Thursday 03-09-2026 - 09:30

Alright, la? Your guide to Scouse slang 👀 

Moving to Liverpool for uni? You might hear a few words and phrases that have you wondering what everyone’s talking about. 

Don’t worry, you’ll be saying “that’s boss” before you know it. 

Here’s your quick guide to some Scouse words and phrases you might hear around Liverpool. 

 

🗣️ The Scouse essentials 

Boss 

Really good, great or brilliant. 

“Freshers Fair was boss.” 

Sound 

Good, nice, okay or someone who’s a good person. Basically, it works in a lot of situations. 

“Yeah, that’s sound.” 

La 

A way of addressing someone, a bit like “mate”. 

“You alright, la?” 

Made up 

Really happy or pleased about something. 

“I’m made up I joined that society.” 

Scran 

Food. An important one to learn quickly. 

“Where are we getting scran?” 

Baltic 

Absolutely freezing. You’ll probably be using this one by November. 

“It’s Baltic out there.” 

Heavy 

Can mean something is intense, shocking or impressive, depending on the context. 

“That’s heavy, that.” 

Our kid 

A sibling, relative or sometimes someone you’re close to. They definitely don’t have to be a kid. 

 

📍 And a few LJMU words you’ll need to know... 

Liverpool has its own language, and honestly, so does uni. 

LJMU 

Liverpool John Moores University. Hopefully you’ve got this one already. 

JMSU 

John Moores Students’ Union. That’s us! We’re independent from the University and here to represent, support and bring together LJMU students throughout your time here. 

SLB 

Student Life Building. You’ll find it on Copperas Hill, and it’s also home to JMSU. 

SU 

Students’ Union. If someone tells you to “ask the SU”, they mean us. 

VP 

Vice President. JMSU has elected Student Officers who represent you and work on the issues that matter to LJMU students. 

 

✈️ You’re ready for Liverpool 

You don’t need to start calling everyone la on day one. In fact, maybe give it a minute. 

But now when someone tells you it’s Baltic, asks where you’re getting scran and says your new society is boss, you’ll know exactly what’s going on. 

Welcome to Liverpool. You’ll be sound. 💛