In today's Echo - it gives 17 'reasons' as to what a makes a Mackem a 'Mackem' http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/local/all-news/17-things-that-make-you-a-mackem-1-7478772 - I read the above article and I honestly found it rather lacking (and at times somewhat patronising) -without any real clear cut definition as to what is to be a 'Mackem' - I'm still non the wiser as to the true meaning and where it comes from. Maybe reason #8. The fine line you tread between unwavering loyalty and despair at following Sunderland AFC.... Now that struck a real chord with me - would that make me a honorary 'Mackem'? Myself as a Southerner that has been living in Sunderland for nearly 9 years, I've often wondered what actually defines being a 'Mackem' as I really don't feel the article gives a true reflection.
Load of **** mate I agree, most of them are just northern quirks, some as far south as the North West.
I wasn't born in Sunderland nor have I ever lived there so I don't consider myself a Mackem. Sunderland fan yes, Mackem no. I was born & raised in Co. Durham & although I worked & lived all over I'm still a Durham lad. That said, most of that article applies to me.
Well that took a few wasted inches up in the local rag. News must have rather slow that day. The only one I could relate to was the breakfast, dinner and tea! That's caused many a domestic since I left the north east. And after 30 years away my accent is as strong as ever.
I dont blame you for trying to snaffle him up given that your most famous fan is Heather Mills Unfortunately he's already been bagged by the world's biggest club so you have no chance.... please log in to view this image
Who says we're talking about the same Nelson Why-Aye Mandela? We've got the Pope on our side JC. Unfortunately God doesn't appear to be a catholic, so lucked out there as well!
I'm guessing if I ever did turn up at the local church praying for redemption, you'll be in the next aisle!
I used up all my hail mary's a long time ago mate. I'm resigned to my eternal fate of being a Newcastle fan now
I'm a thoroughbred Sunderland lad from Hendon and I absolutely hate the word "Mackem" It's a derisory term taking the piss out of our accents. I also thought that the article was a pile of ****e, nothing better to write about I assumed.
It's meant as a derisory term etc, but as it's from a bunch of gibbering in-breds who say "though but" at the end of their sentences and pronounce owl as "ool", their opinions can't be taken seriously. If nothing else, "mackem" helps the dozy southerners distinguish between the brilliant and the dim.
