It’s okay, you’re not being asked to inspect a gentleman’s trouser snake. You’re just being asked how you are with a little more enthusiasm than “Alright?”
The direct translation of “tuss” is actually erection, but if you get called one don’t assume that someone is calling you big and hard. It’s more commonly used as an insult.
“Oh, look at him with his can of Strongbow. What a tuss.”
There’s even a song about being a tuss here.
That would be you, dear reader. “Emmet” (also: emet, emmit, emit) is what us Cornish call tourists who flock here in the summer months. Literally it means ant, but it’s been adapted to describe holidaymakers because they only come in the summer and run away when it rains.
If someone says “right on” to you, it usually means they agree with what you’re saying / will do what they’ve been asked to do. However, it could just mean that they weren’t listening and assumed “right on” was the most appropriate answer.
Don’t panic! You’re not being asked for one! Calling someone “shag” is a term of endearment, usually used from one bloke to another. It’s also a bird and a local beer.
A friendly term for your female friends and family.
This is a universal term of endearment to both men and maids — also expect to be called “my lover” from time to time.
Where are you? Also used with that, he, she, it, and they.
Anywhere over the border to England. If you’re from south west Cornwall, “up north” equals anywhere north of Truro.
This is actually “dear of him” and “dear of her” rolled into one Cornish slur of H-dropping. It’s used when talking about someone who was upset or who has had a hard time, about a small cute child doing something adorable, or a reaction to a terrible story.
“My son said ‘ee can’t get a proper pasty up north!”
“Oh dearovim! That must be awful!”
An unspecified time in the future. If someone says that they will do something for you “dreckly,” do not hold high hopes of them doing it anytime soon. “Dreckly” could mean tomorrow, or more likely next week or even next year.
Usually said at the start of a conversation that includes gossip or new information.
Shortened from the original Cornish “teasy as’n adder,” when someone says that they are “teasy,” it’s best to tread lightly. Causes of teasiness: hangover, lack of sleep, pasty withdrawal.
Nothing to do with food or money, “rich” is related to someone’s appearance. Usually used when describing kids and babies.
“Ere, you seen Margaret’s boy’s new baby boy? ‘Ee’s bleddy rich ‘ee is.” 