You can usually spot a Scouser before they have even opened their mouth
Shopping in Liverpool city centre
Shopping in Liverpool city centre(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
View 4 Images
People from Liverpool have a distinct identity that has been shaped over many years. The city has had to come together several times throughout history to fight against prejudice, stereotypes and social injustice.
The phrase 'Scouse not English' reinforces the separation some people feel from the rest of the country, especially ahead of England football matches, with a dislike of the British establishment displayed.
There are many who feel more Irish than English. Liverpool's Irish connections go back centuries. There was already an established community before the huge influx during the years of the great famine of the 1840s.
Today, 75% of Liverpool's population has some Irish ancestry and it's clear to see that Irish people, culture and traditions continue to shape the history of the city. The sense of identity and strong civic pride is just one of many things that makes Scousers so easily recognisable.
From the dress sense to the mannerisms shared, you can probably spot a Scouser a mile off. And of course, the hugely distinctive accent that has developed over time. We have rounded up some of the reasons people from Liverpool are so easy to recognise.
The Scouse accent and dialect
A Scouse accent is instantly recognisable and can make the hometown of someone you don't know immediately obvious. The accent owes its roots to Liverpool's position as an important port, and the influx of people from far and wide helped form the distinctive Scouse twang we hear today.
Major influence came from the arrival of Irish and Welsh into the city through the years, as well as maritime arrivals. They contributed significantly to our dialect and the words and phrases we use today. Like many cities, Liverpool has developed its own sense of identity separate from the rest of the UK and our dialect is intrinsic to this.
Liverpool celebrating St Patrick's Day.
Liverpool celebrating St Patrick's Day.(Image: Liverpool ECHO)
View 4 Images
Liverpool-born Professor Tony Crowley, previously told the ECHO: "There's an argument that Scouse has become much more Scouse over the past 20 years. If you look at recordings of kids today and of kids from 20 years ago, there are certain features of Scouse which have become stronger."
The accent is noted for its higher pitch, nasal twang, and unique vowel shifts. If you are from Liverpool and are in conversation with someone from outside of the city, the chances are they immediately recognise this.
One of the UK's friendliest cities
The city was ranked in the top ten in the Conde Nast Traveller 2025 Readers' Choice Awards. The magazine asked readers to share their experiences of visiting UK cities, with Scousers highly praised.
Liverpool has consistently been recognised in national lists of friendly places to visit, and announcing the results last year, Conde Nast magazine said: "So it's no secret that Scousers are some of the most endearing people around.
"They're wildly outgoing, thoughtfully inclusive, and always on the lookout for more to join their notoriously good nights out."
Some stereotypes about Scousers are simply untrue, but this is one people living in Merseyside are proud of and can agree on. You will always be made to feel welcome by a Scouser.
Social media platform Reddit is regularly used for recommendations, some of the descriptions of Liverpool reflect our proud sense of friendliness. The personality trait is easily one of the most recognisable things about us.
This included: "What a sound city Liverpool is, everyone we met along the way was above and beyond sound from taxi drivers, night porters, most bouncers, bar staff and of course the many, many Scousers we met along the way. People who aren't afraid to give and take a slagging!"
Dress sense and style
When it comes to fashion, Liverpool has been a pioneering city and has often led the way. What you see someone wearing in the city centre and its surrounding areas today, will probably be the height of fashion in a different city in ten years time.
Being ahead of the curve means we are unapologetic for our fashion choices, and we certainly own it. Fashion is intrinsically linked to the Scouse identity, take Ladies Day at Aintree for an example.
A day to showcase the incredible outfits that have been carefully planned and crafted all year round. It's Liverpool's own fashion show and each year is bigger and bolder than the previous.
Ladies Day at Randox Grand National 2025 meeting at Aintree.
Ladies Day at Randox Grand National 2025 meeting at Aintree. (Image: Liverpool ECHO)
View 4 Images
Of course, it's not just the dresses but also the meticulous makeup that makes a Scouser so recognisable when it comes to attending a major event. Women across the city tend to have close bonds with their makeup artists, lash technicians and nail artists.
Men are equally noted for their style. Through the years we have seen shell suits, the Wade Smith era and the North Face re-birth. Now, brands including Arne, Tribal Society and Montirex are among the most popular options for men.
Passion for footba
Liverpool is a city that has always been united in its fierce love for football. The build up of the Merseyside Derby, makes it a fixture like no other.
It marks the two days of the year when households filled with Reds and Blues put their family connection to one side, for matches filled with passion, grit, and determination.
The Merseyside derby was traditionally referred to as the "friendly derby" as Liverpool and Everton fans didn't need to be separated unlike in other fixtures.
Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan (r) and Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe share a joke before the 1989 FA Cup Final between Everton and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on May 20, 1989
Liverpool captain Ronnie Whelan (r) and Everton captain Kevin Ratcliffe share a joke before the 1989 FA Cup Final between Everton and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on May 20, 1989(Image: 2015 Getty Images)
View 4 Images
Fans of both clubs continue to watch matches together in pubs and bars, and after the full-time whistle they continue drinking and enjoying the company of their friends and families.
The loyalty for the clubs has been passed down through generations. It is the longest-running football derby in the English top-flight and holds a place in the heart of football history.
Fans of both clubs have come together through the years in support of one another. The bond between the clubs was particularly evident in the aftermath of the 1989 Hillsborough disaster, which saw 97 Liverpool fans unlawfully killed.