If you think you’re a 'Geordie' then, well, you’re sort of right.
However, a new survey has discovered barely anyone in Tyneside knows the original nickname for someone hailing from Newcastle. Just 3% of people polled by one North East firm knew that a 'Novocastrian' was the original collective term for someone living in the city. The Latin term translates literally into New Castle – but of the 100 Geordies surveyed, most drew a blank.
“The results really took us by surprise,” said Matt Mavir, Managing Director of Last Night of Freedom. The Gateshead -based stag and hen organiser carried out the research as part of an industry project to see just how much locals knew about the city, which is the firm’s main destination for fun-seeking groups.
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“Newcastle is a beloved stag and hen do destination, but not only did we want to know what those living here felt about it as a stag or hen destination, we wanted to know what they knew about their city’s past,” added Matt.
“This was one of the standout figures, but I think it just shows how strong an identity the word Geordie now has. The vast majority of people we polled believed Geordie has always been the collective term, so they were surprised to find out otherwise.”
Although the origins of the word ‘Geordie’ are somewhat murky, some believe the word stems from the time of the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion of 'Bonny Prince Charlie'. Newcastle and the adjacent areas supported the Hanoverian King George II, and thus, were ‘For George’ – which the word 'Geordie' was subsequently derived from.
Others believe the term derives from George Stephenson who invented the miners’ lamp in 1815. Over time, the lamps and the miners themselves became known as Geordies. Another theory maintains it was a term of abuse - “you stupid Geordie!” This definition dates from the reigns of George III, who suffered from mental illness, and his unpopular playboy son George IV in the 18th and 19th centuries.
“Over the years 'Geordie' has clearly become the dominant phrase which given the enormous global popularity of shows like Geordie Shore, perhaps that isn’t so shocking, “added Matt. “But we asked 100 different people, the same as a popular BBC quiz show. While 'Novocastrian' isn’t quite a Pointless answer, you’d do well to beat it.”
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