(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
Match

Why Sunderland fans are called Mackems

Pranav Shahaney
Pranav Shahaney

Pranav has over nine years of experience inside newsrooms in print and digital media and joined Breaking Media Ltd. in April, 2021. He specialises in breaking news reporting, investigations, injury news and stories surrounding club takeovers. Pranav graduated from St. Mary’s University, London, in Sports Journalism (MA). He has worked at News Associates, The Non League Paper, HT Media Group, VAVEL, Sportskeeda, Chichester Observer and Eastbourne Herald, among others.

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Sunderland fans proudly refer to themselves as Mackems, which is a term rooted in the city's industrial heritage.

The term is as much a badge of honour for the Black Cats supporters as their red and white stripes.

Since the late 20th century, Mackem has been their rallying cry, shouted from the terraces of Roker Park and now the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland Mackems
A flag of the South Shields Mackems. (Credit: Imago)

Mackems has 19th-century origins

The name originates from the 19th century, when Sunderland was a powerhouse of shipbuilding on the River Wear.

The most popular theory ties "Mackem" to the phrase "Mack ‘em and tack ‘em" (make them and take them), a nod to the skilled shipyard workers who built and launched vessels with pride.

This distinguished them from Newcastle workers, who were said to "take 'em" - referring to taking the transporting ships.

  • Mackem is a nickname for the residents of and people from Sunderland
  • It was initially used as a disparaging term by people on Tyneside
  • The earliest occurrence of the word dates back to 1929

Back in the day, this term might’ve been slung as shade by rival Geordies from Newcastle, poking at their accent or working-class roots during the fierce Tyne-Wear derby clashes.

Over time, "Mackem" became a badge of pride for Wearside natives, symbolising their industrious spirit and distinct identity.

Stadium of Light
The Stadium of Light is the home of Sunderland. (Credit: Imago)

Sunderland fans also view Mackem as a symbol of resilience

It’s more than a nickname; it’s their identity, steeped in the sweat of the shipyards and the passion of their football fandom.

For a lot of fans, it’s a symbol of resilience, especially after the shipyards closed in 1988.

DateHome TeamAway Team
16 Aug SunderlandWest Ham United
23 Aug BurnleySunderland
30 Aug SunderlandBrentford
13 Sep Crystal PalaceSunderland
21 SepSunderlandAston Villa
Sunderland's first five Premier League games.

Today, one can see "Mackem" on fan scarves, local brews, and even in chants as fans roar for the Black Cats.

It sets them apart from the Geordies up the road and binds them to the city’s industrial soul.

The Mackems will be excited to watch their side take on their arch rivals Newcastle as they will be playing Premier League football in the 2025/26 season.

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