Linguists at the University of Sheffield are calling on the public to submit their most-used swear words - for science, of course.
This first-ever national swear word census will help to document how people across the country actually speak, and where regional swear words dominate.
The project has been launched by the University of Sheffield in partnership with legendary satirical arts practice Modern Toss.
Now, the first-ever national repository of regional swear words is open for submissions, with people across the nation encouraged to participate in this 'linguistic census' of authentic English.
It's hoped the swear census and map will protect regional dialect words from disappearing, as well as providing a historical snapshot of modern UK regional language.
The data will also be transformed into public exhibitions celebrating the humour, creativity, and reality of how people speak across the UK.
The repository will function similarly to a linguistic census, inviting members of the public to submit the swear words and phrases they commonly use in everyday life in their local areas.
Researchers are interested in regional terms, swear words and insults that are specific to particular towns and cities - the sort of things you say in a new group of people and they all look at you like you're speaking a foreign language.
Dr Chris Montgomery, who is leading the project from the University of Sheffield’s School of English, said: "Swearing is a fundamental part of how everybody expresses emotion, identity, humour, and social connection, yet it is often excluded from formal records of language. We also know very little about how swearing varies in local areas.
"This project recognises that to truly understand English as it is lived and spoken, we must include all of it - not just the polite or standardised forms.
"Some traditional regional dialects might be disappearing, and this project is about celebrating the regional language that people actually use and preserving a record of it, so future generations can get a real insight into people’s lives in 2026 and how people communicated in towns and cities across the country."
Dr Montgomery continued: "We want to hear from everyone. Whether you’re in Glasgow, Sheffield, Cardiff, or a small village in Cornwall - your voice matters. This is a chance to contribute to a living record of language and culture."
Jon Link, from Modern Toss, said: "We’re delighted to be working with the University of Sheffield. At Modern Toss we’ve spent years turning filthy data into charts and interactive art, and this collaboration finally lets us map the UK's isolated linguistic pockets with proper academic rigour, yeah?
"The end goal is to join up these hidden worlds into a definitive, push-button, wall-mounted map of the national swear mind."
Submissions are open now, and participation is free. Contributors can share their most commonly used swear words and phrases as part of what researchers hope will become one of the most revealing linguistic archives ever created in the UK.
One of Sheffield's most iconic venues is closing its doors for good.
We're not going to lie you guys, this one hurts a little.
One on the city's best-known nightclubs, Tank, is officially closing its doors for good after an amazing 12 years.
Whether you went there as a student or attended one of their legendary DJ nights, there's no denying that some class memories have been made (and probably forgotten) at Tank.
Announcing the news to social media with a heartbreaking statement, Tank said: "To all our Tank ravers. We have some truly heartbreaking and devastating news.
"After 12 absolutely amazing years and some of the most unforgettable events, it's time to close our doors for good. It's been a journey we never imagined possible back in 2014 when we first opened.
"We’ve hosted some of the biggest names from around the world and thrown some of the biggest parties most clubs could only dream of. And we did it for 12 years solid; an achievement not to be taken lightly in today’s nightlife industry."
"But with ever-growing costs and obstacles, we can continue no longer. Tank has always been a pioneer. The biggest acts, the best sound, cutting-edge lighting, unbeatable atmosphere and vibe, all whilst maintaining affordable ticket and drink prices.
"But in today’s climate, those standards simply cannot be maintained. With monthly running costs spiralling, it has become impossible to carry on."
The post continues thanking the team and declares it will be no more as of next week. We're not crying, you are.
If you're looking to wish Tank a proper farewell, they'll be hosting their last ever party this Saturday with tickets on sale now. Grab one to give Tank the proper sendoff it deserves.
Inside Cats – the new Catalonian-inspired café and bar that’s just opened in Sheffield
Clementine Hall
Okay cool cats, this one's for you.
If you're looking for a place that swiftly transitions from day to night with ease, then look no further.
The brainchild of four Sheffield co-founders - Sam Swire, Tom Walker, Nicky Swire and Jenny Swire - Cats is a laidback cafe-bar on one of the city's best corners.
They have spent the past nine months gutting and renovating the space on Glossop Road, and the outcome is truly magic.
The interior is deliberately stripped back complete with unfinished plaster walls, reclaimed maple flooring, wine-red joinery and a concrete bar counter.
Image: The Sheff
Exposed brick, iroko shelving and exposed joists finish off the low-lit, sexy basement that acts as the perfect backdrop for date night.
The founders' family have connections to southern France, Barcelona and the Catalan region that shaped the concept from the start.
Images: The Sheff
The wine list is sourced exclusively from Arthur & Adrien, two sommeliers based in the South of France whose bottles don't currently reach the UK through any other route.
Cats imports every wine directly and each one has been rubber-stamped by Carcassonne’s Michelin chef, so whatever you order you know it's going to be good.
Images: The Sheff
Alongside the wine, Cats pours Moritz lager on draught, which is still brewed in Barcelona and serves espresso on a La Marzocco GB5 S using beans from Sheffield roaster Cuppers Choice.
Other than the fabulous drink selection, fresh croissants, baguettes and sourdough come in daily from a local artisan bakery, seven days a week.
Co-founder Sam said: "We've spent months stripping tiles and plaster, dealing with flooding and a lack of electricity, and it's finally starting to feel like the building can breathe again," said co-founder Sam Swire.
"It was the much-loved Nibbles Pizza but had sat empty for years. What we're putting in its place is closer to a café-bar you'd find in a square in Europe, just dropped onto Glossop Road instead."
Daisy Jackson -
20th April 2026 
