What it means
Owt is Northern English for anything at all. You hear it loads in Yorkshire and nearby areas, especially in questions, offers, and quick everyday chat like Want owt from shop? or Did you say owt? It usually travels with nowt for nothing, which gives the whole sentence that blunt, comfy northern snap.
Usage examples
"There’s nowt on telly and I’ve got nowt in fridge. Fancy doing owt tonight, like nipping t’pub for a quick pint, or are tha knackered?"
"Do you want owt from the shop while I'm out, or are we sorted for the week?"
"There's nowt on telly tonight, so I'm not missing owt by going to bed early."
"Tha need owt while I'm in town, or shall I just grab milk and crack on?"
"I didn't mean owt by it, I were just having a laugh."
Where it comes from
Owt goes back to Old English āwiht, which meant anything at all. It later showed up as aught, but in Northern English speech the older line stayed alive and kept its everyday job. That’s why owt still sounds dead natural in places like Yorkshire, not old-timey or put on.
Editors of this term
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