Geordie

Geordie refers to a person from the Geordie region of North East England, especially Newcastle upon Tyne, and to the dialect and culture associated with that area. The term is used both as a demonym and as an adjective describing things linked to Tyneside.

Geordie geography centers on the Tyneside conurbation, including Newcastle upon Tyne, Gateshead and nearby communities along the River Tyne. The area has a long industrial heritage, notably coal mining and shipbuilding, which shaped its social and cultural development. In modern times, the region is urban and suburban, with diverse communities that identify with the Geordie name.

The origin of the term Geordie is uncertain, and there are several theories. Some link the name to the given name George, referencing prominent figures such as George Stephenson or earlier royal figures, while others connect it to local customs and historical usages. The word is attested in regional language from the 18th or 19th century, but no single explanation is universally accepted. It is used both by locals and outsiders to denote people from the area or their distinctive speech and culture.

Geordie speech is a distinctive dialect of English spoken in the Tyneside area. It is characterized by unique pronunciation, intonation, and local vocabulary, and it has been influenced by historical contact with neighboring Northern and Northumbrian speech traditions. Common Geordie phrases and terms contribute to regional identity and are widely recognized in the United Kingdom.

Today, Geordie remains a strong regional identity in the North East. It is associated with Newcastle United football culture, regional music, media representation, and popular culture, including television and other entertainment that foregrounds Geordie life and speech.