Leeds A–Z
A glossary of Leeds terms
Leeds speaks plain Yorkshire. A neighbour greets you with "ey up", a shop asks if you want owt else, a colleague is a bit mardy, and directions send you down a snicket. Then there are the places everyone assumes you know: the Otley Run, Kirkgate, the Calls, Hyde Park that is not in London. This glossary explains them to the adult who has moved here for work, in plain English, one term per page, each with its sources.
How to use this glossary
The opening paragraph of each term answers the question on its own. "In practice" gives the detail, and the last section says why the word matters to a newcomer. Each page names its source.
The city and its people
Words you will hear
- Brass - Money.
- Ey up - Hello, or look out.
- Mardy - Sulky or moody.
- Nowt and owt - Nothing and anything.
- Snicket - A narrow path or alley.
Shopping and going out
- Corn Exchange - The domed Victorian trading hall, now shops.
- Kirkgate Market - The great covered market where Marks & Spencer began.
- Otley Run - The fancy-dress pub crawl along Otley Road.
- Victoria Quarter - The city's ornate shopping arcades.
Neighbourhoods
- Headingley - The suburb of cricket, rugby and students.
- Hyde Park (Leeds) - The student district, not the London park.
- Roundhay Park - One of Europe's largest city parks.
- The Calls - The riverside warehouse district.
Leeds Society is independent and is not affiliated with Leeds City Council or any organisation named in this glossary.