Nowt

Nowt (pronoun / Northern UK Slang)

(Also heard as: Owt, Nowt so queer as folk, Nowt to do)

Definition:

Nowt means nothing. It is the Northern English version of “nothing”, used mainly in Yorkshire, Lancashire and neighbouring areas. Its partner word is “owt”, which means anything, so “owt or nowt” means “anything or nothing”.

Where Nowt Comes From:

Nowt comes from the Old English words for “not anything”, which gradually shortened into regional dialect forms. It survived in the North of England while the rest of the country switched to “nothing”. It is one of the best-known Northern words and often appears in TV dramas and comedy set in Yorkshire.

How People Actually Use Nowt:

It is used in everyday speech, as in “there is nowt on telly” or “I have done nowt today”. It is also found in sayings such as “nowt for nowt”, meaning you get nothing for free. It gives speech a clear regional flavour, and visitors will usually pick it up quickly.

Is Nowt Understood Outside the North?

Often, yes. Many Brits know it from TV and music, but in the South and in the USA it may sound unfamiliar. It is easy to work out from context.

Examples in the Wild:

• “There is nowt in the fridge.”

  Meaning: There is nothing to eat.

• “He said nowt all night.”

  Meaning: He did not say anything.

• “It is nowt to worry about.”

  Meaning: It is not important.

Similar Slang:

Naff, Eejit, Mardy, Bags, Owt, Zilch

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