If you’ve ever heard someone in the North East of England say “Look at that little spuggy!” and felt a bit confused, don’t worry — you’re not alone. The word Spuggy might sound unfamiliar to many, but it’s a beloved regional term with feathered origins. So, what is a Spuggy?
Our original brand name was "Little Spuggy' & had a 'Spuggy' picture
A Spuggy Is… a House Sparrow!
That’s right — Spuggy is a Northern English (and sometimes Scottish) dialect word for a House Sparrow (Passer domesticus). This chirpy little bird is a common sight in gardens, parks, and urban spaces throughout the UK. In parts of Sunderland, County Durham, Newcastle and even as far as Edinburgh, people have been calling these birds “spuggies” for generations.
The House Sparrow is one of the UK’s most recognisable small birds — with its warm brown plumage, noisy chatter, and bold, cheeky behaviour. It’s no wonder it earned a nickname as friendly as spuggy! These birds are known for nesting in rooftops, fluttering around garden feeders, and generally being social little characters.
The male (L) & female (R) have different markings (
picture ©Liz Clayton Fuller, via celebrateurbanbirds.org)
Not to Be Confused with "Spuggie" from Byker Grove…
Let’s clear something up before there’s any confusion. Spuggy (the bird) is not the same as Spuggie (the TV character). If you grew up in the UK during the ‘90s, you might remember Byker Grove, the iconic Geordie teen drama. One of its most memorable characters? Spuggie – the loud, feisty girl with a signature red bow and an attitude to match.
While both are undeniably full of character, only one of them chirps from the rooftops — and it’s not the one who hung around with PJ and Duncan.
Why We Love the Spuggy
At Spuggy Designs, we couldn’t resist naming our sustainable knitwear brand after this charming little bird. The word Spuggy is a nod to my North Eastern roots — I was born and raised in Sunderland, and the name carries a strong sense of home, warmth, and everyday character. Although I now live in Surrey, where all Spuggy Designs products are thoughtfully designed and handcrafted, that Northern spirit is stitched into everything I make.
Just like a spuggy, our knitwear is small but mighty, full of personality, and proudly rooted in identity. The spuggy may be a tiny bird, but it’s bold, resourceful, and always right at home wherever it lands — and that’s exactly how we want you to feel in our colourful, handmade designs.
