General
howay the lads
What does howay the lads mean?
Come on the lads — the terrace chant and all-purpose rallying cry on Tyneside. Most famously bellowed at St James' Park for Newcastle United, but works for anything from a darts match to your mate attempting a pint in one.
"Howay the lads, get into 'em!"
Origin
'Howay' = come on / hurry up in Geordie (Sunderland spells it 'haway' — a genuine rivalry flashpoint). The phrase is inseparable from Newcastle United matchday culture.
Frequently asked questions
Is it 'howay' or 'haway'?
'Howay' is Newcastle/Geordie, 'haway' is Sunderland/Mackem. Get it wrong on the wrong side of the Tyne-Wear divide and you'll know about it.
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