Understanding Yorkshire Sayings: What Does ‘Off Cumdon’ Mean?

A Warm Welcome to Yorkshire's Rich Dialect

Yorkshire is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and above all, its distinctive dialect. From the rolling hills of the Dales to the bustling streets of Leeds, the region has nurtured a language all its own. Yorkshire folk take great pride in their vernacular, which can sometimes baffle those who are new to the area. If you've ever found yourself confused by a bit of local lingo, you're not alone—after all, Yorkshire sayings can often be as unique as the people who live here. One phrase that has piqued the curiosity of visitors is the term ‘off cumdon’. But what exactly does it mean?

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Yorkshire’s ‘Off Cumdon’: What’s the Meaning?

Recently, we received an intriguing comment from a visitor to our website asking, “Is there a Yorkshire saying? You are ‘off cumdon’, meaning you were not raised or born in Yorkshire? An outsider in other words.” This is a fascinating question because it touches on one of Yorkshire’s long-standing traditions of language and identity.

The phrase ‘off cumdon’ (sometimes written as "offcumden") is indeed used in Yorkshire dialect to refer to someone who wasn’t born or raised in the region—a person who has come from somewhere else. While it may sound unfamiliar to some, it has long been part of the linguistic fabric that defines Yorkshire.

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An Outsider in Yorkshire: The Origin of ‘Off Cumdon’

Some have opined that the term ‘off cumdon’ originates from the Old Norse language, reflecting the historical influence of the Vikings in Yorkshire. Many dialect words still in use today can be traced back to this time, and 'offcumden' is perhaps no exception, they say. According to that logic, the phrase literally can be broken down into "off come down," meaning someone who has "come down" from another place. It carries the connotation of being an outsider—not necessarily in a negative way, but simply as a fact of origin.

However, it may be simpler than this. It may be "off comed un" as in one who has come from afar. One being 'un. For example, a "young 'un" is a young person, and "off comed 'un" is a person who has come(d) from somewhere else.

Yorkshire natives are proud of their heritage, and this phrase is often used with a touch of humor. It’s more of a playful observation than a term of exclusion. If you hear someone say, “tha’s an offcumden,” they’re simply acknowledging that you’re not from Yorkshire—don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you're unwelcome! In fact, most Yorkshire folk are renowned for their friendliness, and they’ll likely make you feel right at home, ‘offcumden’ or not.

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More Yorkshire Dialect Gems

Yorkshire’s rich dialect goes far beyond just ‘off cumdon’. Here are a few more gems that you might encounter:

Eeh by gum!

This is an exclamation of surprise or amazement. It’s a phrase that is quintessentially Yorkshire and expresses everything from joy to disbelief.

Nowt and owt

You’ll hear “nowt” meaning “nothing” and “owt” meaning “anything” in many conversations across Yorkshire. For example, “There's nowt as queer as folk” is a popular saying, meaning people can be strange.

Tha

Short for "thou", this old English word for "you" is still widely used in the Yorkshire dialect. It's a testament to how language from centuries past has survived in modern-day speech.

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Wrapping it All Up: Yorkshire is Full of Surprises

So, to answer the question, yes, ‘off cumdon’ is indeed a Yorkshire phrase used to refer to someone who hails from outside the region. It’s just one of many unique sayings that give Yorkshire its character. Whether you’re a ‘Tyke’ born and bred or an ‘offcumden’, the region is famous for its warmth and welcoming spirit, proving that Yorkshire is a place where everyone can belong—no matter where you’re from originally.

Yorkshire’s dialect is a treasure trove of linguistic quirks, a reflection of its history and people. So, next time you hear a local phrase that puzzles you, remember: it's all part of what makes Yorkshire such a special place.