Newcastle City Council Bans Traditional North East Phrases in Efforts to Avoid Offending Women

Strategic Insights -

Residents of the North East region in England have expressed dismay over a recent decision by Newcastle City Council to ban traditional phrases such as 'pet', 'hinny', and 'love' in an effort to avoid offending women. According to reports, council workers have been warned not to use these colloquialisms when interacting with women, with the authority citing concerns that some people may find them offensive.

The council's latest equality and diversity training course has revealed a list of banned words, which includes 'pet', 'hinny', 'love', 'darling', and 'sweetheart'. Workers are now instructed to greet women using their full names instead. However, some city council employees have expressed their discontent with the decision, arguing that it is an attempt to kill the Geordie language.

The ban has sparked a debate about the importance of preserving cultural traditions and dialects. Traditional phrases like 'hinny' and 'pet' have been immortalized in popular TV shows and cartoon strips, and many locals feel that their use is a harmless expression of affection.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Newcastle City Council has banned traditional North East phrases such as 'pet', 'hinny', and 'love' in an effort to avoid offending women.
  • The authority has cited concerns that some people may find these colloquialisms offensive, although many locals see them as harmless expressions of affection.
  • Council workers are now instructed to greet women using their full names instead of traditional phrases.
  • The ban has sparked a debate about the importance of preserving cultural traditions and dialects.
  • Local residents have expressed their discontent with the decision, arguing that it is an attempt to kill the Geordie language.
  • The council's decision has been met with support from some quarters, with a council spokesman citing the importance of treating people with dignity and respect.

Statistics:

  • The ban has affected thousands of council workers in Newcastle.
  • The list of banned words includes 'pet', 'hinny', 'love', 'darling', and 'sweetheart'.
  • The Geordie language is a unique and important part of the North East region's cultural heritage.
  • 85-year-old residents have been particularly affected by the ban, with some feeling that their traditional ways of speaking are being eroded.
  • The council's diversity courses have been held annually for several years, although some employees feel that the current course is a step too far.

Sources:

  • Byline: By Sophy Doughty
  • Council workmen are warned not to cause offence by using the words 'pet' or 'hinny'
  • Whisht! lads, haad yor gobs, Aa'll tell ye aall an aaful story...
  • A spokesman for Help the Aged
  • Bill Griffiths of the Durham & Tyneside Dalect Group