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6 days ago · This is a glossary of Scots, Scots English dialect and jargon with their meanings and, where appropriate, an example of their use. It's worth noting that Scotland has 3 languages (English/Scots/ Scottish Gaelic) and a collection of different dialects. NOTE: Scots is strictly NOT a dialect, or slang, but a language in it's own right.
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Jan 16, 2024 · Although there is technically no such thing as a formalized Scottish language, the sounds and textures of Scottish slang are derived from dialects such as Lowland Scots—which is a Germanic dialect spoken in the nation’s southern regions—and Scottish Gaelic, which is a hodgepodge of Celtic influences and northern Scottish oral traditions.
- Jerome London
Apr 15, 2020 · 50 Scottish slang words translated: funniest and best sayings and slang phrases from Scotland - and what they mean in English ... Though English is the first language in Scotland, Scots and Gaelic ...
Jul 13, 2023 · Once thought of as the ‘universal language of Scotland’ outside of Gaelic-speaking areas, the native tongue is often described as “just a dialect”. According to The National, Scots is ...
- Thomas Mackay
- 9 min
- Bawhair
- Boak
- Clarty/Clatty
- Gallus
- Heid-The-Baw
- Hackit
- Jobbie
- Ken
- Lecky
- Neebs
Bawhair is used to determine a very short distance; literally meaning the width of a pubic hair. “That was a bawhair away man!"
To boak is to throw up, or to be very close to throwing up. “Cut that oot you, that’s giein me the boak.”
We all know someone who is clarty (also said as clatty), which is a person of questionable personal hygiene. “He’s a clatty basturt.”
Gallus is a way to define that fine line between confidence and arrogance, or something that is otherwise bold or daring. Gallus is often misused as a general term of endearment for literally anything. “Aye I took her out for dinner on Saturday. She’s gallus, man.”
Heid-the-bawis another word for an idiot. The Scots language is, in fact, full of words for all sorts of specific kinds of iditots, like ...
The adjective hackit, meaning haggard or ugly, is most often used in reference to a woman. “Don’t listen to that hackit old bint.”
A jobbie is basically the equivalent of the word turd(not to mention a plague on the existence of anyone named Robbie, as this author can attest).
Ken, meaning to know, is used freely as punctuation, especially in Dundee and on the east coast of Scotland. “Ken whit ah mean, ken? Aye, ah ken.”
Leckyis electricity—though is usually used in reference to a utility bill, not the actual thing. “There’s me having to put a tenner in that lecky again because you’ll no turn yer telly off!”
Neebs are what you call your friends. The word is derived from neebur (derived itself from neighbor). “Aye, nae danger neebs, catch you the morn.”
Apr 1, 2022 · But that does not mean that visitors to Scotland are out of the woods — the Scottish slang, the Scottish idioms, and the colorful sayings used by the locals may be just as confusing as a foreign language. This guide to Scottish slang and expressions will help understand some of what the locals are saying while in Scotland.
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Scots Language Centre; Undiscovered Scotland; Embracing Scottish slang is more than just learning new words; it’s about understanding and appreciating the rich cultural tapestry of Scotland. From affectionate terms to creative insults and beautiful words, Scottish slang reflects the heart and soul of this vibrant nation. So next time you’re ...
