Coventry words & sayings
A light-hearted guide to the Coventry words, sayings and local lore you'll come across around the city, and how (not) to use them on a date.
Coventry words
- Cov
- The everyday shortening of Coventry, used by people who live here and by those who have moved away.
- In dating: Dropping "Cov" into a message is a friendly way to show you're local. Spell the full name out for anyone who isn't.
- Sent to Coventry
- An old English saying for being deliberately ignored or shut out by a group, and a phrase that every Coventry resident has heard.
- In dating: If you're not feeling a match, a short, kind message is better than silence. Nobody wants to be sent to Coventry, least of all in Coventry.
- Duck
- A friendly way of addressing someone, heard across the Midlands. It's meant warmly, whoever you say it to.
- In dating: If someone calls you "duck", they're being friendly. Don't read anything more into it.
Coventry lore and landmarks
- Lady Godiva
- The figure from the famous local legend, said to have ridden through Coventry on horseback to win lower taxes for its people. There's a statue of her in the city centre.
- In dating: The statue is a well-known meeting spot, which also makes it a busy one. Agree a clear landmark and a time.
- The Three Spires
- The skyline of Coventry's three medieval spires: Holy Trinity, Christ Church and the old cathedral of St Michael.
- In dating: Pointing out the three spires is an easy way to start a conversation if you're showing someone round.
- The cathedral ruins
- What remains of the old St Michael's Cathedral, left standing after the bombing of 1940, with the new cathedral built right beside it.
- In dating: A walk through the ruins and into the new cathedral is a thoughtful first date. Check opening times before you go.
- Spon Street
- A street of medieval timber-framed buildings that were moved here and restored, with pubs and cafés along it.
- In dating: Easy to find, full of character and plenty to look at, which takes the pressure off the conversation.
- The Canal Basin
- The restored canal basin close to the city centre, with old warehouses, narrowboats and places to eat and drink.
- In dating: A slow walk beside the water is a good, relaxed first date. Check what's open before you go.
- Two Tone
- The ska and pop sound that came out of Coventry in the late 1970s, with bands like The Specials at its heart.
- In dating: If you share a love of the music, you'll have plenty to talk about. If you don't, ask them to play you a favourite.
- The Sky Blues
- The nickname of Coventry City Football Club, known for their sky blue shirts.
- In dating: Match days draw a crowd, so check the fixtures before you plan a date near the stadium.
- Coventry godcake
- A traditional triangular pastry filled with mincemeat, long linked to the city.
- In dating: Hunting one down together makes a fun little mission for a first date.
Words change from one part of Warwickshire to the next, and what you hear in Coventry isn't always what you hear in Rugby or Leamington. Got a favourite we've missed? Tell us when you join.
Don't be shy. Go and meet someone.
Put a few of these to use with singles who'll know exactly what you mean.