Ian Jones

What makes a city great? Some would say it’s all about buzzing neighbourhoods, affordable food and drink and a mighty selection of things to do, from art galleries and museums to live music and theatre. Others might highlight things like the happiness of its locals, access to green space and strong community vibes. We factor in all that and more in our annual survey, which asks city-dwellers around the world to tell us what it’s like to live, work and play in their hometowns right now. Thanks to the opinions and insights of locals on the ground and our global network of city experts, we’re able to create a global ranking of the world’s best cities – and the 2024 results are in. As in previous years, the basis of the ranking remains our global survey of the people who know their city best: the locals. Working with research company Potentia Insight, we surveyed thousands of city-dwellers about the quality and affordability of food, culture and nightlife in their city. We also asked locals how their city makes them feel: are they happy there? Is it a beautiful place? Is it easy to make social connections? Their thousands of responses gave us a unique insight into the reality of living in the world’s greatest cities right now. Now that international travel is forecast to bounce back to the highest levels since 2019, many travellers will be planning a city break this year – so in 2024, we added a little extra weight to a city’s global appeal. Each survey respondent was asked which

Manchester is home to an abundance of excellent restaurants – from burger joints to brilliant brunch destinations – that have revived the city’s culinary scene in ways big and small. Unfortunately, we have yet to receive a single Michelin star. Are things about to change? Here are five eateries that we think have pulled their weight and deserve to be awarded the food world’s highest honour. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in Manchester

Zonked adjective ˈzɒŋkt Definition: Exhaustion from overuse of drugs or alcohol. Origins: An adaptation of the word 'zone' to suggest one's mental state is in a different time zone. Synonyms: cabbaged, zoned outClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Yay Big adjective ˈyā bɪɡ Definition: The size of an object, used in conjunction with hand gestures to demonstrate the appropriate width. Origins: 'Yay' comes from the Middle English word 'yea', which means 'truly'. Over time it has come to mean 'this', referring to the space between one's hands. Synonyms: bout yon big Click play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Wrong Un noun ˈrȯŋ ən Definition: An unsavoury person who should be avoided. Origins: Tonal emphasis on 'wrong' implies a deviant nature. 'Un' is a shortening of 'one'. Synonyms: creep, HerbertClick play to hear how to say this word Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Vicar's Collar noun ˈvi-kərs kä-lər Definition: The thin band of tobacco at the end of a cigarette before it reaches the end. This part is undesirable due to its proximity to the plastic filter tip. Origins: The white band of the cigarette paper resembles the detachable collar worn by members of the clergy. Synonyms: scrag end, shady dockersClick play to hear how to say this word Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

​Tight adjective ˈtīt Definition: Not wanting to share possessions or lend money. Origins: An adaptation of the Biblical term 'tight-fisted' (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Usually followed by the word 'arse' to imply someone so miserly they won't even release a fart. Synonyms: snidey, slyClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Undies noun ˈən-dēz Definition: Clothing worn next to the skin under outer clothes. Origins: A shortening of the word 'underwear'. Synonyms: gruds, underkecksClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Scran noun ˈskræn Definition: A considerable amount of items to eat. Origins: From the Dutch word 'schranzen' which means to consume excessively. Synonyms: munchClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Rank adjective ˈraŋk Definition: Something deeply unpleasant to see, smell, taste, consider, etc. Origins: Something of a very low status. Related to the Swedish word 'rank' which means thin and weak. Synonyms: grotty, honksClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Quebbin' verb ˈkwi-ˈbin Definition: A state or feeling of extreme fear. Origins: Mostly limited to St Helens, it comes from the noise made by a quivering sphincter during times of grave danger. Synonyms: cacking it, fritninClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Pleb noun ˈplɛb Definition: A boy going through puberty who has yet to grow pubic hair. Origins: A conflation of the words 'pubes' and 'less'. Used exclusively by teenage boys to insult their peers. Synonyms: pyeblessClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Our Kid noun ˈär kid Definition: The brother or sister of the speaker. Origins: Came from the need to denote ownership of a sibling, implying that they can order them to do things they would not do for others. Synonyms: me bredrenClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG

Nobhead noun ˈnäb-ed Definition: An irritating person who is oblivious to how they are perceived. Origins: Someone so abrasive and unaware of their surroundings, a penis could be drawn on their forehead without them realising or being told about it. Synonyms: wazzock, dipshitClick play to hear how to say this word. Illustrations: Dom Oliver.Visit Give Over for more.MORE FROM THE BLOG