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Geordies

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Col | 14:29 Mon 08th Nov 2004 | History
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Where does the regional name Geordies originate and where is the geographical boundary i.e. where can you not be classed as a Geordie?
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there are a few different descriptions on where the term 'Geordie' originates from'

 

The word "Geordie" is said to date from the early 18th century, when Newcastle people declared support for the English kings George I and II, in opposition to the rest of the population of Northumberland, who supported the Scottish Jacobite rebellions. Although the name is localised to the Newcastle area, the dialect here merges gradually into the Northumbrian and Scottish dialects to the north and to a lesser extent into Durham and Yorkshire varieties to the south.

 

or

 

The name, a dialect form of �George�, appears to have been the nickname of the miner's safety lamp invented by George Stephenson. It then came to mean a pit worker, and was finally extended to apply to all natives of this part of England

 

or

 

Going back to the link with King George III, it appears that the folk of Newcastle. Supported what was a very unpopular Monarch. George III was of course
Medically insane and it subsequently appeared that Geordie was associated with a term of idiocy. Thus in the 19th century, Geordie was a term of abuse.

As for boundaries, again there many debateable points as to where a Geordie come from

 

1. Anyone born within one mile of the River Tyne.
Even this has its complications, in as much as some
Would claim it is only those born on the North side of
The river who would qualify.

2.Anyone born within the City of Newcastle Upon Tyne.

3.Anyone born between Newcastle Upon Tyne and
Tynemouth.

4.Anyone born between the Tees and the Tweed

 

So take your pick! :o)


 


Thought Humphrey Davy invented the miners safety lamp?

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