“By order of the Peaky Blinders.”
If you’ve watched the BBC’s epic crime drama, you’ve heard Tommy Shelby utter these words in that distinctive, clipped accent. You’ve also probably found yourself rewinding scenes, turning on subtitles, and still wondering what on earth was just said.
Peaky Blinders presents a unique linguistic challenge for viewers: it combines the Birmingham accent (one of Britain’s least understood, even by other Brits), early 20th-century slang, Romani words, and period-specific criminal argot into a dialect that can be genuinely impenetrable.
This guide will help you navigate the Shelby family’s world – from the streets of Small Heath to the corridors of power – without missing the crucial details buried in Brummie speech.
Understanding the Birmingham Accent
Before we get to vocabulary, let’s address the accent itself.
Birmingham (or “Brummie”) speech is distinctive for several reasons:
The falling intonation: Unlike most English accents, which rise at the end of sentences, Brummie tends to fall, making statements sound like resigned sighs.
The vowels: Birmingham vowels are unique. “I” becomes “oi” (fight = “foit”), “a” becomes flat, and “u” sounds shift.
The “ng” sound: Words ending in “-ing” often become “-ink” – “going” becomes “go-ink.”
The rhythm: Brummie has a distinctive, almost musical rhythm that takes time to tune your ear to.
Research has shown Birmingham is consistently rated as one of the least “prestigious” British accents – unfairly, as it’s historically rich. Peaky Blinders has done much to change perceptions by making Brummie speech sound powerful and menacing.
The Shelby Family Vocabulary
Core Phrases
“By order of the Peaky Blinders”
The family’s signature phrase, meaning “on the authority of” the gang. Used to command compliance and remind everyone who’s in charge.
“In the bleak midwinter”
A code phrase used in the show. In reality, it’s the title of a Christmas carol, but in the show it signals that business is about to happen.
“No fighting”
Tommy’s common instruction – what it sounds like, but the context usually suggests violence is exactly what’s about to occur.
“Rum business”
Strange or suspicious circumstances. “This is rum business, Tommy.”
Period Slang (1919-1930s)
Bower: Trouble, a fight. “There’s going to be bower.”
Chopper: Gun.
Copper: Police officer.
Fella: Man, guy. Used constantly.
Gaffer: Boss, leader. Arthur sometimes refers to Tommy as “the gaffer.”
Gas: Empty talk, boasting. “That’s just gas.”
Get the chop: To be killed or fired.
Greaser: A bribe.
Gypsy: Used throughout, referring to the Shelby family’s Romani heritage.
In the drink: In the water (sometimes meaning dead).
Knocking shop: Brothel.
Lot: Group, gang. “Our lot.”
Mob-handed: With a large group. “They came mob-handed.”
Muggins: A fool, or self-deprecatingly, oneself.
Nick: Prison, or to steal/arrest.
Nod: Permission, approval. “Give me the nod.”
On the blinder: On a drinking spree (possibly related to the gang’s name).
Peaky: Relating to the peaked caps the gang wore. Also, in general Brummie, feeling unwell.
Punter: Customer, mark, or ordinary person.
Rozzer: Police officer (alternative to copper).
Scrapper: Fighter.
Smoke: London (“The Smoke”).
Smash: Money.
Take a powder: Leave quickly.
Top man: Important person.
Romani (Romany/Gypsy) Terms
The Shelby family’s Romani heritage infuses their speech with words from Romani language:
Chavvie / Chavvy: Child. “I was just a chavvie when…”
Dikka / Diklo: Scarf, neckerchief.
Gorja / Gorger / Gorgio: Non-Romani person. “The gorjas don’t understand.”
Kushti / Kushti bok: Good luck, or “good fortune.”
Mandi: Me/I.
Mulo: Ghost, dead person.
Mullo: Cursed.
Parika: Exchange, barter.
Pogger: Broken.
Rawnie: Lady, woman of status.
Rokker: Speak/talk. “Let’s rokker about this.”
Rum: Strange, odd (this word entered mainstream English from Romani).
