General
mackem
What does mackem mean?
Someone born in Sunderland. Comes from the old Wearside shipbuilding phrase mak'em and tak'em — we make them (the ships) and they take them. Geordies use it to mark the line between Tyne and Wear; Mackems wear it as a badge.
"He's not a Geordie, he's a Mackem — Sunderland through and through."
Origin
From the Wearside shipyard chant mak'em and tak'em, recorded from the early 20th century onward.
Frequently asked questions
What does Mackem mean?
A Mackem is a person from Sunderland, and the rival tribe to the Geordies.
What's the difference between a Mackem and a Geordie?
A Mackem is from Sunderland while a Geordie is from Newcastle — the two are longstanding North East rivals.
How do you use Mackem in a sentence?
"He's a proper Mackem, born and raised in Sunderland."
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