Sam Avery is a well loved comedian on the Liverpool circuit, even though, he confesses from the start, he isn’t a "proper" scouser - he’s from Maghull. So what does he know about scouse insults anyway, the blert?
Absolutely everything. For anyone living in and around Liverpool, particularly journeying on public transport such as Merseyrail, will be familiar with the terms “meff”, “divvie”, “kn*bhead” and the resoundingly popular “yer ma.” Listing a variety of colourful variations to end the phrase (such as the bizarre “yer ma wears footy socks in bed”), Avery explored how playful scouse insults have come to be considered affectionate terms rather than nasty jibes.
Almost endearing, more often than not down right daft, these terms form the character of the city. Avery used his unique hour long show to explore why scousers seek to communicate through the art of berating one another. And it is an art, arguably fairly poetic in its humour.
Are the insults due to deep rooted insecurities, or simply part of our “cheeky scouser” personality? We live in a city where you have to be on your toes, particularly for men, the insult is used to welcome your closest friends, as well as a barrier to hide your true emotions.
As the show went on, Avery explored the scouse psyche in greater depth than expected, including the scouse reputation for being over-sensitive as a city, touching on the Hillsborough tragedy brought a serious tone, thought provoking issues and, above all, a feeling of pride.
The Art of the Scouse Insult was the perfect topic to kick start the week-long comedy festival here in Liverpool. However, it is a show that I fear would not translate to audiences throughout the UK and beyond, but that made the discussion all the more special to be party to.
7/10
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