General
bobbins
What does bobbins mean?
Rubbish, worthless, naff. Applies to films, food, weather, performances — anything that disappoints. The polite Manc version of 'shite'.
"New United away kit? Absolute bobbins."
Origin
Manchester slang tied to the city's cotton-mill past — empty bobbins (the spools thread wound onto) were worthless, so calling something 'bobbins' meant it was tat. Spread nationally via Mancunian TV and music in the 80s and 90s.
Frequently asked questions
What does bobbins mean?
Bobbins is British slang meaning rubbish, useless or no good.
How do you use bobbins in a sentence?
"The film was absolute bobbins — I nearly walked out halfway through."
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