BHT's guide to Welsh slang

As today is St. David's Day, let's have a look at some Welsh slang!

Much like Scotland, Wales is a land known for its rhythmic speech patterns and has hundreds of phrases that are not found anywhere else in the world.

From Cardiff to the Valleys, Welsh slang is as interesting as it is charming.

Here are some of our favorite words and phrases

Iechyd Da

Translating to 'good health' this is a common toast you'll hear on any trip to Wales. Every country has its own way of toasting, this may be one of the harder ones to pronounce!

Dwt

Scotland has the word “wee” and Wales has “dwt”.  Dwt is typically used for something or someone who is small, though it’s reserved for children.

Lush

In Wales, to refer to something as lush would be a huge compliment! While it has different meanings depending on the country, in Wales it is certainly a positive adjective.

Mush

A term of endearment often used by people from Swansea, pronounced to rhyme with push.

Ych a fi 

Pronounced “uh-ch ah vee”. A phrase used to allude to something rude or disgusting – literally, “yuck”

That's clean off

'That's clean off' is a typically Welsh way of describing something as crazy or ridiculous!

Chopsing

If you're chopsing with someone, it means the two of you are locked in a rather mouthy argument.

Cymru am byth

 Pronounced “come-ree am-bith”. Frequently uttered whenever sport comes into the equation. It translates as “Wales Forever” or “Long Live Wales”. It will often be heard on international rugby days.

Daps

A pair or trainers – originally in reference to plimsoll shoes but can be used more broadly for any casual footwear

What’s occurrin’?

An iconic greeting catchphrase by Ruth Jones’ character Nessa, in Gavin and Stacey, which has become part of the lexicon for fans of the show.