“Call yersel a bankie?” It’s the kind of thing someone might growl at you in a Glasgow pub when you’ve clearly embarrassed yourself. But what does it actually mean?
This iconic Scottish phrase is:
- Sharp
- Sarcastic
- Deeply rooted in working-class Glasgow culture
- And criminally misunderstood outside of Scotland
In this deep-dive, we’re breaking it down for non-locals, explaining the meaning, context, history, and how not to get roasted by a proper Glaswegian if you misuse it.
What Does “Call Yersel a Bankie” Mean?
Translated loosely, “Call yersel a bankie?” means:
“You think you’re one of us? You’re not even close.”
Or more bluntly:
“You’re a poser. You call yourself a proper Bankie? Nah, mate.”
It’s sarcastic, territorial, and biting. “Bankie” refers to someone from Clydebank, a town just outside of Glasgow. But it’s also used more broadly in Glaswegian slang to refer to someone hard, rough-around-the-edges, authentic, and proudly working-class.
If someone doubts your authenticity — your “localness,” toughness, or street smarts — they’ll drop this line like a verbal slap.
The Glasgow Origins of the Term “Bankie”
“Bankie” comes from Clydebank, a town famous for:
- Shipbuilding industry
- Fiercely working-class identity
- No-nonsense attitude
- Football loyalties (hello, Clydebank F.C.)
Locals are proud of being “Bankies.” So if someone calls themselves a Bankie but doesn’t act like it, the response is:
“Call yersel a Bankie?” with pure Glasgow sass.
This is why it hits hard — it questions your roots, reputation, and right to claim the title.
Is It an Insult or Just Banter?
Yes.
It’s one of those Scottish phrases that depends entirely on the tone.
- 😆 If said with a laugh between mates: lighthearted banter
- 😒 If said with narrowed eyes in a pub: prepare for a square go
Think of it like the Scottish version of:
- “You call that dancing?”
- “You call yourself a footballer?”
- “You think you’re hard, do ya?”
But layered with that unique working-class pride only Glasgow can produce.
Why It’s Popular in Scottish Working-Class Culture
Working-class Scottish communities — especially around Glasgow — have long valued:
- Loyalty
- Authenticity
- Resilience
- Community pride
“Call yersel a Bankie” gatekeeps that identity. It calls out pretenders. It’s not about postcode — it’s about attitude.
To be called a “Bankie” is to be tough, gritty, no-BS. And if you don’t act the part, someone will let you know.
Call Yersel a Bankie in Modern Pop Culture
Scottish TikTok? Football chants? Pub banter? It’s everywhere.
You’ll hear it:
- In Glasgow pubs when someone acts too posh
- On TikTok from Scottish creators roasting their pals
- At football matches when someone switches sides
Some YouTubers and Scottish influencers have even leaned into the phrase as part of their brand — a tongue-in-cheek way to show regional pride and sarcasm.
How to Use (or Avoid) This Phrase
⚠️ Use with caution.
Unless you’re:
- From Clydebank or Glasgow
- Know the person you’re speaking to well
- Fully aware of the slang’s weight
…you’re better off appreciating the phrase than trying to throw it around. It’s not just a line — it’s culture.
Instead, try saying:
- “That’s pure Bankie, that.”
- “No’ bad for a Bankie, eh?”
These phrases are safer — still local, still cheeky — but won’t start a fistfight.
Regional Variations and Similar Slang
Want to sound street in other parts of the UK? Here are some equivalents:
| Region | Local Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | Call yersel a Bankie | You’re no’ tough enough |
| Manchester | You think you’re from Salford? | You’re faking it |
| London (East) | You ain’t from round ‘ere | You’re an outsider |
| Liverpool | Who’s this wool? | Non-local poser |
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does “Bankie” mean in Scotland?
“Bankie” refers to someone from Clydebank, but also used as slang for someone seen as tough, authentic, and working-class.
❓ Is “Call yersel a bankie” an insult?
It can be. In some contexts, it’s banter. In others, it’s an insult that calls out your identity or toughness.
❓ Can non-Scots use this phrase?
Best not. It’s a deeply regional phrase and using it without the right context can come across as cringe or disrespectful.
❓ What are some similar Scottish insults?
- “Walloper” – Idiot
- “Dafty” – Fool
- “Eejit” – Idiot
- “Numpty” – Clueless person
- “Chancer” – Someone who pushes their luck
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Final Thoughts
“Call yersel a Bankie?” isn’t just a phrase. It’s an entire cultural clapback — one that slices through the nonsense and calls you out for pretending to be something you’re not.
It’s funny. It’s fierce. It’s Glaswegian to the core.
So next time you hear it — or dare to say it — just know: you better have the attitude to back it up.
