Ask around the north-east and most folk will know what a fly cup is. The harder question is what should actually be in it.

Traditionally, a fly cup is a quick tea break, usually with something to eat alongside it. Tea from a pot would be the classic choice, often with a wee piece, biscuit or bit of cake.

So, can a fly cup be coffee?

Purists might say no. Plenty of people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire would still picture tea first when they hear ‘fly cup’.

But language and habits change. For many people now, a fly cup is less about the exact drink and more about the ritual: stop what you’re doing, get the kettle on, have something fine to eat and take five minutes.

So, can a fly cup be coffee? We’ll call it a cautious aye.

What does ‘fly cup’ mean?

In Doric and north-east usage, a fly cup is a quick cup of tea or coffee, often with something to eat. It’s one of those phrases that says more than the literal words. A fly cup is a small pause in the day, usually shared with somebody else and very often accompanied by a bit of news or a good claik.

And what about the piece?

A ‘piece’ is something to eat, often bread, a sandwich, biscuit or cake depending on the occasion. Put the two together and ‘a fly cup an’ a piece’ is about as north-east a break as you can get.

If that sounds like your kind of tea break, have a look at our ‘Time fer a Fly Cup an’ a Piece’ Doric mug and matching Doric coaster.