Have your say on '˜proper mint' Mackem '˜bewk'

Know your mam from your marra and your panackelty from your pyatt?
Paul Swinney, left, with Foundation of Light head of commercial Richard Hopper at the Stadium of Light.Paul Swinney, left, with Foundation of Light head of commercial Richard Hopper at the Stadium of Light.
Paul Swinney, left, with Foundation of Light head of commercial Richard Hopper at the Stadium of Light.

The original Mackem Dictionary became such a hit that author Paul Swinney is penning a second, updated version – and he wants your help.

He’s teamed up with publishers ALS again for a bigger version of the book, which became a best-seller at Sunderland Waterstones and even captured the imagination of SAFC players, who read out excerpts from the book for a Christmas video, as well as a shout out from Sam Allardyce on Twitter.

Steven Fletcher tackling the Mackem DictionarySteven Fletcher tackling the Mackem Dictionary
Steven Fletcher tackling the Mackem Dictionary
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Paul wants as many words as possible from the rich and varied Wearside tongue to feature in the second edition, and is asking people to submit their suggestions.

“We’re almost at the end of the print run of the first edition,” he said. “Though it’s done fantastically well, people have asked why we didn’t include certain words, such as gissy which means pig and gallower, meaning horse.

“We’re keen to get as many as possible in the second version, which will be available in paperback and hardback, so are asking people to get in touch with words and their definition.”

Not only did the original version receive orders from around the world, with packages being sent off to expats in Chile, USA and Vietnam, it also raised more than £8,500 for SAFC charity, the Foundation of Light.

Steven Fletcher tackling the Mackem DictionarySteven Fletcher tackling the Mackem Dictionary
Steven Fletcher tackling the Mackem Dictionary
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Most recently, it also won the Made in Sunderland gong at the Retail and Style Awards.

Paul, who grew up in Lakeside Village, said: “It’s easy to overlook the everyday, but it’s the words and wit of Wearsiders that helps make Sunderland special.

And the way it has flown off the shelves shows the immense pride that people have in our city.

“But the most satisfying thing has been the knowledge that every book that has been sold has contributed to the Foundation’s efforts to give people a brighter future.”

l To make a submission tweet Paul @lightaperture or @ALS_fanzine or email ALS [email protected].