Gav & Stace are back!
Before Christmas Day, dive into their unique and hilarious world with our guide to the show’s most iconic Welsh slang and Cockney slang. From catchphrases to quirky nicknames, here’s everything translated.
Gavin & Stacey: Slang & Catchphrase Meanings
Crackin
Something fantastic or excellent. Often used to express enthusiasm or admiration.
Example: “That dinner was absolutely crackin!”
Tidy
A versatile word meaning great, neat, or impressive. Commonly used in Welsh slang.
Example: “That’s a tidy little car you’ve got there.”
Lush
Refers to something lovely, beautiful, or desirable, often in a flattering or affectionate way.
Example: “Oh, that chocolate cake was lush!”
Cwtch
A Welsh term meaning a cuddle or a safe, cosy place. More than a hug, it implies warmth and affection.
Example: “Come here and give us a cwtch.”
Fair Play
An acknowledgment of someone’s effort or achievement, meaning “well done” or “good for you.”
Example: “Fair play, you’ve done a cracking job there.”
Oh
A classic Gavin & Stacey response, used by Nessa dramatically to grab attention
Example: “Ooooooooooooh”
Now in a minute
A uniquely Welsh phrase that means something will happen soon—though not necessarily right away.
Example: “I’ll put the kettle on now in a minute.”
Where to she now?
A classic Welsh way of asking where someone is going.
Example: “Where to she now? She’s off down the shops.”
What’s occurring
A catchphrase used by Nessa to mean “What’s going on?” or “What’s happening?”
Example: “What’s occurring? You alright, Gav?”
Owain Hughes… and before you ask, no, he doesn’t
A Welsh in-joke, which even the Welsh aren’t in on. Owain Hughes is a character’s name, and the follow-up clarifies that he doesn’t something – but no one knows exactly what! It’s assumed in reference to debt or a house.
Example: “I’m Owain Hughes… and before you ask, no, I don’t.”
Alright, how’s it going alright?
A double greeting used to ask how someone is while also answering the question for them.
Example: “Alright, how’s it going alright?” “Alright, yeah.”
Peidiwch â chyffwrdd â’r peiriannau
A Welsh phrase meaning “Do not touch the machines.” Often seen in industrial or public settings.
Example: Peidiwch â chyffwrdd â’r peiriannau… now sling y’ hook or I’ll break y’ face!
I won’t lie to you
A phrase frequently used by Nessa to introduce a dramatic statement or confession.
Example: “I won’t lie to you, I’ve seen better.”
Little Nugget
A term of endearment, often used humorously to describe someone small or sweet.
Example: “Oh, bless him, he’s just a little nugget.”
Treat
Used to describe something exciting or enjoyable.
Example: “Go on, have yourself a treat.”
Dream
A sarcastic or enthusiastic term for something brilliant or highly desirable.
Example: “That new telly’s a dream, isn’t it?”
You slag
A playful insult often used humorously among friends.
Example: “You slaaag”
Romeo Done A declaration that something has been completed or resolved.
Example: ” Romeo done!”
Gavin & Stacey Nicknames
Why is he called Fingers?
He earned this nickname due to his reputation as a womaniser – proved true with his on-off relationship with Louise, Stacey’s friend.
Why is he called Dirtbox?
A nickname suggesting questionable hygiene or an unflattering backstory—probably not something to dig into too deeply.
Why is he called Chinese Alan?
He’s not Chinese but he does love Chinese food! Anyone order a Chinese?
Why is he called Jesus?
Obvious answer really, he looks like Jesus. But Smithy did have to have his t-shirt made up last minute.
Why is he called Budgie?
This nickname might stem from a resemblance to the bird, either in physical appearance or mannerisms. Or it’s a reference to some unfortunate budgie smugglers.
Why is he called Swede?
Probably referring to a bald head that resembles a swede (a type of root vegetable), or an ironic nod to Swedish connections.
Why is he called Luggy?
A nickname derived from large or noticeable ears, “lugs” being slang for ears.