National Mackem Day

Young man wearing a red and white striped shirt, sunglasses, holding a football, vibrant football stadium background.. — National mackem day illustration

Ah, National Mackem Day! A day to celebrate and honor all things Mackem. But wait, what the heck is a Mackem? Well, grab a cuppa and settle in, because I'm about to give you the lowdown on this fascinating day and the people it celebrates.

When is Mackem Day?

It's national mackem day on the 12th August.

A Brief History of the Mackems

The term 'Mackem' is an affectionate nickname for the people of Sunderland, a city located in Northeast England. The origin of the word is a subject of much debate and speculation. Some claim it comes from the local pronunciation of 'Make them,' as in 'Make them work.' Others believe it refers to the shipbuilding history of the region, where workers would 'Mack up' or 'Make up' ships. Regardless of its etymology, being a Mackem is a point of pride for the locals.

National Mackem Day

Nationals Mackem Day aims to celebrate the vibrant culture, history, and achievements of the Mackems. It's a day for the locals to come together, showcase their unique dialect, and indulge in their favorite traditions. The day is often marked with various festivities, including parades, live performances, and, of course, delicious local food. Mackem delicacies such as stotty cakes, pease pudding, and saveloy dips take center stage, tantalizing taste buds and filling stomachs with delight.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the most mentions of National Mackem Day were recorded on August 12, 2016? It seems like Mackems really embraced the day and flooded the internet with their joyful celebrations!

Celebrate Like a Mackem

If you want to celebrate National Mackem Day, there are a few things you can do. First, you can brush up on your Mackem dialect by learning some popular phrases like 'howay,' which means 'come on' or 'let's go.' You can also dive into the local sports scene, as Sunderland is famous for its passionate football (soccer) supporters. Wear the red and white stripes of Sunderland AFC with pride and join in the chants of the devoted fans.

Tags: loved ones, sports, food, fun, awareness

History behind the term 'Mackem'

1980s

'Mackem' emerges as a term of identity

In the 1980s, the term 'Mackem' began to emerge as a distinctive term to refer to the people of Sunderland, a city in the northeast of England. The term originated as a local dialect word and was initially used by rival football fans from Newcastle to mock and belittle Sunderland supporters. However, over time, the term was embraced by the people of Sunderland as a badge of pride and became a term of self-identity.

1879

The Birth of Sunderland Association Football Club

In the year 1879, Sunderland Association Football Club was established in the city of Sunderland, England. This football club quickly gained popularity and became an integral part of the local culture and identity.

1980

The Sunderland accent

The term 'mackem' emerged in the 1980s, referring to the distinct accent spoken by the residents of Sunderland. It is believed to be derived from the phrase 'Mackem and Tackem,' which was used to describe Sunderland shipbuilders. The term 'Mackem' started being associated with people from Sunderland as a nickname.

1990s

Adoption in popular culture

Throughout the 1990s, the term 'Mackem' gained wider recognition and adoption in popular culture. It started to appear in newspapers, magazines, and even in television and radio broadcasts. This increased visibility helped solidify 'Mackem' as a term representing the people, culture, and dialect of Sunderland.

2000s

Inclusion in dictionaries

In the 2000s, the term 'Mackem' gained enough significance to be included in various dictionaries. It was defined as a noun used to describe a person from Sunderland, particularly one who speaks the Sunderland dialect. This recognition in reputable lexicons further established 'Mackem' as a legitimate term in the English language.

1988

Mackem officially attributed to Sunderland

The term 'mackem' gained official recognition in 1988 when it was listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as a colloquial term for the people of Sunderland. This recognition solidified its place in the English language and highlighted its cultural significance.

1998

Mackem as a symbol of regional identity

In 1998, the term 'mackem' gained prominence as a symbol of regional pride and identity. It became embraced by the people of Sunderland as a term of endearment, representing their strong local roots and community spirit. The Sunderland AFC supporters proudly embraced the term 'mackem' and used it to identify themselves as passionate fans.

Present

Term embraced by community

In the present day, 'Mackem' is proudly embraced by the community of Sunderland. It is used not only to identify oneself as a resident of Sunderland but also to celebrate the unique history, culture, and heritage of the area. 'Mackem' has transcended its origins as a derogatory term and has become a symbol of local pride and solidarity.

2013

Mackem culture and creativity

Over the years, the term 'mackem' has evolved to encompass a broader cultural meaning. It is now associated with Sunderland's rich creative scene, including music, arts, and literature. The city has produced talented musicians, artists, and writers who proudly identify themselves as 'mackems'. This cultural impact showcases the positive influence the term has had on the city's creative spirit.