Inverclyde's best known words and phrases revealed

There are words and phrases that are commonly used across the west of Scotland - but what about in Inverclyde specifically? 

We asked our readers to tell us about their favourite words and expressions which set Inverclyde apart from the rest. 

Our post attracted almost 400 comments, so it's clear that Inverclyde's own language is something people are very passionate about!

We've selected the words and phrases which are the most Inverclyde-specific and gathered them all together for you to have a look through - and to see if there are any you think we've missed...

The Galoshans Festival (Image: George Munro)

Galoshans

Inverclyde's version of spooky season and a very Inverclyde-specific word. The frighteningly-fun celebration organised each year to mark Hallowe'en is called the Galoshans Festival, and harks back to haunting tales of Inverclyde's past. 

Cheese it 

Run away, we've been caught. An exclamation which signals that it's time to go. 

Jamp up 

The past tense of 'jump/jumped up' and likely only used on Inverclyde shores. 

It's a slice roll, not a roll and square sausage or a roll and slice. (Is it time for breakfast yet?)

Slice roll

Don't even attempt to ask for a roll and square sausage, or even a roll and slice. Slice roll is the only one that cuts it. 

Packet o' snacks

Sticking with food, this was suggested by one of our readers and likely refers to a bag of chips.

A chit

Not a piece of paper, but a piece of bread. For cheese sandwiches, see 'cheesy chits'.

Skidging school

Not skiving or skipping. Round these parts it's 'skidging'. 

'Pamping' is the only acceptable term for sounding your horn in Inverclyde (Image: Julian Hochgesang/Unsplash.com)

Pamping the horn

Whether it's a friendly gesture when you recognise someone walking down the road, or a noise made in a moment of exasperation, 'pamping' seems to be the favoured way of sounding your car horn in Inverclyde. 

Away to one side like Gourock

A very Inverclyde-centric way of saying something is a bit lopsided, skew-whiff, or at an angle. 

Ring bang skoosh

Inverclyde's version of 'chap the door and run away'. 

Ben the kitchen

A phrase indicating your whereabouts in the house (ben = in).

You don't stir it, you skiddle it! (Image: Etienne Boulanger/Unsplash.com)

Skiddle a cup of tea 

Instead of stirring the beverage, some Inverclyde folk like to have a 'skiddle' in the water with the teaspoon. (And by the way, it's teabag first, then hot water, then milk, okay?)

Belva, Up the Gibby, The Strone

Some of Inverclyde's most iconic and well-known areas are often shortened, and the nicknames will always be recognised. 

It'll be in the Tilly. And it will! (Image: Newsquest)

And finally...It'll be in the Tilly

And, of course, it will. Or even 'Get me a Tilly if you're in the toon'. Follow this instruction particularly closely!

Let us know if you can think of any more...