According to a 2016 HSBC-commissioned study that included linguist Dr. Dominic Watt, the Birmingham dialect would start to resemble a London accent by 2066.
Much of Birmingham and the West Midlands distinct accent and way of speaking to one another developed at a time when the region was undergoing lots of development.
However, as with any language traits the phrases that were once so common aren’t being used anymore.
Brummie and Black Country residents are very proud of the local words and phrases commonly used by those living in these parts.
The classic words and phrases from Birmingham at risk of fading away as language evolves.
Notable speakers of this accent include: Ozzy Osbourne, Allison Hammond, Jess Phillips Lenny Henry and Jack Grealish.
If your from these parts there are the obvious phrases like ‘Bab’ and ‘going round the Wrekin’.
Do get in touch with: [email protected] if there are any quirky phrases from Birmingham we’ve missed.
Here’s a look at 13 quintessentially Brummie words and phrases from Birmingham at risk of fading away as language evolves:
5. 'Saves you going round the Wrekin'
Named after the large hill in Shropshire. Simply means to save you going the long way around. | Carol Walker / CC BY-SA 2.0
6. 'Throw a wobbly'
Means throwing a tantrum, or when someone has lost their temper | Pexels
7. Tip Tops
These flavoured ice treats were essential to stay cool during any school summer holidays heatwave, with Mr Freeze ice poles being a favourite, available from shops for 5p and 10p back in the day. Photo: Jennifer A Smith/ Getty
8. Gambol
Forward roll | Pexels