Xmas message from Andy

[kallis3]

I say bostin' for a wee as well Lily. In Black Country it also means great - funny old language isn't it?

The one phrase I do hate is 'bab'. I used to get some of the good old black country coppers calling me that and I hated it!

[MelanieGiles]

I used to have a troop of my soldiers based in Stourbridge, and they used to call me "bab" all the time. It was like a different world with their funny expressions and sayings, and when we were doing radio exercises, we could hardly understand them on the net. It was like that film Windjammers!!

[kallis3]

You meet a true Black Country person from the depths of Gornal, or Dudley and you will need a translator - it's very difficult to understand them. I love to listen to them.

[freelili]

I went to university with a girl from Wolves, I am a brummie and the accent is very different, I used to have to ask her to translate, most of my patients called me 'bab'. They would also say the babby brought me today and they were talking about their 60 year old children!! I would laugh when they say, appointment in six wicks then?? And are you from Brumincham.

I always want to scream when someone does a brummie accent on the tele in pure black country.

[kallis3]

You and me both Lily. They are different - have different sayings and everything. Know what you mean about babby though - the old timers always say that.

I have a friend who lives in Solihull, and he has always laughed at my accent (although it's not as broad as it used to be), and when we text each other it's always in Black Country!

[Skippy]

I must admit I had to give up with Ray's Black Country nativity after - being a softy southerner I needed a translator!

My mum and dad nearly moved to Cannock long before I was born but decided to stay down because all their family were here.

[kallis3]

You should have asked me Skip - I'd have translated for you!