Learn the Welsh lingo: Freddy’s top 10 phrases

So you’ve just booked your holiday to Wales and attention turns to immersing yourself in the local language. You may not have time to learn actual Welsh, but you can get by with some handy phrases to feel like one of the locals. From cwtch to tidy, Freddy’s rounded up his favourite Welsh phrases for you to adopt!

Cwtch

Meaning: the act of giving someone a cuddle or a warm hug. Pronounced ‘kutch’.

Example: “Come here and give us a cwtch!”

Tidy

Meaning: a term for something that is done well or approved of

Example: “Mum, look at this sandcastle I just built!” “Tidy, son!”

Oh!

Meaning: a common Welsh sentence starter, used to gain attention before speech

Example: As with the famous Gavin and Stacey quote, “Oh, what’s occurring?”

Now in a minute

Meaning: confusing to other people, but to the Welsh, an seemingly undisclosed amount of time that actually means the action will follow suit shortly but certainly not now and probably not in a minute!

Example: “Yeah I’ll pack my suitcase now in a minute.”

Ych a fi

Meaning: pronounced ‘uh-ch a vee’ directly translating as, ‘yuck’ this term is used as an expression for something that is revolting or disgusting

Example: “No, don’t eat your ice-cream off the floor! Ych a fi!”

Lush

Meaning: One of the most popular terms, this is used for something that is pleasing or delightful.

Example: “This beach is so lush!”

Tamping

Meaning: a word to describe feeling frustrated or angry at something.

Example: “I can’t believe that seagull stole my chips! I’m absolutely tamping!”

I’m not being funny

Meaning: an interesting literal turn of phrase inserted before something quite serious is said.

Example: “I’m not being funny, but I literally cannot find our caravan.”

Chopsing

Meaning: if someone is being argumentative and giving you an earful.

Example: “If you kids don’t stop chopsing me I’ll turn this car around and we’ll go straight back home!”

Butt

Meaning: a term of endearment towards someone you like/is close to you.

Example: “Alright Butt, how’s it going?”