BROMSGROVE authors have released a new book which details and celebrates launguage originating from Birmingham.
Michael Layton and his wife Andry Christou-Layton launched The Little Book of Brummie Slang, Sayings, History and Humour last week.
The book contains contains 1,000 slang words, phrases and historical references relating to Birmingham. It has been published by Redditch-based Brewin
Retired police officer Michael said: “I was born in Wheeler Street, Lozells, Birmingham, in the early 1950s, in a row of houses which were traditionally known as ‘back to backs’.
“An outside toilet and tin bath on the back of the kitchen door was the order of the day.
“Without doubt the Birmingham accent is unique and not easily replicated by ‘non-brummies’ – however we ‘are what we are’ and thus I remain hugely proud of my ability to ‘talk through my nose’.”
The use of slang and sayings relating to Birmingham are however not quite unique as some are also fiercely claimed by other parts of the country. This is no more so than Birmingham’s neighbours from the nearby Black Country.
The impact of the Industrial Revolution and as transport and communication links improved over time, the potential for greater population movements increased.
Michael added: “The point I make is that to find work or love, or for other reasons, people simply took their own style of language with them and cultivated it in their adopted homes. In so doing the ownership of certain words or phrases has become blurred with time.
“This little book is not designed to be an academic study but above all else we invite readers to embrace the experience.
“If the book provides even a taste of Birmingham culture and some of its history, we will have succeeded in our aim.”
The book is priced at £9.95. Visit brewinbooks.com/the_little_book_of_brummie_slang or amazon.co.uk/dp/185858793X/ for more and to buy the book.
