*Cornish for splendid
The people of Cornwall have long taken pride in their unique heritage and identity, with a history spanning thousands of years. In 2014, the Cornish were officially recognised as a minority nationality, affording them the same status as the Welsh, Irish and Scottish.
And now, after years of campaigning, the Cornish language, Kernewek, has gained new recognition, along with protection, under Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Therefore, the Cornish language now benefits from the same status as all the other Celtic languages. This is fantastic news and hopefully will mean that the revival of the language will go from strength to strength.
Though Kernewek, which is closely related to Breton and Welsh, isn't commonly spoken, we’ve popped together a list of key words and phrases that might come in handy, or if you’d just like to give it a go, when you’re in Cornwall.
Hello/good day: Dydh da
Thank you: Meur ras
Please: Mar pleg
How’s it going?: Fatla genes?
Alright: Da lowr
Splendid: Splann
Very good: Pur dha
Bad: Drog
Goodbye: Dew genes
Happy birthday: Penn-bloodh lowen
Happy Christmas: Nadelik lowen
In addition to the official language, the people of Cornwall also favour a collection of colloquial terms commonly used in everyday life. Read on to discover some popular words and phrases (some might already be familiar) and perhaps give them a try next time you’re visiting.
Dreckly: to do something later (but with a very relaxed attitude to when later might be!)
Proper job: Wonderful/excellent
Alright, my ‘ansum?: How are you?
There you go me luvver: This is for you dear.
Pasty ur no?: Would you like a pasty or would you rather not?
Bleddy ‘ansum: Downright delicious.
Wasson?: What are your plans for today?
Geddon: Jolly good show, well done.
Find your ‘pur dha’ property in Cornwall for your next holiday >