Sass: Iron.
Tatcho: True, truth.
Vardo: Wagon, caravan.
Character-Specific Language
Tommy Shelby
Tommy’s speech is carefully controlled – short sentences, minimal emotion, working-class Birmingham vocabulary underneath educated diction. He’s learned to speak “up” for business purposes while retaining his roots.
Key Tommy phrases:
- “I’m not a traitor to my class” – Class consciousness is central to his character
- “Already done” – His way of indicating he’s ahead of events
- “Big fucks small” – His cynical worldview
- “I don’t pay for suits. My suits are on the house or the house burns down” – Establishing dominance
Arthur Shelby
Arthur’s speech is broader Brummie, more emotional, less controlled than Tommy’s. He retains more period slang and working-class vocabulary.
Key Arthur phrases:
Polly Gray
Polly mixes Romani mysticism with Birmingham pragmatism. Her speech includes more Romani vocabulary and references to spirits, curses, and fortune.
Key Polly phrases:
Alfie Solomons
Not Brummie – Alfie speaks with a London Jewish accent (Tom Hardy modeled it on his grandfather). His speech patterns are distinctive: rambling, philosophical, punctuated by “right” and sudden violence.
Key Alfie phrases:
Billy Kimber
Kimber represents a different criminal class – his speech is more obviously Birmingham, more straightforwardly gangster.
Location-Specific Vocabulary
The Garrison
The Shelby family’s pub. The word “garrison” suggests a military post, fitting the ex-soldiers who frequent it.
Back room: Where business is conducted.
The cut: The canal. Bodies end up there.
The yard: The Shelby business premises.
Small Heath
The Birmingham neighborhood where the Shelbys are based. Real location.
The Heath: Small Heath.
Our patch: Shelby territory.
The Smoke
London. Criminal slang dating back centuries.
Going up to London vs Going up the Smoke: Same journey, different registers.
Class and Business Language
The show carefully marks class through language:
Working Class / Criminal
Upper Class / Establishment
Tommy’s Code-Switching
Watch how Tommy changes his speech patterns:
This linguistic flexibility reflects his rise through society while maintaining his identity.
Historical Context Notes
The show is set primarily between 1919 and 1934, a period that saw:
Post-WWI trauma: Many terms reflect soldiers returning from war – shell shock, trauma, the mud.
Irish independence: The IRA, the Birmingham pub bombings (anachronistically referenced).
Prohibition America: Gangster vocabulary crossing the Atlantic.
Rise of fascism: Oswald Mosley and his blackshirts appear.
The language reflects all of these influences.
Common Misheard Lines
Some frequently misunderstood moments:
“By order of the Peaky Blinders” – Sometimes heard as “border” rather than “by order.”
“Arthur!” – Tommy’s flat delivery makes this two-syllable name sound like one.
“In the bleak midwinter” – Without context, viewers may miss this is a code phrase.
Numbers and figures – Period currency and amounts don’t translate easily.
Tips for Understanding the Show
- Use subtitles for the first viewing of each season. Once you’ve tuned in to the accents, try without.
The Legacy of Peaky Blinders Language
The show has done remarkable things for Birmingham’s linguistic reputation:
“By order of the Peaky Blinders” has become shorthand for authority. Shelby family quotes appear on merchandise, in memes, and in everyday conversation.
The show proves that regional accents, far from being obstacles to international success, can become defining features that audiences embrace.
A Final Word
Peaky Blinders asks more of its audience linguistically than most television. It doesn’t soften accents or simplify vocabulary for international audiences. This challenge is part of its appeal – the world of Small Heath feels real, foreign, and dangerous precisely because it sounds so distinctive.
Once you’ve trained your ear, you’ll find yourself picking up Brummie rhythms, recognizing Romani words, and perhaps even quoting Tommy Shelby in inappropriate situations.
And if anyone gives you trouble for it?
By order of the Peaky Blinders.
What Peaky Blinders dialogue gave you the most trouble? Share your experiences – and favorite quotes – in the comments!
