cornish for "handsome" but is used to describe anything that’s great, lovely, or just plain awesome. A delicious pasty? "That’s ansum!" A beautiful sunset? "Ansum!"
6. Geddon
A cheerful shout of encouragement, "Geddon" is the Cornish way of saying "go on" or "great job." It’s versatile and often used as a greeting too.
7. Alright? Yeah You?
A warm Cornish greeting, see someone in the street and say 'Alright? if they say Yeah You' back then you know life is good.
At Phrased and Confused, we’ve taken these iconic phrases and turned them into playful designs for prints, t-shirts, mugs, and more. Each product is a celebration of Cornwall’s unique charm, making them perfect for locals and lovers of Cornwall alike.
Want to bring a bit of Cornwall into your life? Our collection of Cornish phrase art prints, t-shirts, and mugs are designed to do just that. Whether you’re decorating your home, updating your wardrobe, or looking for the perfect gift, our products let you carry a piece of Cornwall with you wherever you go.
Shop Cornish-Inspired Designs
If you’ve fallen in love with Cornish phrases as much as we have, why not explore our collection? From "Dreckly" art prints to "Proper Job" mugs, we’ve got something for everyone.