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Peaky Blinders is a British television show set in Birmingham, England, during the aftermath of World War I. The show has been praised for its stunning cinematography, compelling storylines, and, of course, the unique language and dialects used by the characters. Here are some of the key language features of Peaky Blinders:
Brummie accents
The most distinctive feature of Peaky Blinders is the use of the Brummie accent. The Brummie accent is a dialect of English spoken in Birmingham, and it has a unique intonation and pronunciation. The show’s characters speak in different variations of the Brummie accent, depending on their social class and background. For example, the character Arthur Shelby, played by Paul Anderson, speaks with a rough, working-class Brummie accent, while Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, has a slightly more refined and educated accent.
Slang and colloquialisms
In addition to the Brummie accent, the characters in Peaky Blinders also use a range of slang and colloquialisms that are specific to the time and place. For example, the term “peaky blinders” itself refers to the gang who wear razor blades in the peaks of their caps. Other slang terms used on the show include “scran” for food, “mug” for face, and “gaffer” for boss.
Historical context
Peaky Blinders is set in the years following World War I, and the show’s language and dialects reflect this historical context. For example, many of the characters use words and phrases that were popular in the early 20th century, such as “blighter” for a troublesome person, “poppycock” for nonsense, and “old bean” as a term of address. This attention to historical detail adds to the show’s authenticity and makes it a fascinating window into the past.
Irish accents
As well as Brummie accents, Peaky Blinders also features a range of Irish accents, reflecting the presence of Irish immigrants in Birmingham at the time. Some of the show’s key characters, including the Shelby family’s mother and sister, speak with Irish accents, which adds to the richness and diversity of the show’s linguistic landscape.
Foreign languages
Peaky Blinders is an international show, and as such, it features characters who speak a range of foreign languages. For example, the character Alfie Solomons, played by Tom Hardy, is Jewish and speaks Yiddish, while other characters speak Italian or Russian. The show’s use of foreign languages adds to its authenticity and reflects the cultural and linguistic diversity of Birmingham at the time.
In conclusion, Peaky Blinders is a fascinating example of how language can be used to create a rich and immersive viewing experience. The show’s use of Brummie accents, slang, and historical language, as well as its inclusion of Irish and foreign languages, make it a unique and compelling exploration of language and culture in early 20th century Birmingham. Whether you’re a fan of the show’s gritty, violent world or simply fascinated by the linguistic tapestry of the era, Peaky Blinders is definitely worth checking out.
