Brummie Sayings & Slang; Proper Birmingham Gifts

Birmingham might be Britain’s second city, but when it comes to dialect, Brummie is second to none. 

From the unmistakable “Alright Bab?” to the cheerful “Bostin’,” Brummie sayings are warm, friendly, and full of character. We’ve taken the best Birmingham phrases and put them on mugs, prints, T-shirts, and cushions because there’s nothing quite like a gift that speaks your language.

Whether you’re a proud Brummie or you’re shopping for one, come and have a look at our Birmingham collection below.

Our Brummie Sayings (And What They Mean)

The phrases on our Birmingham products — and what they actually mean.

“Alright Bab?”

Hello, love. The universal Brummie greeting. “Bab” is a term of endearment short for “baby,” but not romantic. It’s used for friends, family, strangers in shops, everyone. It’s the Brummie equivalent of “love” or “mate,” and it feels like a hug in a word.

“Ta Ra”

Goodbye. The Brummie farewell, said with warmth and a wave. Simple, friendly, and impossible to say without feeling a bit cheerful. It’s the kind of goodbye that implies you’ll see each other again soon.

“Bostin”

Brilliant, excellent, great. This one might come from the old Staffordshire word “bost” (to burst), meaning something so good it’s bursting. “That’s bostin’, that is” is the Brummie seal of approval. It sounds exactly like what it means; big, bold, and full.

“Just a Lickle”

Just a little. The Brummie way of saying “just a small one” whether it’s a portion, a favour, or a problem. “Lickle” is the Brummie pronunciation of “little,” and it’s one of those words that instantly tells you where someone’s from. Sweet, understated, and very Birmingham.

Birmingham Gifts;  Say It with a Bit of Brummie Love

Birmingham gifts with a personal touch? 

That’s exactly what we do. Every product in our Brummie collection features a real Birmingham saying or phrase, designed in our signature bright, colourful style. Perfect for birthdays, Christmas, or just to remind someone of home.

  • Alright Bab?

    The Brummie hello, in every form

    Buy Here

  • Ta Ra

    The Birmingham goodbye, done properly

    Buy here

  • Bostin

    For when something is properly brilliant

    Buy Here

  • Just a Lickle

    Sweet, small, and very Brummie

    Buy here

Looking for a Brummie Gift?

Our Brummie sayings gifts are just the ticket for the Birmingham-born in your life. Free UK shipping on every order with Royal Mail tracked.

Shop All Brummie Gifts

Brummie Christmas Gifts; Bostin

If you’re shopping for a Brummie, you’re shopping for someone warm, straight-talking, and thoroughly underrated. Just like the city itself.

Our Birmingham collection has four phrases that sum up everything that’s great about Brum. “Alright Bab?” the greeting that makes everyone feel welcome. “Ta Ra” the cheerful goodbye that promises you’ll be back. “Bostin” the only word that properly captures something brilliant. “Just a Lickle” the sweet Brummie way of asking for just a small thing (which is often quite a big thing).

Mugs, prints, T-shirts, cushions, all free to post anywhere in the UK.

Shop Brummie Christmas Gifts

Phrased and Confused, celebrating Birmingham dialect, one “bab” at a time.