Youse Mug

Local dialect for 'mate' used in a greeting by those usually born and bred in Neston/ Little Neston (Cheshire) to a greater degree and Parkgate and Ness to a lesser degree - Largely in decline owing to the traditional 'born and bred' local populous being watered down by non-locals, particularly those from Ellesmere Port, Birkenhead and Liverpool and those entirely foreign to the area Pronounced 'Use', rhyming with 'Juice' - Not be to confused with the Liverpool pronunciation 'Ewes' - Same word but different meaning History - There are two historical theories behind the word; 1. Neston Colliery (Closed in 1927) - A particular Foreman at the colliery was said to have chose the men he wanted to work on a daily basis by pointing to each man and stating 'You Sir' - So it allegedly became somewhat of a joke and subsequent use of the two words combined was borne. NB. 'Youser' is one of two words (also 'owden) used to describe a true native of Neston or the surrounding areas 2. Deer Hunting - It is said that when deer hunting took place in Parkgate and the surrounding area, the working parties would greet the hunters/gentlemen with 'Good morning Sir' and were greeted back with 'And to you, Sir' or vice versa or possibly even just between the hunters/gentlemen. Again, the supposition in that the combination of the two words 'You, Sir' formed what is still used today