Cornish Sayings & Phrases; Proper Job Gifts from Cornwall
Cornwall has one of the most distinctive voices in Britain. From "Proper Job" to "Dreckly,"
Cornish phrases are warm, witty, and unmistakably their own. At Phrased and Confused, we've taken our favourite Cornish sayings and put them on mugs, prints, T-shirts, and cushions because nothing feels more like home than seeing your dialect celebrated in bright, brilliant colour.
Whether you're a proud Cornish local, living up-country and missing the coast, or shopping for someone who greats you with Alright? you're in the right place. Have a proper look at our Cornish collection below.
Our Cornish Sayings And What They Mean)
The phrases on our Cornish products — and what they actually mean.
“Proper Job”
Brilliant, well done, exactly right. Cornwall's highest praise. If someone calls your work a "proper job," you've nailed it. It's the phrase builders say when a wall goes up straight, fishermen say when the catch comes in, and when you get poured a fine pint. Two words that carry the weight of generations of Cornish craft and pride.
“Dreckly”
In a bit. Eventually. When it happens, it happens. Roughly translated as "directly" but don't be fooled. Dreckly doesn't mean now. It doesn't even mean soon. It means it'll get done, in its own time, when the moment is right. Essentially Cornwall's answer to the rest of the world moving too fast.
“Ansum”
Handsome. Lovely. Wonderful. In Cornwall, "ansum" isn't just about looks it's
a full-bodied compliment. A beautiful sunset is ansum. A great pasty is bleddy ansum. You, after a good haircut? Absolutely ansum.
“Ere Tiz”
Here it is. Simple, warm, triumphant. Said when you find what you were looking
for, when something comes together, when everything falls into place. Two syllables that feel like a small celebration.
"Get On"
Done something good, or generally agreeable - you may receive a "Get On". Could also be an expression of disbelief and delight. Said with eyebrows raised and a grin - like a friendly "well, I never."
"Some Bleddy Maid"
What an amazing woman. A genuine Cornish compliment for a girl or woman who's impressed you. "Bleddy" (the Cornish version of bloody) just adds emphasis — and "maid" is the traditional Cornish word
"Some Bleddy Boy"
What an amazing lad. The male counterpart to "Some Bleddy Maid." Said of someone who's done something brilliant, brave, or just impressively daft. He has impressed you!
"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.
"Sum Teasy"
A bit grumpy, a bit difficult, a bit of a handful. Someone who's "teasy" isn't
outright angry, they're just a touch irritable. Usually said with a knowing smile, often about yourself. "Don't mind me, I'm sum teasy today." We all have those days.
Cornish Gifts; Say It With a Mug, Print, or Tee
Looking for a Cornish gift that actually means something? Our Cornish sayings collection has you covered. Every product features a real Cornish phrase, brightly designed and ready to make someone smile whether they're in Penzance or up-country wishing they were.
Looking for a Gift for a Cornish Person?
Whether it's a birthday, Christmas, or just a "saw this and thought of you" moment, our Cornish sayings gifts hit the spot every time. Designed right here in Cornwall, because it wouldn't be proper any other way.
Free UK shipping on every order delivered by Royal Mail.
Looking for a Cornish Christmas gift?
Whether they’re still living in Cornwall, or they’ve moved away and their heart is always half in Penzance — our Cornish collection is the gift that says “I know exactly who you are.”
“Proper Job” for when something is genuinely excellent. “Dreckly” for the person who does everything at their own pace. “Some Bleddy Maid” or “Some Bleddy Boy” for the Cornish people who deserve all the praise. “Wasson” for the one who still greets everyone like they’re back home.
Each product comes with free UK shipping — dispatched by Royal Mail tracked.