I'm not sure I've ever really mentioned what an offcumden is. I get a lot of weird interesting hits from google because of the letters in the word! My blog title sums up what an offcumden is, namely, someone who isn't from that area. It's not a nice word. Even saying it in a sing song tone doesn't make it nice.

It is meant as an insult. Someone who doesn't fit in. Who isn't welcome. Who steals local houses and jobs from local people. There is no time limit on how long you are an offcumden. It's all about generations and how long your family has lived here. My children will probably not be fully accepted by some, even though they were born here.

As I have said before. I am in fact from round here. I was born in the same hospital as my daughter. My Mum moved us all down South when she and my Dad split up (also previously mentioned). So my accent is not local. I can't change that. But I chose to live here. Not to steal jobs, or houses or put any 'local' people out. Mainly, I chose to live here because I love the area. I love the people (the majority of whom do not have this attitude).

So, please take it as a compliment that I chose this town. I gave up a good job to live here, working in the local hospital and prison when I moved up. Take it as a compliment that I chose to have my children here and that they have local accents.

And please, don't call me an offcumden.