Howay
Meaning: Come on, let's go (Geordie encouragement/urging).
The quintessential Geordie word. 'Howay' means 'come on' and is used to encourage, urge, or express frustration. 'Howay the lads' is the famous Newcastle United chant. 'Howay man' expresses impatience. It's the single most identifying Geordie word.
Examples
- Howay, we're gonna be late! 快点,要迟到了!¡Venga, que llegamos tarde!早く、遅れるよ!빨리, 늦겠다!
- Howay the lads! 加油,伙计们!¡Vamos, chicos!行けー!이겨라!
- Howay man, stop messing about. 行了,别闹了Venga ya, deja de hacer el tontoおい、ふざけるなよ야, 장난 그만쳐.
Pronunciation
/həˈweɪ/
Usage Guide
Context: encouragement, urging, Newcastle, football
Tone: encouraging, impatient, enthusiastic
✓ Do Say
- Howay快点vengaさあ자, 가자
- Howay man行了,快点venga yaおい、早くしろ야, 빨리
- Howay the lads加油!¡vamos!いけー!화이팅!
✗ Don't Say
- Distinctly Geordie—using it elsewhere might seem affected明显的乔迪方言——在其他地方使用可能显得做作Claramente geordie, usarlo en otros sitios puede sonar forzado明らかにジョーディー方言——他の地域で使うとわざとらしく聞こえるかも확실히 조디 방언—다른 지역에서 쓰면 어색해 보일 수 있음
Common Mistakes
- Not 'how way'—it's one word 'howay'
Origin & History
Ancient Northumbrian/Geordie dialect word, possibly from Old English. Some suggest it comes from 'hold way' or similar. It's been used in the North East for centuries and remains the defining Geordie expression.
Etymology: Possibly from Old English 'hold way' or similar
First recorded: Historical Northumbrian, documented 19th century
Cultural Context
Era: Historic to present
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal in North East
Pop culture: Newcastle United FC; Geordie Shore; Auf Wiedersehen Pet
Regional notes: Exclusively Geordie/North East.
Story & Trivia
Newcastle United fans have made 'Howay the lads' famous worldwide. The phrase appears on banners, in chants, and as tattoos. When Newcastle were promoted in 2017 after a difficult season, 'Howay the lads' became a national story.
Variations
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