Down in Cornwall, the slang is as windswept and salty as the coast itself. Old Cornish words still creep into everyday chat, and "dreckly" is less a word and more a philosophy of life.

Proper job

A warm Cornish bit of praise for something done properly and turned out right. You can say it for a repair, a meal, a day’s graft, whatever’s been handled with care and came out bang on. It’s approving without getting all chest-thumpy about it. If the work speaks for itself, proper job does the trick.

"Replaced the whole clutch in the driveway with nothing but a socket set and a flask of tea. Proper job, that. Even the mechanic next door gave an approving nod."

Ansome

Cornish dialect for handsome but used far more broadly to mean lovely, beautiful, or really great. It can describe a sunset over the coast, a well-built boat, a cream tea, or a genuinely good person. Often paired with proper for maximum enthusiasm. Proper ansome is as good as it gets in Cornish compliments and covers everything from scenery to scones.

"The view from Tintagel this morning was proper ansome, I tell you. Sun coming through the mist and the sea all turquoise like something off a postcard."

Wasson

A proper Cornish hello meaning what’s up, what’s going on, or just alright. It’s an easy little opener you chuck out when you see someone you know, in the shop, outside the pub, through a van window, wherever. Most of the time nobody’s after a deep answer. Another wasson back does the job nicely.

"Wasson, bird? Haven't seen you since the regatta. You still working up at the farm or did you end up moving to Truro like you said?"

Chopsy

Means mouthy, gobby, or talking too much. Someone who is chopsy has opinions on everything, shares them loudly, and does not know when to stop. Used across South Wales with a mix of affection and exasperation. Being a bit chopsy is tolerated. Being properly chopsy after a few pints will eventually get you told to shut it, butt.

"She got proper chopsy with the ref after that penalty call, yelling from the stands like she was managing the team. Even the stewards were trying not to laugh."

Dreckly

A very Cornish way of saying I’ll do it eventually, just not right this second and definitely not to anyone else’s stopwatch. It comes from directly, but in local use it drifted off, had a sit-down, and lost any real sense of urgency. Dreckly could mean in a minute, later on, tomorrow, or when the stars, kettle, and mood line up.

"When you going to mend that gate, my lover? Been hanging off the hinge all week. Alright, dreckly. I’ll sort 'ee after I’ve had me pasty and a cuppa."

Voices of the people

Theory is all well and good... but what we Magikitos really love is hearing the people of Cornwall in their natural flow. If you know a typical expression from there, record it in the Studio using it with a real example. We will add it to the voices of your area!

Find your expression and add your voice
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