If you're Scottish - or simply familiar with Scottish words and phrases - you've probably encountered "the look" at some point in conversation with a non-Scot.
"The look" is that puzzled expression people give when a bit of Scots slips into your speech without you even noticing.
This blog takes a closer look at the history of the Scots language and explores some of its most colourful words and expressions. Ready to dive in? Let's gie it a go!
Scottish Language History
The Scots language is said to be derived from the Indo-European/Germanic language family, and the dialect spoken will depend on where in Scotland you are. Glaswegians, Fifers and Edinburgers all use their own form of Scots.
Most notable is Doric, a distinctive dialect spoken in North-East Scotland. Its rich rhythm and expression reflect the area's farming and fishing heritage, with unique words and phrases
Scots Language
The Scots language should not be confused with Scottish Gaelic and is recognised as an official minority/regional language in its own right by the Council of Europe, UNESCO, and both the UK and Scottish Governments.
When we began our research for this blog, we quickly realised we were going to have a problem on our hands… how were we going to fit them all in?! That's why we've picked our top 10 (no mean feat) – and we hope they make appearances in your conversations in the very near future - so don't haud yer wheesht (keep quiet)!
Scottish words for weather
We do love talking about the weather here in Scotland, and so it's no surprise we have many words to describe all the different weather types we experience – and sometimes, all in one day!
We'll start with dreich, which is one of those words that sounds like what it means. Depressing and dreary are two good ways to describe it – think of a cloudy, overcast and cold day, and you're having a dreich day.
It's even been voted the most iconic Scots word too, by the Scottish Book Trust. Dreich may also come under the umbrella of one of those hard-to-pronounce Scottish words, although we are sure there are many more that fit this category.
Freezing
The second word on the list is a cool Scottish word – literally! Baltic means really cold, e.g. "it's baltic today!"
This is possibly one of those words that we get to use too often here in Scotland… but no matter how baltic, our gorgeous scenery is always spectacular!
And our final Scottish word we're including here? It's the word braw, which means good/excellent/pleasant. It's always a good day when it's a braw day here in Scotland!
Braw can also be used in other contexts, for example, to describe someone or something.
Funny Scottish words
The fourth and fifth words on our list are being classed under the category of "funny" not so much for how they sound, but rather for what they mean.
We have the word bahookie, which is a more endearing term for your bottom (specifically your buttocks or backside). And continuing on this trend, there are quite a few words for body parts you may not have heard of – lugs (ears), oxter (armpit) and een (eyes) are just a few.
However, our favourite has to be heid, meaning head, and the word that has officially joined our list. It gives the phrase "don't lose your head/don't lose yer heid" a whole new lease of life!
Then we have the word wee, which means small or little – although we do also use the word wee in the more "conventional" sense, which may sometimes cause confusion! And to add a wee bit more confusion to the mix, here in Scotland it would be commonplace to say you were going out to get some "wee messages" when going to the supermarket.
Scottish word for idiot
We're not sure whether to be concerned or not that, when it comes to the Scottish word for idiot/being stupid/foolish,' there are a fair few Scottish slang words to choose from. As a result, we've put all these words together for our seventh entry. So if you find yourself being called a tube, glaikit, tumshie, a numpty or a bampot (or more affectionately, a bam), then you may want to ask yourself what you've been doing recently!
Best Scots words
What follows is our final three entries that we think could be strong contenders for the best Scots words out there… although we are always willing to be proved wrong!
Our eighth word is peely-wally, which means you look a bit pale or sickly. If you're looking peely-wally, a trip to the doctor may be on the cards… although you could just be a little bit under the weather, it happens to the best of us!
And at number nine, we have 'piece,' which does not refer to a part or section of something, but rather a sandwich. You can't beat a piece and crisps for lunch here in Scotland!
This blog is really interesting, ken
And the final word to make our list is short and sweet – it's ken (with not a Barbie in sight)! Ken translates to knowing something, and we ken that you will have enjoyed learning about the unique Scots language… and hopefully trying it out for yourself at the earliest opportunity!
As we reach the end, we hope you've started on your journey to speaking fluent Scots – the perfect activity to keep you entertained on a dreich day, sitting on your bahookie with a piece and cup of tea by your side to keep you fed and watered.
And don't worry if you don't pick it up right away, you're not a tube or numpty… just keep at it and we ken you'll be an honorary Scot in no time. Braw!
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If you plan a visit to Scotland, let the local experts show you the best our braw country has to offer – and we think it's "Pure Dead Brilliant"! Take a wee keek at Edinburgh or Glasgow on a city tour, or gaun aboot through the Highlands and Islands on a muckle-day tour.
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