Brighton words & sayings
A light-hearted guide to the Brighton and Sussex words, sayings and local lore you'll come across along the coast, and how (not) to use them on a date.
Sussex words
- Twitten
- A narrow path or alleyway running between walls or hedges, a word used across Sussex. Brighton's Lanes and the old streets of Lewes are full of them.
- In dating: If you agree to meet "at the end of the twitten", you may both end up at different ones. Pick a clear landmark instead.
- Bostal
- A steep track or road running up the face of the South Downs, and the origin of a few Sussex street and place names.
- In dating: A bostal walk is a proper climb, so check they're up for a hill before you suggest one.
- Hove, actually
- A cheeky phrase used by people who live in Hove to point out that they don't live in Brighton, even though the two sit side by side.
- In dating: If you ask where someone lives and get the correction, take it with good humour. It's a friendly joke, not a warning.
Brighton lore and landmarks
- The Lanes
- The maze of narrow passages and old shops in the oldest part of Brighton, close to the seafront.
- In dating: A wander through the Lanes with a coffee is an easy first date. There's always something to look at.
- The Royal Pavilion
- The domed Regency palace in the middle of Brighton, with gardens you can stroll through.
- In dating: Meeting at the gardens is simple, and there's plenty of space to sit and chat.
- Brighton Palace Pier
- The pier on the Brighton seafront, with arcades, rides and a long view back along the coast.
- In dating: A walk along the pier followed by fish and chips is a classic. Mind the seagulls.
- The pebbles
- Brighton's beach is shingle rather than sand, so walking on it feels different from a sandy beach.
- In dating: Wear sensible shoes, and bring something to sit on if you plan to stay.
- The South Downs
- The chalk hills behind the coast, part of a national park, with big views from spots like Devil's Dyke.
- In dating: A walk on the Downs is a good first date. Check the weather and stick to the paths.
- The Seven Sisters
- The line of white chalk cliffs along the coast near Seaford, best known for the walk from Cuckmere Haven.
- In dating: It's a beautiful walk, but stay well back from the cliff edges and check the weather first.
- Lewes Bonfire
- The famous Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes, with torchlit processions held by local bonfire societies.
- In dating: It draws big crowds, so plan around it rather than trying to meet someone in the middle of it.
- Brighton Pride
- The big annual festival in Brighton each summer, with a parade and a lot of colour.
- In dating: The city is very busy at Pride, so book ahead and expect crowds if you plan to meet someone then.
Words change from one part of Sussex to the next, and what you hear in Brighton isn't always what you hear in Lewes or out on the Downs. Got a favourite we've missed? Tell us when you join.
Don't be shy. Go and meet someone.
Put a few of these to use with singles who'll know exactly what you mean.