Mackem's a term that refers to the accent, dialect and people of the Wearside area, or more specifically Sunderland, a city in North East England. Correct spelling of the word's actually 'Mak'em' but alternative spellings include "Makem", "Maccam". The word Mak'em means, "make them... (ships) and take them.. (to Newcastle to be fitted out)". Theories of origin The term may stem from either ship building or a drink produced at the local brewery. The term has come to represent people who follow… (More on Mackem)