NEW street art has appeared in Bradford - around the corner from Forster Square train station - and has divided opinion on social media.

The graffiti features the phrase 'yes mush!' against a blue backdrop, with a passer-by saying "some kids and an adult" were working on the piece yesterday.

'Mush' is a slang term which is often used to refer to a friend or an acquaintance. Its usage is particularly common in the north of England, with 'yes mush' a familiar greeting in Bradford. 

The word has its origins in an old Romany Gypsy dialect, which is still spoken by some travellers to this day.

It is one of many British slang terms of Romany origin, alongside words such as 'chav', 'cushti' and 'wonga', to name a few.

The new graffiti has been met with different reactions, however, with some calling it "horrendous" and others seeing it as "something to bring a smile to our grumpy faces".

One social media user said "not to put it down but painting 'yes mush!' over that Yorkshire stone is absolutely criminal", while another added that the art was in "poor taste".

Another said it "just oozes cheap and tacky" and that it is "not what you want to see arriving [in] Bradford from the station".

In contrast, another user said it "adds some style to the city" and that they "hope there's more to come", while one person added: "I've looked up the etymology of the word 'mush'. Mid 19th century from Romani... So actually it's quite a nice comment on Bradford's diversity. And I've learnt something new."

One commentor took more of a middle-ground: "I'll give them this - the sign writing's lovely. But it does detract from the sculpture - it's in the wrong place. And I've never heard anyone say 'yes mush' in my life! 'Ey up' would've been better!"