A mackem is someone of Sunderland origin so born around banks of river wear - it gets more confusing as rumoured that Sunderland was originally centered on Sunderland Bridge in Co Durham. Heard that a true Geordie is born on North Bank of Tyne. Does this mean S Shields is a Sanddancer zone full of Geordie and Mackem wannabees - I don't think so - its all too confusing - but it is in Tyne & Wear - confusing again. I'll end this confusing post -
The parameters of who is classed as a Geordie have been very fluid in recent decades. In the 1960's and 1970's it was based around the Durham and Northumberland coalfield areas, so people from Sunderland and Co Durham were all classed as Geordies. This began to change in the late 1970's and early 1980's when the term Mackem (originally a derogatory term invented by Newcastle supporters) became popular and was quickly adopted as a term of pride by the people of Sunderland.
Like I say very confusing and the origins of the terms have been well and truly debated but I am certainly a proud Mackem - "is this not a black and white Geordie with brains" - lol - endless banter
