The Surprising Origin of This Midlands Slang
If you’ve ever been to the Midlands and heard someone greet you with "Alright, duck?", you might have looked around for an actual duck. Was there a bird nearby? Were they warning you to duck? Or had you somehow become part of a hidden camera prank? Don’t worry—no feathers required. This peculiar British greeting has a long history, and luckily, it’s a lot friendlier than it sounds.
No, You Don’t Need to Quack Back
Unlike what you might think, this greeting has nothing to do with ducks, ponds, or a sudden need to take cover. In places like Nottingham, Derby, and Stoke-on-Trent, duck is just an affectionate way of addressing someone. Think of it as the Midlands’ answer to mate, love, or pal—only with a bit more charm (and a slightly higher risk of bird-related confusion).