Bristol A–Z
A glossary of Bristol terms
Bristol has its own way of talking. People thank the bus driver with "cheers drive", call the cake gert lush, ask where your office is to, and add an "l" to the end of an idea. The city also has places everyone mentions as if you were born here: the Downs, Glos Road, Stokes Croft, the nails on Corn Street. This glossary explains them to the adult who has moved here for work, in plain English, one term per page, each with its sources.
How to use this glossary
The opening paragraph of each term answers the question on its own. "In practice" gives the detail, and the last section says why the word matters to a newcomer. Each page names its source.
The city and its people
- Bristolian - A person from Bristol, and the city's dialect.
- Pay on the nail - The merchants' bronze tables on Corn Street and the phrase they inspired.
Words you will hear
- Bristol L - The "l" added to words ending in a vowel.
- Cheers drive - Thank you to the bus driver.
- Gert lush - Really lovely.
- Where's it to? - Where is it?
Culture
- Balloon Fiesta - The free hot-air balloon festival every August.
- Banksy - The anonymous street artist associated with Bristol.
- Gloucester Road - The long high street of independent shops.
- Stokes Croft - The street-art and nightlife district.
Landmarks
- Clifton Suspension Bridge - Brunel's bridge over the Avon Gorge.
- Harbourside - The old docks, now museums, venues and bars.
- SS Great Britain - Brunel's iron steamship, now a museum.
- The Downs - The open grassland above the gorge.
Bristol Society is independent and is not affiliated with Bristol City Council or any organisation named in this glossary.