What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
owd
Example
My grandad's house is really owd. [owd: adjective]
Example
That car is owd and needs replacing. [owd: adjective]
old
Example
My grandma is getting old. [old: adjective]
Example
This book is really old, it was written in the 1800s. [old: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Old is much more commonly used than owd in everyday language, and is recognized globally as a standard English word. Owd is a regional dialect word that is less common and may not be understood by speakers of other English dialects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between owd and old?
Old is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while owd is considered informal and colloquial and should be avoided in formal settings.
