Mackem

• Makem, Mak'em

From regional form of make + 'em, generally linked to the history of shipbuilding in Sunderland. In relation to the nearby port of Newcastle, Sunderlanders would supposedly say "we mack 'em and they tack 'em", with tack being either a regional form of "take" or referring to any of the nautical senses of tack.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmakəm/

Mackem (plural Mackems)

1. (sometimes derogatory) A native or inhabitant of Sunderland, England.
   • 2011, Peter Cain, The Economist, letter, 18 Jun 2011:

     Your article on England's regional accents confirmed that Geordie has already completely replaced the mackem-speak of Sunderland and other variants in the north-east.

2. (soccer) A Sunderland A.F.C. supporter.

The primary definition would apply to those born within the city boundaries of Sunderland, including Washington, Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole. Additionally, the term may be extended to a person born within the greater Wearside Area to include all those towns and cities on the banks of the River Wear and its tributaries from its source in Weardale to its mouth at Wearmouth and the towns of the East Durham Coast from Blackhall, north through Peterlee, Horden, Easington, Seaham and Murton.

• Sunderlander

Mackem

1. The dialect spoken in these areas.