One lexical feature distinguishing Pitmatic from other Northumbrian dialects, such as Geordie and Mackem, is the use of mining jargon used in local collieries.

[6]: 20–23 Although he did not use the term "Pitmatic", Alexander J. Ellis's seminal survey of English dialects in the late nineteenth century included the language of "Pitmen",[10]: 637–641  focusing on the region "between rivers Tyne and Wansbeck" and drawing on informants from Humshaugh, Earsdon, and Backworth.

[10]: 674  Dialect words in Northumberland and Tyneside, including many specific to the coal-mining industry, were collected by Oliver Heslop and published in two volumes in 1892 and 1894 respectively.

[15][16] Pit Talk in County Durham, an illustrated, 90-page pamphlet by Dave Douglass, a local miner, was published in 1973.

[21] Pitmatic is heard in parts of the second episode of Ken Loach's 1975 series Days of Hope,[22] which was filmed around Esh Winning in Durham; the cast included local actor Alun Armstrong.